Stem to Success

What to Say When You’re Closed: Auto-Replies That Don’t Lose the Sale

Florist hours aren’t 24/7. But customer curiosity is.
Whether it's a midnight DM asking about a bouquet or a Sunday email inquiring about delivery, potential orders can hit your inbox anytime.
If you’re not there to answer, one of two things happens:
  • They wait.
  • Or worse—they leave.
That’s where auto-replies come in.
But not just any robotic “We’ll get back to you soon.”
This article shows you how to set up warm, branded, and conversion-friendly replies across channels—so even when you’re closed, you’re still building trust (and future sales).

Why After-Hours Replies Matter

Customers often message when emotions are high—forgotten birthdays, last-minute apologies, or big gestures planned for the next day.
A cold or delayed response can kill the impulse.
But a thoughtful auto-reply can:
  • Show you’re professional and organized
  • Set expectations clearly
  • Keep them warm until you respond
  • Even drive them to take action now

Key Elements of a Great Auto-Reply

No matter the channel (Instagram, email, WhatsApp, site chat), every reply should ideally include:
✅ A friendly human tone
✅ Your business hours
✅ What they can do while waiting (e.g. shop site, fill out a form)
✅ When to expect a real reply
✅ Optional: a link to FAQ or delivery info
Let’s look at examples.

🌙 Instagram DM Auto-Reply (after hours)

Hey! Thanks for reaching out 🌸

We’re currently closed (our hours are 9am–6pm CST Mon–Sat), but we’ll reply as soon as we’re back in the studio.

In the meantime, you can check our bouquets here: [link]

Need flowers delivered tomorrow? Place your order online and we’ll take care of the rest 💐

Talk soon!

💬 Website Chat Bot (nights & weekends)

Thanks for stopping by!

Our team is offline right now (we reply during business hours), but feel free to leave your question below 💌

🔹 Looking to send flowers? Check our same-day collection here: [link]

🔹 Want something custom? Fill out this quick form: [link]

We’ll get back to you first thing when we’re in!

📧 Email Auto-Reply

Subject: Got your message 🌸

Hi there,

Thanks for reaching out to [Florist Name]. We’re currently closed, but we’ve received your message and will get back to you during business hours (Mon–Sat, 9am–6pm CST).

While you wait:

  • Browse our bouquets: [link]
  • Read about delivery & cutoff times: [link]
  • Or pre-order for tomorrow here: [link]

If your request is urgent (like a same-day order), include “URGENT” in the subject and we’ll prioritize it first.

With love,

The [Florist Name] Team 💐

Tips for Making Auto-Replies Feel Personal

  • Use emojis (sparingly) – they make things feel lighter
  • Speak like a human – no stiff “We regret to inform you…”
  • Include a name – “Hi! I’m Emma from the shop…”
  • Add urgency options – let them flag urgent requests
  • Update for holidays – change replies around busy seasons

Optional: Offer a Bonus for Patience

If your shop is small and replies can take 12+ hours, a little surprise can soften the wait:
“We’ll reply within 24 hours. As a thank-you for your patience, use code FLOWERFRIEND for 5% off your next order 🌷”
Small gesture. Big trust boost.

Tools to Use

  • Instagram / Meta Inbox: quick replies + away messages
  • Gmail / Outlook: auto-responders
  • Tidio / Crisp / Intercom / Shopify Chat: chatbots with logic & forms
  • WhatsApp Business: greeting messages + away messages
  • Zapier / Klaviyo / Mailchimp: automated email flows for form fills

Final Checklist

Before launching your auto-replies, make sure:
✅ The tone matches your brand
✅ The message is mobile-friendly
✅ Links are correct and clickable
✅ Hours are accurate
✅ You're not over-promising a reply time

Don’t Let Silence Cost You Sales

You can’t be everywhere 24/7—but your brand can.
A great auto-reply keeps people warm, informed, and feeling taken care of… until you’re back with that perfect bouquet.

Want Help Setting It All Up?

We help florists build automated flows that feel human—from Instagram DMs to Shopify chat. Want your replies to convert, not confuse?
Let’s make sure no message goes to waste. Get in touch.
2025-08-27 03:24