The After Hours Message is what your AI Agent can include when the selected location is closed. It helps callers understand why staff may not be available while still giving them a clear next step.
Where to edit it
Open Greetings, then choose Business Hours from the sidebar.
The card is titled After Hours Message. Its description explains that it is used when business is closed and is appended when Speako detects the location is closed.
Edit the message in the text box. When changes are made, use Save Changes in the bottom banner to keep them, or Reset to discard them.
What the after-hours message should do
A good after-hours message should:
- Clearly say the business is currently closed
- Set expectations for when the team will respond
- Tell the caller what they can still do with the AI Agent, if applicable
- Avoid promising immediate human follow-up unless your team actually provides it
For example:
We're currently closed, but I can still help with general questions. If you need our team to follow up, please leave your name, phone number, and a short message.
How it works with other greetings
The after-hours message can be inserted into the Initial Greeting or Return Customer Greeting with the {{after_hours_message}} variable.
That means you can write the after-hours wording once, then place it wherever you want it to appear in caller greetings.
💡 Tip: Keep the After Hours Message focused. It should not repeat your entire Initial Greeting — it is usually one short paragraph added to another greeting.
Previewing the message
Use the eye icon to preview the message. If the message is used through {{after_hours_message}}, previewing the greeting that contains the variable shows how it will read with the after-hours text included.
Use the speaker icon to hear an audio preview. This helps you catch long sentences that may sound heavy when spoken.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not say “we are closed” if the AI Agent can still complete useful tasks, such as answering questions or collecting details. Instead, say the team is unavailable but the AI Agent can still help with supported requests.
Do not promise a callback time unless your team has a process for meeting it. Use broader wording such as “during business hours” if timing varies.
When to update it
Review the After Hours Message when your operating hours change, during holidays, or before a temporary closure. If you use date-specific hours elsewhere in Speako, make sure the message still matches what customers should expect.