## Before You Start
- **Business Hours** must be enabled and configured in [WhatsApp General Settings](/docs/whatsapp-general-settings). This rule uses the "After business hours" condition.
- **Test Group** — Add at least one phone number in [General Settings](/docs/whatsapp-general-settings).
If you are new to auto reply rules, read [Setting Up Auto Reply Rules](/docs/setting-up-auto-reply-rules-for-your-whatsapp) first.
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## When This Rule Fires
Pre-configured conditions (all must be true at the same time):
- **New customer** — The person has no existing profile in EasyBiz.
- **New conversation** — It is their very first message.
- **After business hours** — The message arrives outside your configured opening hours.
In plain terms: a brand-new customer messages you for the first time while your shop is closed. The @Next Available Time placeholder in the default message automatically shows the customer when you will be open next.
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## How to Set It Up
1. Go to **WhatsApp Settings** → Auto Reply Rules tab
2. Click + Add Rule
3. Under **Welcome**, select **New Customer After Hours**
4. The three conditions will be pre-configured for you.
5. Edit the **reply message** (optional). The default is:
> "Welcome! Thanks for reaching out. We're currently closed but will get back to you at @Next Available Time."
6. Set **Action type** — the default is **None**. See the upgrade tip below for a better option.
7. Set **Send frequency** to **Once per conversation**.
8. Click Save.
9. Set **Status** to **Testing**.
The @Next Available Time placeholder pulls directly from your Business Hours schedule in General Settings. If Business Hours are disabled or not configured, this placeholder will have no value to display.
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## Testing the Rule
1. Make sure the rule is set to **Testing** status
2. Confirm your test phone number is in the **Test Group** ([General Settings](/docs/whatsapp-general-settings))
3. **Outside** your configured business hours, send a WhatsApp message from your test phone
4. You should receive the after-hours welcome with the next opening time filled in
If you do not receive the reply, check that:
- Business Hours are **enabled** in General Settings
- The current time falls **outside** your configured opening hours
- Your test number is in the Test Group
Once verified, switch the status from **Testing** to **Live**.
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## Rule Priority
Place this rule **below** the [After Hours Notice](/docs/after-hours-notice) and **above** the [New Customer Welcome](/docs/new-customer-welcome) in your rules list.
Recommended order:
1. After Hours Notice (top)
2. **New Customer After Hours** (this rule)
3. New Customer Welcome
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## What's Next
Now that new contacts get a tailored after-hours reply, continue to [After Hours Notice](/docs/after-hours-notice) to set the after-hours auto-reply for existing customers as well.