WhatsApp Away Message Examples for Salons
A good away message says when you'll reply and gives people a way to book without waiting for you. Download the examples, change what's in brackets and paste one into WhatsApp Business › Business tools › Away message.
By the Citalu team
What it should say
Three things: that you got the message, when you'll reply again (day and time, with am or pm) and your booking link. Don't promise "I'll reply right away" if you're out until tomorrow.
When to use each one
Set the after-hours message to follow your business hours. Turn on the day-off and vacation ones by hand and turn them off when you're back. The "I'm with a client" one works if you work alone and still want people to message you.
A message for each season
Change the text during busy times, like December or the week before Mother's Day. Say how long you have openings and leave your link. When the season ends, go back to your regular message.
How to choose when the message goes out
If you use the option for outside business hours, put your hours in your business profile: the app uses them to know when to send it. If your hours change, change them in your profile too.
What to do about appointments on those days
Before you leave, check whether you have appointments. Move them and tell each client. Then block those dates in your schedule. When you're back, turn the message off and answer pending chats in order.
How to turn on the away message
Open WhatsApp Business, go to Business tools and tap Away message. Turn it on, write your text and choose when it goes out: always, on a schedule or between dates you pick. If you use dates, it turns off by itself when they end.
Away message or greeting message: which one goes out
The greeting message welcomes someone who messages you for the first time. The away message replies when you're not available. If a new client messages you after hours, they may get both, so avoid repeating the same text in each.
Common mistakes in an away message
Saying "I'll be back soon" without giving a day. Leaving it on after you're back. Leaving out your link. Forgetting to block your schedule. Using a tone so formal it doesn't sound like you: your away message is also how you treat your clients.
Block your schedule too
If you go on vacation, block those days in your schedule. If you don't, your link keeps offering times while your away message says you're not there.
Messages to copy
Replace what is in brackets and send it on WhatsApp.
I'm putting some love into a client's nails right now. As soon as I'm done, I'll reply. If you don't want to wait, book here: [your link].
Hi. I'm on my lunch break and I'll be back at [time]. If you'd like to book, go here: [your link].
Hi. I don't answer messages on weekends. I'll reply Monday starting at [time]. You can book here: [your link].
Hi. We're closed today for the holiday. We're back on [day] at [time]. You can pick your appointment here: [your link].
Hi. Something came up today and I'm not taking appointments. I'll reply on [day]. If you had an appointment today, I'll message you to move it.
Hi. We're all with clients right now. We'll reply as soon as an appointment wraps up. If you'd like to book now, go here: [your link].
How to put it into practice
- Download the messages and change the details in brackets.
- Paste the one you need into Away message and set when it goes out.
- If you'll be out for several days, block them in your schedule too.
Download
OUTSIDE BUSINESS HOURS Hi! Thanks for messaging [your business]. I'm outside my business hours right now. I'll reply [tomorrow] starting at [9:00 am]. If you'd like to book now, pick your time here: [your link]. DAY OFF Hi! I'm not taking appointments today, [day]. I'll reply [tomorrow] starting at [9:00 am]. You can see prices and open times here: [your link]. VACATION Hi! I'm on vacation until [date]. I'm back on [return date], and you can already book your appointment here: [your link]. WHILE I'M WITH A CLIENT Hi! I'm with a client and I'll reply as soon as I'm done. If you'd like to book, pick your time here: [your link].
Frequently asked questions
Does the away message go out every time someone messages me?
WhatsApp Business sends it when you're outside your hours or during the period you chose, not for every message in the same conversation.
What's the best away message example?
One that says when you're back, with a day and time, and includes your link. A message with no date leaves the client waiting.
Can I put my hours in the away message?
Yes. Write them with am and pm, and don't promise replies outside those hours.
Where do I set up the away message?
In the phone app, under Business tools.
What do I put in an away message?
That you got the message, when you'll reply and your booking link.
How do I change or remove the away message?
Go back to Away message, change the text or turn it off.
Does it send if my phone is off?
Your phone needs an internet connection. If it's off, the message goes out when the phone is back online.
Can I use the away message on regular WhatsApp?
No. It's a WhatsApp Business feature.
Does the away message notify clients who have appointments?
No. It only replies to people who message you. If you have appointments on those days, let those clients know separately or move them in your schedule.
Bring that order to your schedule
Try Citalu with your services and hours. You get 14 days free to see if it fits your business.