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WhatsApp out of hours auto-reply template
An away message should do more than say you are closed. Giving a specific return time and a self-service option handles a meaningful share of out-of-hours contacts without a human.
The template
Utility category — the message relates to a specific order, appointment or account the customer already has.
Body
Thanks for messaging {{business_name}}.
Our team is available {{business_hours}}. We'll reply when we're back at {{next_available}}.
Meanwhile, you can check your order status below.
Buttons
- Check order status (quick_reply)
- Browse help centre (url)
What gets filled in per recipient
| Variable | Sample value |
|---|---|
{{business_name}} |
BotPulsar Store |
{{business_hours}} |
Mon–Sat, 9 AM to 7 PM |
{{next_available}} |
9 AM tomorrow |
Approval notes for this template
A specific return time sets expectations far better than 'we'll get back to you soon'.
Since the customer messaged first, this is inside the service window and costs nothing to send.
Out of hours auto-reply: common questions
What Meta category does the 'Out of hours auto-reply' template use?
The Out of hours auto-reply template is submitted under the utility category. Utility category — the message relates to a specific order, appointment or account the customer already has.
Can I edit the variables in the 'Out of hours auto-reply' template?
Yes. The Out of hours auto-reply template is a fixed body with named variables submitted to Meta in advance and reviewed before it can be sent, so you can change the wording or the variables to match your brand. If the edited version is rejected, it can be edited again and resubmitted — the version history stays intact, so you are not starting from a blank draft.
Which businesses use the 'Out of hours auto-reply' template?
It's built for support & service use cases: Ticket updates, satisfaction surveys and out-of-hours replies.
How much does the 'Out of hours auto-reply' template cost to send?
WhatsApp prices every template by its Meta category, so the Out of hours auto-reply template is charged at the utility rate rather than a flat per-message fee — the same wording costs more as a marketing template than as a utility one.
What other templates pair with 'Out of hours auto-reply'?
Out of hours auto-reply is most often used alongside Support ticket created, Support ticket resolved and Customer satisfaction survey, the other support & service templates in this library.
Others in this category
Support ticket created
The acknowledgement exists to stop the customer chasing. A ticket number and a realistic response window …
Support ticket resolved
Closing a ticket should state what was actually done, not just that it is closed. Offering …
Customer satisfaction survey
A CSAT survey on WhatsApp should be one tap. Every extra step — a link, a …