Instagram DM reply templates for online stores
Most Instagram DMs to a store are the same dozen questions. Answering them the same good way every time is faster for you and better for the buyer.
Each template below starts with the answer, then gives one next step. Replace the variables with your tool's field names or your own text.
Product questions
Template 1: price
Hi {{name}}! {{product_name}} is {{price}}. You can order it here: {{product_link}}
Template 2: several products
Hi {{name}}, here are all the pieces from that post with prices. Tap any to see more: {{carousel}}
Template 3: size
Hi {{name}}, here's our size chart for {{product_name}}: {{size_chart_link}}. It runs {{fit_note}}. Tell us your usual size if you'd like help choosing.
Template 4: in stock
Hi {{name}}, yes, {{product_name}} is in stock in {{available_sizes}}. Order here: {{product_link}}
Template 5: sold out
Hi {{name}}, {{product_name}} is sold out right now. Want us to tell you when it's back? Reply YES and we'll let you know.
Buying questions
Template 6: delivery time
Hi {{name}}, we usually deliver to {{city}} in {{delivery_days}} days after dispatch. Order here: {{product_link}}
Template 7: cash on delivery
Hi {{name}}, yes, cash on delivery is available for {{product_name}}. Just choose COD at checkout: {{product_link}}
Template 8: discount
Hi {{name}}, use code {{code}} for {{discount}} off, valid until {{expiry}}. Shop here: {{product_link}}
Template 9: returns
Hi {{name}}, you can return or exchange within {{return_days}} days of delivery. Full policy: {{policy_link}}
Everything else
Template 10: talk on WhatsApp
Hi {{name}}, happy to help with that. It's quickest on WhatsApp: {{whatsapp_link}}
Template 11: collab enquiry
Hi {{name}}, thanks for your interest in working with us! Please send your media kit to {{email}} and our team will reply within {{reply_days}} days.
Template 12: complaint
Hi {{name}}, we're sorry about this. Please share your order number and a photo, and someone from our team will personally sort it out today.
Template 13: bonus, bulk order
Hi {{name}}, thanks for asking about a bulk order. Tell us the product, quantity and delivery city, and our team will send a quote within {{reply_days}} days.
Automate or save as quick replies?
Templates 1 to 8 work well as automated replies to keywords such as PRICE, SIZE, STOCK and COD. Templates 9 to 12 are better as saved replies your team sends, because returns, collabs and complaints need a person's judgement. Never automate the complaint reply; use it as a starting point for a human answer.
Keep them current
- Update prices and codes the day they change.
- Check product links still work after you edit products.
- Review sold-out replies when stock comes back.
Our pick: Tadlo AI
Tadlo AI
Our top pick
Best for: Automating store replies on Instagram
Tadlo AI answers keywords in comments, DMs and story replies with the same rules, sends product carousels of 2 to 10 items, and has unlimited DMs on every plan, including Free.
Price: Free forever plan with no card needed. Paid plans start at ₹249 a month in India or $5 a month elsewhere. Every plan, including Free, has unlimited automations and unlimited DMs (no monthly DM quota and no per-contact charge; sends are paced within Instagram's limits).
Strengths
- Unlimited DMs and automations on every plan, including Free, so a viral reel never raises your bill
- Verified follow gate: checks through Instagram's API whether the commenter really follows you before sending the link
- Comment-to-DM on any comment or chosen keywords, story reply automation and DM keyword flows in a visual flow builder
- Email capture, comment-to-product carousels and a link-in-bio page in the same tool
- Connects with Instagram Business Login on the official API, so no Facebook Page is needed
- AI reel analysis and analytics on paid plans
Limitations
- Facebook comment-to-DM and Messenger keyword replies are still being added
- Newer than ManyChat, so the template library and tutorial community are smaller
- The Free plan covers one Instagram account
- The Free plan adds a "via Tadlo" line to DMs and limits lead export to 100 leads
Frequently asked questions
What should a store reply to "price" on Instagram?
The product name, price and a link in the first line, sent within seconds.
Should I automate all Instagram DM replies?
Automate repeat questions like price, size and stock. Keep returns, collabs and complaints for a person.
Can I send a WhatsApp link from an Instagram DM?
Yes. Template 10 does this, and with Tadlo AI, Instagram comments can open WhatsApp chats when you have paid plans on both products.
Sources
- tadlo.ai: Tadlo AI plans and features. Plans, follow gate, A/B testing, carousels and analytics checked 16 October 2026.
- Instagram Messaging API (Meta),
developers.facebook.com/documentation/instagram-platform/instagram-api-with-instagram-login/messaging-api. Messaging window and requests folder; updated 28 September 2026.