INSTAGRAM DM AUTOMATION: SETUP AND TEST CHECKLIST
Mecan | 30 September 2026
Guide: https://mecan.io/blog/instagram-dm-automation

Use this worksheet for your own configuration. The checks below are tests
to perform, not a record of completed tests or guaranteed outcomes.

PREPARE
[ ] Check business address and public contact details.
[ ] Check service names, prices, currency and durations.
[ ] Check time zone, operating days, hours and appointment capacity.
[ ] Add existing appointments and block unavailable time in Mecan.
[ ] Connect the correct Instagram Business or Creator account.
[ ] Check that the connection status is Connected.
[ ] Adapt the reply-rule starter below to your actual policies.
[ ] Publish the rules and check the Published tab.
[ ] Verify the owner notification phone if using handoff alerts.
[ ] Enable the assistant while you can supervise incoming messages.

REPLY-RULE STARTER
Use a warm, concise tone. Answer the client's question first, then ask
for the next missing detail.

Use the current service menu for prices and durations. If the service
is unclear, ask one question to identify it.

Ask me to take over for colour corrections, requests to assess a photo,
complaints, changes to existing appointments or exceptions to my
booking policy.

Explain this booking policy when relevant: [insert your actual policy].
If it doesn't answer the client's question, ask me to take over.

Before submitting a request, summarize the service, price, date and time
and get the client's agreement. Explain that the request still needs
my approval.

TEST RECORD
Use a separate Instagram account you control and your own contact
details. Enabling the assistant also enables replies to real incoming
client messages. Test accounts may remain paused after handoff tests;
run those last or use another controlled account for later checks.

For each test, record: date, message, actual reply, calendar result,
pass/fail, correction and retest result. Avoid storing customer details.

1. LISTED PRICE
Ask the price of a listed service. Check the amount and currency.
Result:
Fix/retest:

2. UNKNOWN PRICE
Ask about a service requiring assessment. Check for clarification or
handoff, without an invented quote.
Result:
Fix/retest:

3. UNAVAILABLE TIME
Ask for a blocked time. Check that suitable alternatives are offered.
Result:
Fix/retest:

4. MISSING DETAILS
Ask for a listed service and available time without giving your contact
details. Check that the assistant asks for your name and phone number
with country code before submitting the request.
Result:
Fix/retest:

5. COMPLETE REQUEST AND APPROVAL
Supply your details and agree to the summarized service, price and time.
Check that one unconfirmed request appears in Mecan. Review and approve
it in Bookings, then check the confirmed status.
Result:
Fix/retest:

6. COMPETING REQUESTS
With appointment capacity set to one, have two controlled test accounts
request the same remaining slot. Check that both cannot reserve it and
the unsuccessful conversation seeks agreement to an alternative time.
Result:
Fix/retest:

7. EXISTING APPOINTMENT CHANGE
Ask to move an existing appointment. Check for owner handoff, without
a claim that it has been rescheduled.
Result:
Fix/retest:

8. OWNER REQUEST
Ask to speak to the owner. Check that replies pause in that conversation
and that the owner alert arrives if notifications are configured.
Handoff itself does not send a customer message. Reply personally.
Result:
Fix/retest:

FINISH AND MAINTAIN
[ ] Remove test appointments from the working schedule.
[ ] Turn the assistant off while fixing problems that could affect clients.
[ ] Retest corrected facts, rules or calendar settings.
[ ] Review early conversations for confusing services or missing facts.
[ ] Update services and calendar records whenever they change.
[ ] Publish revised policy rules and test the affected question.