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Feature Use Case

What custom actions should flash sale stores implement?

Chatref Team3 min read / Updated June 17, 2026

For flash sale stores, custom actions turn your chatbot from a simple Q&A tool into an operational powerhouse. By configuring these automated workflows inside Chatref, you can instantly handle inventory checks, apply discount codes, capture leads, and trigger post-purchase sequences right in the chat window, all while your team focuses on the sale itself.

Automate flash sale tasks with custom actions

During a flash sale, every second counts. Custom actions let your Chatref agent perform real work instead of just answering questions. Configure it to check stock levels against your inventory system, validate and apply promo codes, or add items directly to a customer’s cart. These automations run instantly, so shoppers never leave the chat to complete a task, reducing drop-off when urgency is highest.

Custom action examples for high-volume events

The most effective flash sale custom actions tackle the specific friction points of a time-limited event. Here are a few examples you can build in Chatref:

  • Real-time stock confirmation: A customer asks "Is the blue hoodie still in size M?" The agent calls your inventory API and replies with live availability.
  • One-click discount application: The agent detects a valid flash sale code in the conversation and applies it to the cart, showing the updated total.
  • Priority waitlist signup: When an item sells out, the agent captures the customer’s email and adds them to a restock notification list via your email platform.
  • Order lookup without leaving chat: A buyer asks "Where’s my order?" The agent fetches tracking details from your shipping provider and displays the status.

Use AI agents to manage the rush

Your Chatref AI agents handle the repetitive, high-frequency queries that flood in during a flash sale, like "When does this deal end?" or "Can I combine codes?" Because they’re grounded in your store’s docs, they answer accurately without hallucinating. When a question requires human judgment, the agent seamlessly hands off the full conversation to your team in the shared inbox, so no context is lost and the customer doesn’t have to repeat themselves.

Connect your shared inbox for seamless handoffs

The shared inbox is your safety net during a flash sale. Your support team watches conversations in real time and can jump in when an AI agent flags a complex return, a payment failure, or a VIP customer request. The agent passes the entire chat history, so your team picks up exactly where the bot left off. This keeps response times low and customer satisfaction high, even when ticket volume spikes.

FAQ

Can I automate order tracking?

Yes. With custom actions, your Chatref agent connects to your shipping carrier’s API. A customer provides their order number in the chat, and the agent fetches the current tracking status and displays it instantly, no human needed.

How do I set up size guides in chat?

Upload your size guide PDF or URL to Chatref’s knowledge base. The AI agent will reference it to answer fit questions like “What’s the chest measurement for a large?” directly in the chat. No custom action is required for this, it works out of the box with your uploaded content.

What’s the best way to handle returns?

Combine custom actions with the shared inbox. Configure an action that lets the agent initiate a return by collecting the order number and reason, then logging it in your returns platform. For edge cases, the agent hands the full conversation to a human in the shared inbox, who can approve exceptions or issue refunds with complete context.

Put this into practice

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