12 Instagram DM Templates for Small Shops (Price, Size, Delivery, Payment)

These 12 Instagram DM templates cover the messages a small shop sends most often: answering price questions, helping with sizes, quoting delivery, collecting addresses, confirming the order, taking payment and sending tracking. Save each one as a quick reply with a short keyword so you can send it in seconds, and change the words in [brackets] for each customer. Using the same templates every time makes replies faster, keeps your whole team consistent and stops details from being missed.

Each template below comes with when to use it, a suggested shortcut keyword, and a tip. For how they fit into a complete order system, see our guide to running an Instagram shop from your DMs.

How to use them:

• Save them as quick replies in Instagram's professional account settings. Typing the shortcut inserts the full message.

• Always personalise the first line with the buyer's name or a detail from their message. Templates should save typing, not sound robotic.

• Keep [brackets] obvious so nobody sends a message with "[price]" still in it.

Price

1. Price and availability /price

Use when: someone asks "price?", "available?" or "how much?"

Hi [name]! [Product] is [price] and available in [sizes/colours]. Delivery to [area] is [cost], arriving in about [X days]. Which [size/colour] would you like?

Tip: Answer the next two questions (options and delivery) before they're asked, and end with a question that moves them forward. This one message replaces three rounds of back-and-forth.

2. "It's too expensive" /value

Use when: the buyer hesitates on price.

I totally understand! It's [quality detail, e.g. 100% cotton, hand-finished], so it [benefit, e.g. keeps its shape after many washes]. If you'd like something lighter on the budget, our [alternative product] is [price] and very similar in style. Want me to send a photo?

Tip: Explain the value once, then offer an alternative. Don't discount in the chat unless that's your policy for everyone; one-off discounts get shared.

Size

3. Size recommendation /size

Use when: the buyer isn't sure which size to choose.

Happy to help! This one fits [true to size / a little small / relaxed]. Could you tell me your height and the size you usually wear in [similar item]? I'll recommend the best one. Our size chart is also in the "Sizes" highlight on our profile.

Tip: Asking for their usual size in a similar item works better than sending a chart of centimetres.

4. Size not available /nosize

Use when: the size they want is sold out.

Sorry [name], [size] in [product] has just sold out! 😔 I can [offer: let you know the moment it's back / suggest [similar product], which is available in [size]]. Which would you prefer?

Tip: Never end at "sold out". Always offer a next step: a waitlist or a similar item. Write waitlist names in your order sheet so you actually follow up.

Delivery

5. Delivery cost and time /delivery

Use when: someone asks about shipping before choosing.

Delivery to [area] is [cost] and usually takes [X–Y days]. Orders confirmed before [time] go out [today/tomorrow]. [Optional: Free delivery on orders over [amount]!]

Tip: A cut-off time ("before 3pm ships today") gives buyers a reason to confirm now.

6. Collecting delivery details /address

Use when: the buyer has chosen a product and is ready to order.

Great choice! To send it, please share:
1. Full name
2. Full delivery address (house, street, area/postcode, city)
3. Phone number for the courier
I'll then send you a summary to confirm. 😊

Tip: A numbered list gets complete answers more often than "send your address".

7. Dispatch and tracking /shipped

Use when: the parcel has been handed to the courier.

Good news, [name]! Your order #[number] is on its way 📦
Tracking: [link/number]
Expected delivery: [date]
The courier may call [phone] before arriving. Message me here if you need anything!

Tip: Sending tracking without being asked removes most "where is my order?" messages.

8. Delivery delay /delay

Use when: an order will arrive later than promised.

Hi [name], I wanted to let you know that your order #[number] is running a little late because [honest reason]. It should now arrive by [new date]. I'm really sorry for the wait, and thank you for your patience. [Optional: As a thank you, [small gesture].]

Tip: Message before the customer notices. A proactive apology keeps trust; a late explanation sounds like an excuse.

Payment and confirmation

9. Order summary /summary

Use when: you have the product, size and address. Always send this before payment.

Here's your order, please check it's all correct:
🛍 [Code] [Product] – [size/colour] × [qty] – [price]
🚚 Delivery to [address] – [cost]
💰 Total: [amount]
💳 Payment: [method]
Reply YES to confirm and I'll get it ready!

Tip: This is the most important template. It turns a conversation into an order the buyer has clearly agreed to, and it's the message you copy into your order list.

10. Payment link /pay

Use when: the buyer has replied YES and pays in advance.

Thank you, [name]! You can pay [amount] here: [payment link]. As soon as it's received, I'll pack your order and send tracking [today/tomorrow].

Tip: Send it within a minute of the "YES". Only mark the order paid when money arrives in your account, not when you receive a screenshot.

11. Cash-on-delivery confirmation /cod

Use when: the buyer will pay the courier on delivery.

Your order #[number] is confirmed for cash on delivery! Please keep [amount] ready for the courier, who will call [phone] before arriving. If anything changes, just message me here before [day] so I can update it.

Tip: Written confirmation with the exact amount cuts down on refused parcels. For first-time buyers or large orders, consider asking for a small advance to cover delivery.

12. Reservation reminder /hold

Use when: the buyer confirmed but hasn't paid, and the hold is about to expire.

Hi [name], just a reminder: your [product] in [size] is reserved until [time]. Here's the payment link again: [link]. After that it goes back on sale. Would you still like it?

Tip: Send this once. More than one reminder feels like pressure and can get you muted.

Two bonus templates

After delivery /thanks

Hi [name], did your [product] arrive safely? I hope you love it! If you have a moment, we'd be so grateful for a photo or a quick review. It really helps a small shop like ours. 💛

Back in stock /back

Hi [name]! Good news: [product] in [size] is back in stock. You asked about it on [date], so I wanted to tell you first. Shall I reserve one for you?

Quick reference

When templates aren't enough

Templates make you faster, but someone still has to read each message, pick the right reply, fill in the brackets and check stock. As message volume grows, that becomes the bottleneck.

Nodi sends these same messages automatically on Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, filled in from your real product catalog, stock and delivery settings: the price and availability reply, size options, delivery quote, order summary and cash-on-delivery confirmation. Your team can step into any conversation that needs a person. See Nodi's AI replies in action →

Selling in the UAE? Read How to Sell on Instagram in the UAE and Meta Business Suite for UAE Shops.

Common questions

How do I save quick replies on Instagram?

Professional accounts can save quick replies in their messaging settings: you write the message and choose a short keyword, then type the keyword in a chat to insert the full text.

Should I use emojis in business DMs?

A few, used consistently, make messages easier to scan. For example, 🛍 for items, 🚚 for delivery and 💰 for the total in an order summary. Match your brand's tone and avoid them in apologies or complaints.

Can these templates work on WhatsApp too?

Yes. They work almost word for word on WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. On WhatsApp, use *asterisks* for bold. See our WhatsApp order management guide for WhatsApp-specific setup.