WhatsApp Business replies for small shops: 15 templates you can send today

If you sell through WhatsApp Business, you already know the same questions arrive every day: how much, how long, does it come in my size, can you make one just for me, where do I pick it up. WhatsApp Business has quick replies for this, typed with a slash inside the app. They are useful, but they live only inside WhatsApp. The moment the same customer writes on Instagram, Etsy messages or SMS, you are typing it all again. These 15 replies cover the questions small shops hear most, and you can use them anywhere. Copy any message into WhatsApp Business, or add all 15 to your keyboard and send them from any 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.

Greeting and prices

First hello

Essential
Hi {{name}}, thanks for writing to the shop. I'll reply properly as soon as I can, usually within a few hours. Tell me what you're looking for in the meantime.

When to send: The first message from someone new.

Why it works: It sets a time expectation and starts the real conversation.

What does it cost

EssentialPro
The {{product}} is {{price}}, and shipping is added at checkout. Tell me your city and I'll give you the full total before you decide.

When to send: When a customer asks for a price.

Why it works: A number, a promise about shipping and an easy next step.

Discount asked

I keep my prices the same for everyone, {{name}}, so they stay fair. If I run a sale, I'll tell you here, but only if you ask me to.

When to send: When someone asks for a discount.

Why it works: Firm, friendly and consent based.

Buying in bulk

Thanks for asking about a larger order, {{name}}. Tell me what you need and how many, and I'll send you a quote.

When to send: When someone asks for several items or a gift order.

Why it works: It moves a vague question into a quote you can price.

Shipping and orders

How long does shipping take

Essential
Orders ship within {{count}} business days of payment, then delivery depends on the carrier. I'll send you tracking in this chat as soon as it's posted.

When to send: The most common question in the inbox.

Why it works: Two time frames, and the promise of tracking.

Order status

Order {{order}} is packed and ships today. I'll send tracking here as soon as I have it.

When to send: When someone asks where their order is.

Why it works: Specific and short, with the next step.

Stock check

Yes, the {{product}} is in stock right now. Would you like the link to order?

When to send: When someone asks if you have it.

Why it works: Yes, then a clear next step.

How to order

To order, open this link, pick your options and pay at checkout: {{link}}. If you have trouble, tell me and I'll walk you through it.

When to send: When someone asks how to buy.

Why it works: A single link and an offer of help.

Pickup

Pro
Pickup is from {{address}}, and I'm there {{time}}. Message me first so I can have your order ready.

When to send: For shops that allow local pickup.

Why it works: Place, time and a polite rule in three short sentences.

Questions before buying

Size help

Essential
Happy to help with sizing, {{name}}. Send me your height and usual size, or measure with a tape and send the numbers. I'll tell you which one to pick.

When to send: When someone asks what size to order.

Why it works: You ask for what you need to answer well.

Custom orders

Essential
Yes, I do custom orders, {{name}}. Tell me what you have in mind, any colors, and when you need it by. I'll send a price and timeline before you pay anything.

When to send: When someone asks for something made just for them.

Why it works: It promises clarity before payment, which is what builds trust.

Payment options

You can pay by card at checkout through this link: {{link}}. If you'd prefer another way, tell me and I'll see what is possible.

When to send: When someone asks how to pay.

Why it works: It names the safe default and leaves room for a question.

Opening hours

I reply to messages from {{time}} on weekdays. Anything you send outside that gets an answer the next morning.

When to send: When someone writes at night.

Why it works: It stops customers wondering if you ignored them.

After the sale

Problem with an order

Hi {{name}}, if something isn't right, message me within the return window on the listing and send a photo. I'll find the fix with you.

When to send: When someone asks about returns.

Why it works: It points to your written policy and invites the photo.

Sorry for the delay

Essential
Sorry for the slow reply, {{name}}, and thanks for waiting. Here's the answer to your question:

When to send: When you were away for a while.

Why it works: An apology, a thank you and straight to the point.

When to send each message

WhenMessageNote
First message from a new contactFirst helloSend before you type the real answer.
When they ask the priceWhat does it costFollow with the shipping total.
When they ask about deliveryHow long does shipping takeAdd tracking when it ships.
Before they commit to something made for themCustom ordersSend the price and timeline before payment.
When you have been awaySorry for the delayAnswer in the same message.
When they ask where it isOrder statusUse the order number.
When you reply after hoursOpening hoursOnce is enough.

Do not say

  • Messaging people with promotions who never contacted you or agreed to hear from you.

    Instead: Reply to people who wrote first, and ask before sending news.

    Source

  • Carrying on after someone blocks you or writes "stop".

    Instead: Stop at once and say so.

    Source

  • Calling your saved replies "WhatsApp approved templates". Approved templates are a separate system for businesses using WhatsApp's business platform.

    Instead: Call them saved replies, because that is what they are.

    Source

  • Promising that quick replies work outside WhatsApp.

    Instead: Keep your replies in a keyboard if you also answer on Instagram, Etsy or SMS.

  • Sending bank details or payment instructions in a way that skips the checkout, on a marketplace where that is not allowed.

    Instead: Send the checkout link, and follow your platform's rules.

    Source

  • Quoting a price or a delivery date you cannot keep.

    Instead: Give the honest range, and update the buyer if it changes.

Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between WhatsApp Business quick replies and textcuts?

Quick replies are WhatsApp Business shortcuts you trigger by typing a slash inside the app, and they work only there. textcuts is a keyboard, so the same saved messages also work in Instagram, Etsy messages, SMS, email and any other app where you type. See the keyboard comparison for how it fits next to other options.

Are these WhatsApp approved templates?

No. They are messages you type or paste in a chat that a customer started. Approved templates are a different thing, used by businesses that start conversations through WhatsApp's business platform.

Can I use these to message people who did not write to me?

Not for promotions. Reply to people who contacted you, and ask for a yes before you send anyone news or offers. These are common rules, not legal advice, so check the WhatsApp Business messaging policy.

Can I use these on Instagram and Etsy too?

Yes. Each message is plain text with a blank for the name, the price or a link, so it works in any app. On Etsy, keep to messages about orders and questions.

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 ("What does it cost" and "Pickup") 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.