> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ownchat.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ownchat.app/bot/ask-action/ask-date.md). # Ask Date The **Ask Date** action allows the chatbot to collect a **date input from the user** during a conversation. This action is commonly used for scheduling tasks such as appointments, bookings, or events. It ensures that the user provides a date in the correct format and within the allowed range. The selected date is stored in a variable and can be used later in the chatbot workflow for scheduling, confirmations, or automation. {% embed url="" %} ### **When to Use Ask Date** Use the **Ask Date** action when the chatbot needs to collect a **specific date from the user**. **Common Use Cases** * Appointment booking * Event registration * Delivery scheduling * Reservation dates * Service booking Example interaction: Bot: Please provide your preferred appointment date.\ \ User: 25/03/2026 The chatbot captures the date and stores it for further workflow processing. ### **How to Add Ask Date** Follow these steps to add the Ask Date action to your bot workflow. * Open **Bot Builder** * Click **Add Node** {% embed url="" %} * Select the **Ask** tab * Choose **Ask Date** {% embed url="" %} * Configure the required fields * Click **Create** Once added, the chatbot waits until the user provides a valid date input. ### **Ask Date Configuration** When creating an Ask Date action, several configuration options must be completed. #### **Action Name** The **Action Name** identifies the action within the bot workflow. This name is visible only inside the bot builder. {% embed url="" %} Example: Scheduling a Doctor Appointment\ Select Delivery Date\ Choose Booking Date #### **Message** The **Message** field contains the question shown to the user. {% embed url="" %} Example: Hello 👋\ \ We are excited to schedule your doctor appointment.\ \ Please provide your preferred appointment date in the format: DD-MM-YYYY. The message supports: * Dynamic variables * Text formatting * Emojis Variables can be inserted using the **Add Variable** option. #### **Date Format** The **Date Format** option defines the format users must follow when entering the date. {% embed url="" %} Available formats include: * **DD/MM/YYYY** * **MM/DD/YYYY** * **ISO DateTime with Milliseconds** Example: DD/MM/YYYY This ensures the system captures the date correctly. #### **Error Attempt** The **Error Attempt** field defines the number of invalid responses allowed. {% embed url="" %} Example: Error Attempt: 3 If the user exceeds the allowed attempts, the chatbot follows the configured **Action on Invalid**. #### **Error Message** The **Error Message** appears when the user enters an invalid date. {% embed url="" %} Example: Oops! It seems the date you entered is not in the correct format.\ Please enter the date in DD/MM/YYYY format. This helps guide users toward the correct input format. #### **Action on Invalid** This option determines what happens when the user exceeds the allowed number of invalid attempts. Available options include: **End the Flow** Stops the chatbot conversation. **Skip the Question** Continues the workflow without collecting the date. **Fall Back Flow** Redirects the user to another predefined chatbot flow. #### **Validation Settings** The **Validation Setting** ensures the selected date falls within a defined range. {% embed url="" %} When enabled, you can specify: **Start Date** {% embed url="" %} Defines the earliest acceptable date. {% embed url="" %} Example: Start Date: 02/03/2026 **End Date** Defines the latest acceptable date. {% embed url="" %} Example: End Date: 31/03/2026 This ensures users select dates within the allowed timeframe. ### **Store Response in Variable** The **Store Response in Variable** option saves the selected date. {% embed url="" %} Example variable: appointment\_date This stored value can be used for: * Appointment scheduling * Order tracking * Event management * Automated reminders ### Save and Deploy After configuring the action: 1. Click **Create** to add the action to the flow
{% embed url="" %} 2. Connect the node appropriately 3. Click **Publish** to deploy the configuration ### **Example Ask Date Interaction** Example chatbot conversation: Bot: Hello 👋\ We are excited to schedule your doctor appointment.\ \ Please provide your preferred appointment date.\ \ User: 31/03/2026 The chatbot stores the response in the variable: appointment\_date and continues to the next step in the workflow. ### **Best Practices** Follow these recommendations when using Ask Date. **Clearly specify the date format** Users should know the required format before responding. **Use validation ranges** Limit dates to valid booking or service windows. **Provide clear error messages** Help users correct incorrect date formats. **Store date responses** Use variables to reuse the selected date in the workflow. **Personalize messages** Add dynamic variables to improve engagement. ### **Summary** The **Ask Date** action allows chatbots to collect **valid date inputs from users** during conversations. {% embed url="" %} With Ask Date, you can: * Collect date inputs for scheduling * Define supported date formats * Restrict dates using validation ranges * Handle incorrect inputs automatically * Store date responses for workflow automation This feature helps businesses manage **appointments, bookings, and event scheduling efficiently through chatbot automation**.