First reply to a web inquiry
Hi {{name}}, thanks for your inquiry about the car on our site. I'm a salesperson here and can answer anything by text. If you'd rather not get texts, just tell me and I'll stop.
Internet lead reply texts for car sales: 13 templates
A person filled out a form about one of your cars and wants an answer now, not tomorrow. Many leads go to whoever replies first and sounds like a human. These 13 messages cover the first reply, confirming the car is still here, sending a video, handling a price question over text, asking what they need and booking a visit. They are written for people who gave you their number and asked to hear from you, and the first one tells them how to stop. Copy any message, or add all 13 to your keyboard and send them in one tap. It works in any app, including iMessage, WhatsApp, Messenger and SMS.
Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.
Words in {{double braces}} are blanks. In the textcuts keyboard you fill them with one tap, and the names you used recently come back.
First reply
The car is still here
{{name}}, yes, the car you asked about is still here and I just walked past it. Would you like a short video of it, or would you rather come and see it?
Sending a video
Hello {{name}}, here is a short video of me walking around the car: {{link}}. It shows the inside, the tires and the one small scratch on the bumper. Questions welcome.
Price question over text
Thanks for asking, {{name}}. I can't quote a final figure by text because taxes and fees depend on you. I can send a full written breakdown today, though.
Qualifying
Asking what they need
{{name}}, to help you better, two quick questions. What will you mostly use the car for, and when do you need it by? A short reply is plenty.
Trade question
Do you have a car to trade in, {{name}}? If you do, send me the make, year and rough mileage, and I'll tell you how we would look at it.
A close alternative
Hi {{name}}, the exact car you asked about sold yesterday. A very close one is here, same model and similar mileage. Shall I send the details?
Preferred channel
{{name}}, do you prefer texts, calls or email? I'll use whichever is easiest for you.
Booking
Inviting them to see it
Would you like to see it in person? I can have it washed and parked out front on {{day}}. If that doesn't suit you, name another day.
They asked for a call
Of course, {{name}}. I'll call you at {{time}} today. If a text is easier at any point, tell me and we'll keep it here.
After hours inquiry
Hello {{name}}, I saw your message late last night. Thanks for writing. I'm in at nine and will send you the details first thing.
Form without a good number
Hi {{name}}, your form came through with only this number. Is it the best one to reach you on, and is texting fine?
Out of town buyer
{{name}}, if you're coming from out of town, I can send photos, a video and the written numbers beforehand so the trip is worth making.
When to send each message
| When | Message | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Within 5 minutes | First reply to a web inquiry | Always. |
| Right after | The car is still here | If they asked about availability. |
| Same hour | Sending a video | When they want to see more. |
| Same day | Asking what they need | Once the car is confirmed. |
| Next day | Inviting them to see it | Offer a day to visit. |
| Overnight leads | After hours inquiry | First thing in the morning. |
Do not say
Texting a number that never agreed to hear from you, or one from a bought list.
Instead: Text only people who gave you their number and agreed to hear from you. Type each message yourself, and stop the moment they ask. In the US, texting rules (TCPA) require consent.
Texting a number that never agreed to hear from you, or one bought from a list.
Instead: Text only people who asked or gave their number, one message at a time, typed by you, and honor any stop request.
Promising "everyone gets approved" or "guaranteed financing".
Instead: Say you can review their options together after they apply.
A rough price or monthly payment in the first text.
Instead: Offer the written breakdown with taxes and fees.
"Guaranteed financing", "everyone approved" or "no credit needed".
Instead: Say you will review their options together and that approval depends on the lender.
Copy pasted pitches that open with "Hey buddy" or ignore what the person told you.
Instead: Start with their name and one detail from your conversation.
Fake urgency ("only one left", "another buyer is coming") when it is not true.
Instead: Say what is true: where the car is and what is ready.
A price or monthly payment you cannot honor.
Instead: Send the full written figure, with taxes and fees, or invite them in.
Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.
Frequently asked questions
How fast should I reply to an internet lead?
Within five minutes if you can. A short human text beats a long perfect one later.
Can I text every lead who filled out a form?
Only people who gave you their number and agreed to hear from you. Tell them how to opt out in the first message, as the first template does.
Do these work on the free plan?
Yes, 11 of the 13 use one blank and work fully on the free plan, which allows 8 textcuts, 1 folder and 1 blank per textcut. The other 2 use two blanks, so filling both from the keyboard needs Pro. You can always copy any message and type the second detail by hand.
Is it okay to text customers, and what about opt out?
Text people who gave you their number and agreed to be contacted, one message at a time. Tell new contacts how to stop, for example "tell me if you'd rather not get texts", and honor any stop request right away. Never text bought lists.
Does it work in WhatsApp, iMessage and other apps?
Yes. The textcuts keyboard works in any app where you type: iMessage, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, SMS and email.