Auto-responses to inbound queries outside business hours

Purpose

1.1. Automate immediate responses to inbound client queries received outside business hours for asbestos testing services.
1.2. Ensures automated notification that the business is closed, provides essential information on operating hours, and can optionally collect preliminary booking details.
1.3. Enhances professional communication and schedules follow-up for automatable appointment-setting workflows.

Trigger Conditions

2.1. Receiving inbound SMS, email, voice call, WhatsApp, web form, or social DM outside defined business hours.
2.2. Configured via automator to detect local/corporate holiday hours automatically.

Platform Variants

3.1. Twilio SMS
• Feature/Setting: Use Twilio Studio; auto-reply flow; configure automation with an IF condition on business hour logic.
3.2. SendGrid Email API
• Feature/Setting: Use Inbound Parse Webhook and Automation rules; deliver automated response with custom message.
3.3. Gmail API
• Feature/Setting: Configure auto-responder via "send" and "labels," filter after-hours; use automation triggers.
3.4. Outlook (Microsoft 365)
• Feature/Setting: Out-of-office automatic replies with advanced rules; API triggers for custom automator logic.
3.5. Slack
• Feature/Setting: Workflow Builder; incoming webhooks; automated DM or channel response outside hours.
3.6. Meta WhatsApp Business API
• Feature/Setting: Out-of-hours automated messaging via "Away Message" setting and automation webhook.
3.7. Zendesk
• Feature/Setting: Triggers and Automations with schedule conditions; instant ticket responder automation.
3.8. HubSpot
• Feature/Setting: Workflow Automation for Tickets; auto-email or chat response configured for after-hours.
3.9. Salesforce Service Cloud
• Feature/Setting: Automated Email Alerts in Workflow Rules; "Business Hours" configuration.
3.10. Freshdesk
• Feature/Setting: Automator rules for after-hours ticketing and template response.
3.11. Intercom
• Feature/Setting: Custom Bots; automated messaging rule applied to off-hour inbound.
3.12. Zoho CRM
• Feature/Setting: Workflow Rules; scheduled triggers for email/SMS auto-responder automations.
3.13. RingCentral
• Feature/Setting: IVR and Auto-Receptionist after-hours rule; automated call-handling automation.
3.14. Aircall
• Feature/Setting: After Hours IVR settings; automation for automated responses.
3.15. Google Chat
• Feature/Setting: App Script-based chat bot; trigger after-hours automated DM.
3.16. Mailgun
• Feature/Setting: Routes and Automatic Replies via webhook automator.
3.17. Telegram Bot API
• Feature/Setting: Bot logic scripted for automated reply based on scheduled time logic.
3.18. Facebook Messenger Platform
• Feature/Setting: Messenger webhook automation; custom auto-reply on business hours condition.
3.19. Shopify Inbox
• Feature/Setting: Automated away message setup for chat widget out-of-hours.
3.20. Microsoft Teams
• Feature/Setting: Power Automate flow triggers on off-hours message for automated reply.
3.21. PipeDrive
• Feature/Setting: Workflow Automation on incoming leads; auto-response with scheduling info.

Benefits

4.1. Automatedly keeps clients informed with instant automator responses, reducing wait times.
4.2. Automates client expectation management and fosters professional trust via immediate callback assurance.
4.3. Automation relieves staff from manual tasking outside hours, optimizes team focus during business time.
4.4. Automating data capture and lead qualification for efficient follow-up and appointment automation.
4.5. Ensures consistent automated communication across channels, enhancing overall service reliability.