How to Set Up Auto-Reply on WhatsApp — 6 Methods That Actually Work

The Problem Every Store Owner Knows

11 PM. A customer messages: "Is this product available?"

You didn't reply because you were asleep. By morning, the customer bought from a competitor.

90% of customers expect a reply within an hour. If they don't hear back within 5 minutes, purchase likelihood drops 80%.

The solution? Smart auto-replies.

Method 1: Away Message in WhatsApp Business

The simplest option — free and requires zero technical expertise.

How to set it up:

Open WhatsApp Business

Go to Settings > Business Tools > Away Message

Enable "Send away message"

Write your message

Set the schedule (Always / Outside business hours / Custom)

The limitation: One fixed message for everyone. You can't customize it based on the customer's question.

Method 2: Quick Replies

WhatsApp Business gives you 50 quick replies you can save and use with shortcuts.

Example:

• /shipping → "Shipping takes 3-5 business days to all cities in Saudi Arabia"
• /return → "You can return the product within 14 days of receipt in its original condition"
• /available → "Browse available products on our store: [link]"

The limitation: You still type the shortcut manually — not fully automatic.

Method 3: WhatsApp Business API + Chatbot

The professional solution. Connect WhatsApp API with a chatbot that understands the customer's question and responds automatically.

Advantages:

• Smart replies based on the question (not a fixed message)
• Works 24/7
• Can send images, files, and buttons
• Escalates to a human agent for complex questions

Cost: Monthly BSP subscription + Meta conversation fees.

Method 4: WhatsApp Flows

WhatsApp launched Flows, allowing you to build interactive experiences with buttons and choices.

Example:

• Customer writes "I want to return a product"
• Chat responds: "Select product type" → buttons
• Customer selects → "Select return reason" → buttons
• A return ticket number is generated automatically

The limitation: Requires technical development and a BSP provider.

Method 5: Welcome Messages

Set up an automatic welcome message for every new customer who messages you for the first time.

Example welcome message:

"Welcome to [Store Name]! We can help you with:

Product inquiries

Order tracking

Returns and exchanges

Type the number of the service you need"

This organizes the conversation from the start and guides the customer.

Method 6: Integration with Your Online Store

The most powerful option — connect WhatsApp with Salla or Zid so that:

• Order confirmations are sent automatically via WhatsApp
• Shipping updates reach customers directly
• Customers can ask about their order and the bot answers from store data

Ready-Made Message Templates — Free

We've written a library of auto-reply templates for 6 business types:

• E-commerce stores
• Restaurants
• Beauty salons
• Clinics
• Real estate
• General services

Every template is written in natural Arabic. Download templates free.

The Smarter Solution: A Chatbot on Your Website

Instead of relying 100% on WhatsApp and paying per conversation, put a chatbot on your website that answers customers automatically.

The difference:

• WhatsApp API: You pay per conversation
• Website chatbot: Fixed monthly price regardless of conversation volume

With RaddBot, the chatbot learns from your store content and replies in Arabic — no coding required. Join the waitlist and try it free.