Sold out, offer to tell them
Sorry, that one is sold out right now, {{name}}. Would you like me to message you once if it comes back? Just say yes and I'll note it.
Back in stock messages for small shops: 15 templates you can send today
A sold out item is the best list builder a small shop has. People write "let me know when it's back" in comments, in DMs and in Etsy messages, and then most sellers forget to do it. The rule that keeps this friendly is simple: tell only the people who asked, tell them once, and give them an easy way out. These 15 messages cover the whole moment: taking the request, answering when you have no date, announcing the restock, holding one for someone, and stepping back when they say stop. Copy any message, or add all 15 to your keyboard and send them from Instagram, Etsy messages, WhatsApp, SMS or any other app in one tap.
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.
When it is sold out
Added to the list
Done, {{name}}: you're on my list for that item. I'll message you one time when it's back, and I won't use your details for anything else.
No restock date yet
I don't have a restock date yet, {{name}}, and I'd rather not guess. If you'd like a message the moment I know, say so and I'll add you.
Will not be made again
I'm sorry, {{name}}, I've decided not to make that one again. If you'd like, I can suggest something close from the shop.
Preorder option
{{name}}, it's sold out for now, but I can take a preorder. I'll tell you the ship date before you pay, so you know what you are agreeing to.
When it is back
It's back, you asked
Hi {{name}}, you asked me to let you know when the one you wanted was back. It is, as of today. Want me to set one aside for you?
Back, with the product name
The {{product}} you asked about is back in stock. I'm telling the people who asked first, then I'll open it up to everyone else.
Hold one for you
{{name}}, I can hold one for you until {{day}}. Tell me if you'd like me to, and I'll send you a link to pay when you are ready.
Restock by text
Hi {{name}}, it's the shop. The item you asked about is back. This is the only message about it. Reply STOP if you'd rather not get texts from me.
Reply to a comment
Hey {{name}}, you wrote that you wanted to know when it was back. It is! The link is in my profile, and you can reply here with any questions.
One size back
Hi {{name}}, the size you asked about is back. The other sizes are still out, so I'll wait to message you about those until they return.
Few came back
Only a few came back, {{name}}, and I'm messaging people in the order they asked. You're next on my list, so you get the first look.
Etsy message reply
Hi {{name}}, you asked me through Etsy messages to tell you when this was back. It is now, and you can find it in the shop.
After the message
They order
Got it, {{name}}. I'll pack your {{item}} today and send tracking when it ships. Thank you for waiting for it.
Opt out confirmed
Understood, {{name}}. I've taken you off my list, so I won't message about restocks again. Thanks for telling me.
When to send each message
| When | Message | Note |
|---|---|---|
| When they ask | Sold out, offer to tell them | Get a clear yes before you add anyone. |
| Right after the yes | Added to the list | One line is enough. |
| Restock day | It's back, you asked | Send once, to people who asked. |
| Restock day, by text | Restock by text | Only for numbers given for restock news. |
| Within an hour of a reply | Hold one for you | Only if you can truly hold it. |
| If they reply STOP | Opt out confirmed | Do not message about it again. |
| After a preorder is possible | Preorder option | Give the ship date before taking payment. |
Do not say
Texting a restock promo to numbers you only collected for order updates.
Instead: Use the number only for the reason it was given, or ask for a separate yes first.
Leaving the opt out off a text or email about a sale or restock.
Instead: End with a clear line such as "Reply STOP and I won't text again".
"Last chance, only 1 left!" when it is not true.
Instead: Say what is true: "It's back in stock."
Messaging people on Etsy who only favorited the item.
Instead: Reply on Etsy only to buyers who wrote to you.
Sending a restock note to a bought or borrowed list.
Instead: Keep your list to people who asked, in their own words.
Sending a second and third reminder after the restock message.
Instead: One message per request, then done.
Tying a discount to a review in a restock note.
Instead: Keep reviews out of this message.
Messaging after someone blocks you or says stop.
Instead: Stop, and confirm that you stopped.
Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.
Frequently asked questions
Who can I tell when something is back in stock?
People who asked to be told. A friendly request in a DM or comment is the usual case. A bought list, or numbers collected only for order updates, is a different matter. These are common rules, not legal advice, so check what applies where you sell.
Do I need an opt out line?
On texts and emails about restocks, include one. A simple "Reply STOP and I won't text again" works, and so does "Tell me if you'd rather not hear from me" on a chat. Honor it quickly.
Can I message people on Etsy who favorited an item?
No. Etsy messages are for orders and questions people send you, and Etsy's House Rules rule out unsolicited promotion. Reply to people who wrote to you.
Should I make the item sound scarce?
Only if it is true. If you made five, say so plainly. Otherwise skip the countdown: the people on your list asked for the news, so the news is enough.
Does this work in WhatsApp and Instagram too?
Yes. textcuts is a keyboard, so the messages work in every app where you type.
Do these templates work on the free plan?
Yes. 13 of the 15 use a single blank, which fills in on the free plan. The 2 with two blanks ("Hold one for you" and "They order") need Pro to fill both from the keyboard. The free plan holds 8 textcuts and 1 folder, and importing is never blocked, so you can add the whole pack and keep the ones you use most.