45+ Live Chat Scripts for Customer Service [Free Templates] (2026)

Your team closes a chat, and the customer never comes back. Why? Because someone made up the response on the spot instead of following a script.

Good chat scripts aren’t robotic. They’re guardrails. They shape the conversation without reading like a template. They keep your team on message while sounding human.

Here are 45+ live chat scripts ready to drop into your support process. Pick what works for your team, adapt it, save it in TextExpander Snippets so it’s always there.

Want these scripts at your fingertips?

Every script below works as a TextExpander Snippet. Type a short abbreviation, fill in the customer’s name, and the complete response appears right inside your chat tool. Keep reading for the full library, or try it now.

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What are live chat scripts?

A live chat script is pre-written text that guides customer service agents through common conversations. It’s not a word-for-word monologue. It’s a framework covering the key points a support agent needs to hit without sounding scripted.

Think of it as a skeleton. The agent fills in specifics based on the actual customer and situation. A good chat script handles the hard part (what do I say first?) and leaves room for the agent’s personality to come through.

Live chat scripts sit somewhere between rigid call scripts (which feel awkward in writing) and completely improvised responses (which meander and contradict your policies). They’re customer service scripts specifically formatted for the chat channel shorter paragraphs, faster responses, acknowledgment that the customer is reading along in real time.

Put these scripts where your team actually types.

The scripts above are only useful if your team can reach them fast. TextExpander turns each one into a Snippet your agents expand with a short abbreviation inside Zendesk, Intercom, Freshdesk, or any other chat tool. No tab switching, no hunting through docs.

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Why customer service teams use chat scripts in 2026

Three reasons:

Consistency. Customers expect the same level of professionalism whether they hit Agent Sarah or Agent Mike. A script levels that playing field.

Speed. Agents aren’t searching for what to say. They’re thinking about how to help. Scripts cut response time in half.

Compliance and liability. Financial services, healthcare, and SaaS need documented communication. Scripts create that trail.

That said, chat is unique. Customers see the conversation as it unfolds. A script that feels natural in an email falls flat in real-time text. These scripts are built for that rhythm.

Opening and live chat greeting examples

Script 1: Standard greeting

Hi [Name], thanks for reaching out! I’m [Your Name] with the support team. How can I help you today?

Script 2: After-hours automated greeting

Thanks for your message! Our support team is offline right now, but we’ll get back to you within 2 hours during business hours. Feel free to leave details about your issue and we’ll prioritize your response.

Script 3: Greeting with acknowledgment of wait time

Hi [Name], thanks for your patience. I’m [Your Name]. Let me dig into this for you right now.

Script 4: VIP or premium customer greeting

Hi [Name], great to see you again. I see you’re on the [Plan Name] plan. What can I help you with today?

Script 5: Proactive greeting during browsing

Hi there! Looks like you’ve been checking out [Feature/Page]. Got any questions or want to see how it works?

Information gathering scripts

Script 6: Standard diagnostic question

Got it. Just so I can point you in the right direction when did you first notice this, and what were you trying to do?

Script 7: Warranty or return eligibility check

Let me look up your purchase history. What’s the order number or the email address on your account?

Script 8: Multi-product issue triage

I see you have a few products with us. Is this issue happening in [Product A], [Product B], or both?

Script 9: Request for account details

I can help with that. Can you give me the account email or username so I can pull up your details?

Hold and wait time scripts

Script 10: Immediate acknowledge, coming back

One sec, looking that up for you now.

Script 11: Longer wait with context

I’m checking our system this should just take a minute. Thanks for waiting.

Script 12: Managing extended wait

Still digging. This is a less common issue, but I want to get you the right answer, not a quick one.

Script 13: Offering alternative during wait

While I look into this, would it help if I sent you a workaround link? You can try it in the meantime.

Your team can use every script above in seconds

TextExpander turns these chat scripts into keyboard shortcuts that work inside Zendesk, Intercom, Freshdesk, Slack, and any other app. Type a short abbreviation and the full script appears, with fill-in fields for the customer’s name, order number, and issue. One update reaches your whole team instantly.

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Problem resolution and troubleshooting scripts

Script 14: Known bug or outage acknowledgment

We’re aware of this issue our team is working on a fix right now. In the meantime, here’s a workaround: [steps].

Script 15: Password reset walkthrough

No problem. Go to the login page, click “Forgot Password,” and enter your email. You’ll get a reset link in a few seconds. Check your spam folder if you don’t see it.

Script 16: Basic troubleshooting step

Try clearing your browser cache and refresh the page. Let me know if that fixes it.

Script 17: Offering a screen share or call

This might be faster to show than explain. Want me to send you a quick screen share link so you can see exactly what I mean?

Script 18: Confirming the fix worked

Awesome. Before I let you go, try it one more time on your end so we know it’s solid for you.

Escalation scripts

Script 19: Routing to a specialist

I’m going to get you connected with [Specialist Name], who handles billing. They’ll have your account details and can move faster. One moment.

Script 20: Escalation with context handoff

This one needs a second look from our technical team. I’m pulling together everything you told me and passing it along. Someone will follow up within 2 hours.

Script 21: Escalation for feature request or feedback

That’s a great suggestion. I’m sending this directly to our product team. We can’t promise when it’ll happen, but they’ll review it.

Handling angry or frustrated customers

Script 22: Validating frustration

I get it this is frustrating. Let me see what I can do to fix it for you right now.

Script 23: Apology without over-promising

I’m sorry this happened. That’s not the experience we want you to have. Let’s figure out what went wrong and make it right.

Script 24: Compensation or goodwill gesture offer

As an apology for the trouble, I’m adding [credit/discount] to your account. It should show up in the next few minutes.

Script 25: When a customer threatens to leave

I don’t want to see you go. Before you decide, can I ask what would make this right for you?

Closing and follow-up scripts

Script 26: Standard closing with next steps

Sound good? I’ll send you a summary of what we talked about via email. Let me know if anything else comes up.

Script 27: Upsell or cross-sell after resolution

By the way, a lot of customers in your situation also use [Related Feature]. It might save you time. Want me to show you how?

Script 28: Closing when issue is unresolved, needs follow-up

I’m still investigating this on my end. Let me dig deeper and follow up with you by [tomorrow/Friday]. Does email work, or should I hit you up here?

Script 29: Checking satisfaction

Are we good? Any other questions before I head off?

Live chat vs. email scripts

Script 30: Suggesting email for complex issues

This one’s a bit detailed for chat. Let me grab your email and I’ll send over a full breakdown with screenshots.

Script 31: Starting with chat, pivoting to email

I’ve got the overview. To make sure you get all the details right, let me write this up in an email. You’ll have it in 5 minutes.

Script 32: Offering phone for urgent issues

This needs a conversation. Can I call you right now, or would later today work better?

Script 33: Using chat to break news before email

I want you to hear this directly: your request was approved. Full details coming in an email in 2 minutes.

Script 34: Confirming preference

Got it you prefer email follow-ups. I’ve made a note on your account.

Script 35: Quick chat resolution with email proof

That’s all set on my end. Sending you a confirmation email right now so you have proof.

Real-world live chat examples

Scripts are a starting point. Here’s what they look like when a real agent runs with them.

Example 1: Handling a missing feature scenario

Customer (Elena, 2:15 pm): Hi, I’m trying to bulk edit my contacts but I can’t find the option.

Agent (Marcus): Hi Elena, thanks for reaching out. Bulk editing is available, but it’s tucked under a different menu than most people expect. Let me walk you through it.

What Marcus did right: Named the customer, confirmed the feature exists (reassurance), set expectations that it’s a UX issue not a missing feature. Moved straight to the help instead of asking diagnostic questions Elena already answered.

Customer: Oh okay, I thought it was gone. Where is it?

Agent: Go to Contacts, then click the three-dot menu in the top right (not the row menu). From there select “Bulk Actions.” It should open a panel on the right side.

What Marcus did right: Specific steps, mentioned visual cues (three-dot menu, panel on the right) so Elena can recognize elements as she goes. No ambiguity.

Customer: Got it! That worked. Thanks.

Agent: Awesome. Before I let you go quick question. Was that intuitive for you, or would you have expected the option somewhere else? Just thinking about feedback for our team.

What Marcus did right: Closed the loop, confirmed the fix, and gathered feedback in a natural way. Didn’t feel like a survey.

Example 2: Handling a billing question with escalation

Customer (James, 11:42 am): I was charged twice last month. Why?

Agent (Sarah): That’s not right. I’m pulling your billing history now to see what happened.

What Sarah did right: Immediate validation (that’s not right). Quick acknowledgment of the action she’s taking. No defensiveness.

Customer: It’s been three days and nobody’s responded to my email.

Agent: I see the email let me flag this directly with our billing team. This shouldn’t take another three days. Can I get a phone number so they can reach you, or do you want me to follow up here?

What Sarah did right: Acknowledged the frustration without excusing it. Took ownership (“I see the email”) and gave a direct action (flagging with billing). Offered choice of follow-up channel.

Customer: Email is fine. How long will this take?

Agent: I’m going to make sure someone gets back to you by tomorrow at the latest. If I can spot the issue in the meantime, I’ll reach out sooner. Sound okay?

What Sarah did right: Set a concrete expectation. Didn’t promise instant resolution (she doesn’t control billing’s speed) but promised a real response timeline.

Example 3: De-escalating frustration with empathy

Customer (Raj, 4:03 pm): This product is broken. I’ve wasted two hours trying to make this work.

Agent (Tom): Two hours is a lot. I’m genuinely sorry you hit this. Let me see if I can get you back on track.

What Tom did right: Didn’t dismiss the frustration. Acknowledged the time investment specifically. Apologized without making excuses. Used “I can” language (active, problem-solving) instead of “This is a known issue” (passive).

Customer: The export feature keeps timing out.

Agent: That’s our known issue from this morning we pushed a fix about 30 minutes ago. Are you still hitting the timeout, or did it come back?

What Tom did right: Transparency about the issue. Gave context (this morning, 30 min ago) so Raj knows it’s being handled. Asked a follow-up that either confirms the fix or uncovers a different problem.

Customer: I’m refreshing the page now and trying again.

Agent: Good call. It might also help to clear your browser cache while you’re at it. Sometimes that speeds up the rollout to older sessions.

What Tom did right: Suggested a proactive step while Raj is already trying a refresh. Extra context (why clear cache) without being condescending.

Customer: It works now! Ugh, two hours wasted but at least it’s going.

Agent: I really am sorry about that. As a small apology, I’m adding a month of free service to your account. You shouldn’t have to lose that kind of time.

What Tom did right: Followed through with genuine repair (credit). Didn’t overpromise or make it weird. The apology was human, not corporate.

How to build and maintain your script library

Scripts only work if your team actually uses them. Here’s how to make that happen.

Start small and test

Don’t roll out 45 scripts on day one. Pick the top five scenarios your team hits every day and write scripts for those. Run them for two weeks. Ask your agents what worked and what felt clunky. Revise. Then add five more.

Keep scripts short

If a script is more than two paragraphs, it’s too long for chat. Break it into steps. Long form belongs in email templates, not live chat.

Make them searchable

If your team has to dig through a spreadsheet or wiki to find a script, they won’t use it. Save your scripts in a tool like TextExpander that works across platforms, so they’re one keystroke away in chat, email, or ticketing systems.

Review and refresh quarterly

Pull your chat logs. Look for repeated questions or scenarios your scripts don’t cover. Update scripts that aren’t landing. Remove scripts nobody uses. Dead templates take up mental space.

Empower agents to personalize

A script is a starting point, not a prison. Good agents will tweak it. Let them. Capture the tweaks that work and push them back to the template. Bad scripts will disappear. Good scripts will evolve.

One update. Every agent. Instantly.

When a script changes, TextExpander pushes the new version to your whole team the moment you save it. No Slack announcements, no outdated doc links. Every agent is always working from the approved version.

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How TextExpander powers chat scripts

The biggest barrier to using chat scripts isn’t writing them. It’s access. Your team forgets they exist, or spends 30 seconds hunting through a folder, and decides to wing it instead.

TextExpander solves that. Your scripts live in Snippets. Type a short abbreviation (like “ccsup”) and the full chat script expands right where your agent is working in your chat tool, email, or ticketing system. No switching windows, no searching. It’s muscle memory after the first few uses.

Your team can organize scripts into Snippet groups by channel (live chat, email, phone), by scenario (escalation, angry customers, closing), or by department. Agents only see the scripts they need.

And when a script works well, it spreads. One agent tweaks it, saves the improvement, and the whole team gets the better version.

Give your team 35+ scripts with one-keystroke access

Every script on this page can be a Snippet your team deploys instantly. Add fill-in fields for customer names and order numbers. Share across your entire support org. Update once, everyone gets the new version. That’s how teams like Virta Health and SketchUp maintain quality at scale.

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FAQ

Should every customer service agent use the same scripts?

Scripts should be consistent on what matters (addressing the customer by name, confirming the problem before jumping to solutions, setting expectations on timing) and flexible on the rest. A great agent will sound different from an okay agent even when using the same script. The script is guardrails, not a voice box.

What if a customer calls out a script?

You’ve hit a customer who’s been through too many robotic support interactions. Be honest: “Yeah, I used a template to make sure I covered everything. But everything in it is true, and I’m genuinely here to help.” Then prove it by adapting to their actual problem instead of sticking to the script.

How often should we update our chat scripts?

At minimum, quarterly. Pull chat transcripts, look for common questions or friction points your scripts don’t address, and add or update. If a script goes a full quarter without being used, it probably doesn’t work for your team. Remove it or ask why.

Can I use the same script for chat, email, and phone?

Not exactly. Chat scripts are shorter and choppier (the customer is reading along). Email scripts can be longer and more structured. Phone scripts need to sound conversational but move faster. Use one base template and adapt it for each channel instead of copying it verbatim.

What if an agent says a script made them uncomfortable?

Listen. Ask why. It might be awkward wording, or it might be that the script doesn’t fit your company’s actual voice. Revise it with input from agents who use it every day. They’ll spot stuff your writing won’t.

Do scripts actually reduce response time?

Yes. Not because you’re rushing, but because agents don’t waste mental energy on what to say. A 30-second pause while someone thinks about phrasing adds up across 50 chats a day. Scripts eliminate that pause. You get faster responses without sacrificing quality.

Your chat scripts deserve a better home than a Google Doc.

Scripts buried in a shared doc get ignored. TextExpander puts every script one keystroke away in the tool your agents are already using. Organized by scenario, searchable by content, shared with your whole team.

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