10 Facebook Messenger Scripts That Actually Convert Dealership Leads

Two people in a car dealership shaking hands in front of a new white car, symbolizing a successful vehicle sale.

Your phone buzzes. A Facebook Marketplace lead just messaged about that 2019 Tahoe. You've got maybe 30 seconds to make an impression before they move on to the next dealer.

What do you say?

Most salespeople either freeze, send something generic, or worse—copy-paste a wall of text that screams "automated response." Meanwhile, the buyer's already talking to someone else.

Messenger isn't email. It's not even traditional texting. It's a conversation that happens at the speed of thought, and the dealers who understand that are closing deals while everyone else is still crafting their reply.

Here are 10 Messenger scripts that work—plus the psychology behind why they convert.

Why Messenger Is Different

Before we get to the scripts, you need to understand why Messenger requires a completely different approach.

Messenger marketing sees open rates around 70-80%, compared to email's 20% average. Response rates can hit 8x higher than email campaigns. And here's the kicker: 78% of buyers purchase from whoever responds first

But Messenger also has a hard 24-hour response window. If a buyer messages you and you don't respond within 24 hours, Facebook cuts off your ability to message them back. The conversation is dead.

That means you need scripts that are fast to deploy, conversational in tone, and designed to keep the dialogue moving forward—not walls of corporate text that kill the momentum.

Script #1: The "Is This Still Available?" Response

This is the most common message you'll receive on Marketplace. It's also where most dealers blow it.

Bad Response: "Yes, it's available. Let me know if you have any questions."

Better Response: "Hey [Name]! Yep, the Tahoe is here on the lot right now. What caught your eye about this one—you looking for the space, the towing capability, or just ready for an upgrade?"

Why It Works: The bad response is a dead end. It answers the question but gives the buyer nowhere to go. The better response confirms availability AND opens a conversation by asking about their needs. Now you have something to work with.

Script #2: The After-Hours Auto-Response

You can't be awake 24/7, but leads don't stop at 5pm. Set up an auto-response that acknowledges the message while setting expectations.

Template: "Hey! Thanks for reaching out. We're closed for the evening, but I'll personally follow up first thing tomorrow at 9am. In the meantime, here are a few more photos of the [Vehicle]: [Link}. Talk soon!"

Why It Works: It confirms you're human, sets a specific callback time (which builds trust), and gives them something to do while they wait. The link keeps them engaged with your inventory instead of browsing competitors.

Script #3: The Price Question Pivot

When someone asks "What's the best price?" right out of the gate, resist the urge to negotiate over Messenger.

Template: "Great question! We're competitive on all our pricing, but I'd love to understand what you're looking for first. Are you planning to finance or pay cash? And do you have a trade-in? That'll help me put together the best numbers for your situation."

Why It Works: You're not dodging the question—you're framing the conversation around their full deal, not just sticker price. This qualifies the buyer and positions you to give them real answers when they come in.

Script #4: The Test Drive Scheduler

Once you've established interest, your job is to get them on the lot. Don't leave it open-ended.

Template: "Sounds like this might be a good fit for what you need. I'm free this afternoon at 2pm or tomorrow morning around 10—want me to have it pulled up front and ready for a test drive?"

Why It Works: Specific times create urgency and make it easy to say yes. "Let me know when you want to come in" puts the burden on them and rarely converts.

Script#5: The Photo/Video Request

Buyers love more visuals. When they ask for additional pictures, treat it as a buying signal.

Template: "Absolutely! Here's a quick walkaround I just shot for you: [Video Link]. Want me to grab anything specific—interior, engine bay, underneath? Also, I've got the Carfax pulled if you want to take a look.

Why It Works: A video feels personal and high-effort. Offering the Carfax proactively builds trust. Asking what else they need keeps the conversation going.

Scrip #6: The Financing Conversation Starter

Many buyers are nervous about financing, especially if their credit isn't perfect. Make it easy for them to open up.

Template: "A lot of our buyers use our financing options—we work with multiple lenders so we can usually find something that works. Have you had a chance to think about how you'd like to handle the purchase? Happy to walk through some options if that'd be helpful."

Why It Works: It normalizes financing without being pushy. The phrase "multiple lenders" signals flexibility for buyers who worry about approval.

Scrip #7: The Trade-In Inquiry

If you're not asking about trade-ins, you're leaving money on the table.

Template: "Quick question—are you planning to trade anything in on this deal? If so, shoot me a couple pics and the mileage and I can get you a ballpark before you come in."

Why It Works: Trade-in conversations pull buyers deeper into the deal. Getting photos and mileage over Messenger saves time and shows you're serious about making them an offer.

Scrip #8: The Ghosted Lead Follow-UP

They were interested, then disappeared. Don't just let them go.

Template (Day 2): "Hey [Name], just circling back on the Tahoe—still have it if you're interested. Did anything come up, or are you still looking?

Template (Day 5): "Haven't heard back so I wanted to check in one more time. If the Tahoe isn't quite right, I've got a couple similar options that might work better. Want me to send them over?"

Why It Works: The first follow-up is low pressure and leaves room for them to re-engage. The second offers alternatives, which can revive a dead conversation by acknowledging they might want something different.

Scrip #9: The Sold Vehicle Redirect

The vehicle they asked about is gone. Don't lose the lead.

Template: "Hey [Name]! Unfortunately that one sold yesterday—it went fast. But I've got two others that are really similar: [Link 1] and [Link 2]. The [Model] has fewer miles and the [Model] has the upgraded package. Which one looks closer to what you need?"

Why It Works: You're not just saying "sorry, it's gone." You're immediately pivoting to alternatives AND asking a question that requires a response.

Scrip #10: The Post-Visit Follow-Up

They came in, drove the car, and left without buying. Now what?

Template: "Hey [Name], thanks for coming by today! Hope the [Vehicle] felt as good as it looked. Anything I can help answer while you think it over? Happy to run those numbers again or grab any other info you need."

Why It Works: It's warm, non-pushy, and opens the door for them to share objections you can address. Sometimes buyers just need a little more time—this keeps you top of mind without being annoying.

The Rules Behind the Scripts

Every script above follows the same core principles:

Keep it short. Facebook Messenger isn't email. If your message looks like a paragraph, it's too long. Break it up or cut it down.

Ask questions. Every message should either answer a question or ask one. Dead-end responses kill deals.

Be conversational. Write like you talk. No corporate speak, no "per your inquiry" nonsense.

Create forward motion. Every response should move the conversation toward a test drive or appointment. If it doesn't, rethink it.

Match their energy. If they send two sentences, you send two sentences. If they're casual, you're casual.

Speed Matters More Than Perfection

Here's the thing: a good response sent in 2 minutes beats a perfect response sent in 2 hours. Every time.

The dealerships that win on Facebook Messenger aren't the ones with the fanciest scripts. They're the ones with someone actually watching the inbox, ready to respond like a human being having a real conversation.

If your team is juggling Messenger leads alongside everything else, those leads are slipping through the cracks. Shiftly's listing software helps you post inventory faster so your team can spend more time on what actually closes deals—talking to buyers.