Auto-responders for customer queries and web contact forms

Purpose

1. Automatically reply to customer queries submitted via web contact forms or direct messages, confirming receipt and delivering relevant information or next steps.

2. Ensure fast, consistent engagement to improve satisfaction, reduce manual effort, and capture lead data for antiques sales or inquiries.

3. Integrate with CRM, inboxes, messaging tools, and notification systems for seamless response and tracking across platforms.

4. Support sales, acquisition, valuation requests, and general business inquiries specific to collectible and antique inventory.

Trigger Conditions

1. Submission of a website contact form (e.g., inquiry about a 19th-century vase).

2. Direct message received on business social media or messaging channels.

3. New email arrives in a monitored mailbox matching keywords/subject filters.

4. SMS/texts sent to a dedicated number or WhatsApp Business account.

5. Query message within live chat widget on the store’s site.

Platform Variants

1. Twilio SMS

 • Feature/Setting: Configure Messaging Services for inbound webhook triggers to auto-send templated replies to received customer texts.
 • Sample: Use a Twilio Function to reply: "Thank you for contacting [Antique Store]. We’ll review your inquiry regarding [item] soon."

2. SendGrid

 • Feature/Setting: Set up Inbound Parse Webhook for form-based emails, triggering auto-responder via transactional templates.
 • Sample: Template triggers on email receipt: "We've received your antique query—details forthcoming."

3. Gmail API

 • Feature/Setting: Watch for new messages, match labels/filters, and auto-reply via drafts API.
 • Sample: Auto-reply for emails tagged “Website Lead.”

4. Outlook Graph API

 • Feature/Setting: Set webhook subscription on inbound mail folder, send auto-response for each match using /sendMail endpoint.
 • Sample: Respond automatically to subject containing "antique appraisal."

5. Zendesk

 • Feature/Setting: Set up Trigger rule for new tickets from web forms, send autoresponder via Email Notification to requester.
 • Sample: Ticket trigger: "Thanks for reaching out—our antique expert will connect soon."

6. Freshdesk

 • Feature/Setting: Automate Responses on Ticket Creation with “Email Notification to Requester.”
 • Sample: Send confirmation with estimated response time.

7. HubSpot

 • Feature/Setting: Workflow automation for new form submission; trigger “Send internal email notification” and “Send follow-up email” actions.
 • Sample: "Your interest in our vintage collection is received."

8. Salesforce

 • Feature/Setting: Process Builder/Flow for new Lead or Case, trigger Email Alert to auto-respond and log.
 • Sample: Automatically reply with next steps for collectors.

9. Intercom

 • Feature/Setting: Automated Rules/Chatbot sends instant reply to new contacts via site Messenger.
 • Sample: Bot offers inventory highlights or valuation links.

10. Drift

 • Feature/Setting: Playbook to send automated chat response to contact form initiators.
 • Sample: "A specialist will contact you about your rare find soon."

11. Mailgun

 • Feature/Setting: Routes handle inbound messages, send programmatic replies via API.
 • Sample: Scripted receipt confirmation.

12. Jotform

 • Feature/Setting: Autoresponder Email on submission for contact or appraisal forms.
 • Sample: Thank you with appraisal process overview.

13. Typeform

 • Feature/Setting: Email Notifications/Integration with follow-up email tool.
 • Sample: Automated collector consultation acknowledgment.

14. Slack API

 • Feature/Setting: New form fills send notification to Slack and trigger bot sending DM reply.
 • Sample: “Your antique info request is in queue.”

15. Facebook Messenger API

 • Feature/Setting: Messenger Bot auto-replies using ‘message_received’ webhook.
 • Sample: “Thank you for messaging [Antique Store]—please provide item details.”

16. WhatsApp Business API

 • Feature/Setting: Message handler replies instantly with custom template message.
 • Sample: Collects customer details for appraisal scheduling.

17. Shopify

 • Feature/Setting: Contact Form App triggers automated email via Shopify Email or available app.
 • Sample: Confirmation of submission for rare item inquiries.

18. Zoho CRM

 • Feature/Setting: Workflow for new web entries or emails sends pre-defined email template response.
 • Sample: Lead acknowledged with antique care tips attachment.

19. Pipedrive

 • Feature/Setting: Automation on Deal/Lead creation to issue reply via connected email account.
 • Sample: "We’ve registered your interest; a curator will reach you soon."

20. Google Forms

 • Feature/Setting: Set up automatic confirmation email on submit, with custom message field.
 • Sample: Personalized acknowledgment for consignment requests.

21. ActiveCampaign

 • Feature/Setting: Automate campaign trigger for form completions, send follow-up with attachments or antique care tips.
 • Sample: Send details on antique trade-in options.

Benefits

1. Rapid engagement assures customers and encourages retention.

2. Reduces manual workload for store staff, streamlining routine queries.

3. Captures and organizes leads for future marketing or sales efforts.

4. Enhances professional image and trust in the antique specialty market.

5. Ensures no inquiry is overlooked, supporting higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.