Canned responses (also called saved replies or macros) save time and keep answers consistent. The trick is making them sound human: always use the customer’s name, reference their issue, and edit before sending.
Replace anything in [brackets].
Greetings and acknowledgements
1. First reply
Hi [Name], thanks for reaching out. I’m looking into this now and will get back to you by [time].
2. Need more information
Hi [Name], thanks for the details. To look into this, could you send me [order number / screenshot / email on the account]?
3. Escalating to a specialist
Hi [Name], I’ve passed this to our [team] specialists, who are best placed to help. You’ll hear from them within [timeframe].
Refunds and returns
4. Refund approved
Hi [Name], I’ve processed a refund of [amount] to your original payment method. It usually appears within [X] business days.
5. Refund request outside policy
Hi [Name], I understand why you’re asking. Our policy covers refunds within [X] days, and this order was placed on [date]. What I can do is [alternative: store credit / exchange / partial refund].
6. Return instructions
Hi [Name], here’s how to return your item: [steps]. Once it reaches us, we’ll process your [refund/exchange] within [X] days.
Shipping and delivery
7. Late delivery apology
Hi [Name], I’m sorry your order hasn’t arrived yet. I’ve checked, and it’s currently [status]. The new estimated delivery date is [date]. [Optional: As an apology, here’s [discount] off your next order.]
8. Lost package
Hi [Name], I’m sorry, it looks like your package was lost in transit. I’ve sent a replacement today, and you’ll get tracking details by email shortly.
9. Wrong item received
Hi [Name], sorry about the mix-up. I’ve sent the correct item and a prepaid return label for the wrong one. No need to rush returning it.
Technical issues and bugs
10. Bug acknowledged
Hi [Name], thanks for reporting this. I was able to reproduce it and have passed it to our engineering team. I’ll update you as soon as there’s a fix.
11. Bug fixed
Hi [Name], good news: the issue you reported is now fixed. Could you try again and let me know if everything works?
12. Workaround
Hi [Name], while our team works on a permanent fix, here’s a workaround: [steps].
13. Outage
Hi [Name], we’re currently experiencing an issue affecting [feature]. Our team is working on it, and you can follow updates at [status page].
Billing and accounts
14. Duplicate charge
Hi [Name], I can see the duplicate charge. I’ve refunded [amount]; it should appear within [X] business days.
15. Payment failed
Hi [Name], your last payment didn’t go through. You can update your card here: [link]. Your account stays active until [date].
16. Cancellation
Hi [Name], I’ve cancelled your subscription. You’ll keep access until [date]. If you have a moment, I’d love to know what we could have done better.
17. Password reset
Hi [Name], you can reset your password here: [link]. The link expires in [X] hours.
Feature requests and feedback
18. Feature request
Hi [Name], thanks for the suggestion. I’ve shared it with our product team. I can’t promise a timeline, but requests like yours shape what we build next.
19. Positive feedback
Hi [Name], thank you, this made our day! I’ve shared your kind words with the team.
20. Complaint
Hi [Name], I’m sorry about your experience. You’re right that [acknowledge the issue]. Here’s what I’ve done to fix it: [action].
Sales and pre-sales
21. Pricing question
Hi [Name], our plans start at [price]. Based on what you’ve described, [plan] is probably the best fit because [reason].
22. Demo request
Hi [Name], happy to show you around. You can pick a time that suits you here: [booking link].
Social media and chat
23. Move to private channel
Hi [Name], sorry to hear this. Could you send us a DM with your order number so we can sort it out?
24. Chat: one moment
Thanks, [Name]. Give me a minute while I check that for you.
25. Chat: out of hours
Thanks for your message! Our team is offline right now. We’ll reply by [time], or you can find quick answers here: [help center link].
Follow-ups and closing
26. No reply follow-up
Hi [Name], just checking in on this. Is there anything else you need from us?
27. Closing a ticket
Hi [Name], I’m closing this ticket for now. If anything comes up, just reply to this email and it will reopen.
28. Satisfaction survey
Hi [Name], glad we could help. Would you mind rating your experience? It takes 10 seconds: [link].
29. Out of office (agent)
Hi, I’m away until [date]. For urgent help, please contact [colleague/email].
30. Holiday hours
Hi [Name], our team is on holiday from [date] to [date]. We’ll reply as soon as we’re back. For urgent issues, [option].
Tips for better canned responses
- Personalise the first and last line every time.
- Keep them short. Customers skim.
- Review quarterly to remove outdated policies.
- Track the impact. Saved replies should lower your first response time without hurting CSAT.

