First-reply text templates for car dealers
A first text that answers the question, says whether the car is here and offers two times gives the shopper something to say yes to. One that only asks "how can I help?" does not. Copy a message, fill in the square brackets and send it. They are written for replying to someone who has contacted you.
Texts to customers must follow Canada's anti-spam law (CASL). Add your store name, a phone number, a short link to a page showing your postal address, and "Reply STOP to opt out" to the first text, and never text someone who has said stop. Our CASL guide and consent kit explain more. These are examples; check them against your own policies.
The vehicle is available
First reply to "is it still available?"
Hi [Name], it is [Your name] at [Store]. Yes, the [Vehicle] is here and ready to see. Would [Day] at [Time] or [Time] work to come by?
A price question
The shopper asks what the price is or whether it is negotiable
Hi [Name], it is [Your name] at [Store]. The [Vehicle] is [advertised price], plus tax and licensing. I can have it ready for a test drive at [Time] if you want to see it in person.
It has sold
The vehicle is gone
Hi [Name], it is [Your name] at [Store]. The [Vehicle] sold, sorry about that. I have two close ones here: [Vehicle A] and [Vehicle B]. Want the details on either?
A trade-in question
The shopper asks if you take trades
Hi [Name], it is [Your name] at [Store]. Yes, we take trade-ins. Send me the year, model, kilometres and a few photos and I can give you a first idea before you come in. A final figure means seeing it in person.
A finance question
The shopper asks about financing
Hi [Name], it is [Your name] at [Store]. We can go over finance options when you come in, or I can send a short application first so we have numbers ready. Which would you rather?
After hours
An enquiry arrives when you are closed
Hi [Name], it is [Your name] at [Store]. Thanks for your message about the [Vehicle]. We are closed now and open at [Time]. I will text you then. If you tell me what time suits you, I will book it.
Confirming an appointment
Right after a time is agreed
Hi [Name], this is [Your name] at [Store], confirming [Day] at [Time] to see the [Vehicle]. The address is [Address]. Ask for me at the front. Reply here if anything changes.
Reminder on the day
The morning of the appointment
Good morning [Name], [Your name] from [Store]. Looking forward to seeing you at [Time] today for the [Vehicle]. The address is [Address].
Missed appointment
The customer did not arrive
Hi [Name], it is [Your name] at [Store]. We missed you today, and I hope everything is alright. Would [Day] work to reschedule?
After a visit
The day after a test drive
Hi [Name], thanks for coming in yesterday to see the [Vehicle]. Is there anything I can answer, or anything you want to compare? I can go over the numbers by phone if that is easier.
Follow-up, next day
No reply to the first message
Hi [Name], it is [Your name] at [Store], following up on the [Vehicle]. Is it still on your list? Happy to answer questions or send more photos.
Follow-up, a few days later
Still no reply
Hi [Name], [Your name] at [Store]. The [Vehicle] is still here. If your plans have changed or you are looking at something different, tell me what you need and I will see what we have.
A price change
The price drops on a vehicle someone asked about
Hi [Name], [Your name] at [Store]. The [Vehicle] you asked about is now [new price]. Want me to set up a time to see it?
After delivery
The day of or after delivery
Congratulations on your [Vehicle], [Name]! Thank you for choosing [Store]. If anything comes up, call or text me at this number.
Making your own better
- Answer the question first, before saying hello again.
- Offer two times, not "when suits you?".
- Use the customer's name and the exact vehicle.
- Keep it short enough to read on a lock screen.
- Ask one question at a time.