Ask Number
The Ask Number action allows the chatbot to collect numeric input from users during a conversation.
This action ensures that users enter valid numbers only, preventing text or unsupported input types. It is useful when collecting data such as quantities, order numbers, or numerical responses.
The entered value is stored in a variable and can be used later in the chatbot workflow for automation, calculations, or conditional logic.
When to Use Ask Number
Use the Ask Number action when the chatbot requires numeric input from the user.
Common Use Cases
Product quantity selection
Number of guests for reservations
Order ID collection
Customer age input
Survey rating values
Example interaction:
Bot: How many items would you like to order today? User: 3
The chatbot stores the number 3 in a variable for further processing.
How to Add Ask Number
Follow these steps to add an Ask Number action to your bot workflow.
Open Bot Builder
Click Add Node
Select the Ask tab
Choose Ask Number
Configure the required fields
Click Create
Once added, the chatbot will pause at this step until the user provides a valid numeric response.
Ask Number Configuration
When configuring the Ask Number action, several fields must be completed.
Action Name
The Action Name identifies the Ask Number action inside the bot workflow.
This name is visible only within the bot builder.
Example:
Ask Numeric Response Order Quantity Guest Count Input
Message
The Message field contains the question displayed to the user.
Example:
Hi {{customer.name}} 👋 How many items would you like to order today?
The message supports:
Dynamic variables
Text formatting
Emojis
Variables can be inserted using the Add Variable option.
Adding Variables
The Add Variable feature allows dynamic values to be inserted into the message.
Examples include:
Customer name
Phone number
Email
Contact information
Example:
Hi {{customer.name}}
This helps personalize the chatbot interaction.
Error Attempt
The Error Attempt field defines the number of invalid responses allowed.
Example:
Error Attempt: 2
If the user enters invalid input multiple times, the chatbot will trigger the configured Action on Invalid.
Error Message
The Error Message appears when the user enters an invalid response.
Example:
Please enter a valid number between 1 and 50.
This guides users to provide the correct type of input.
Action on Invalid
This option determines what happens if the user exceeds the allowed error attempts.
Available options include:
End the Flow
Stops the chatbot conversation.
Skip the Question
Allows the chatbot to continue without collecting the response.
Fall Back Flow
Redirects the user to another predefined action.
Validation Settings
The Validation Setting ensures that the number entered by the user falls within a defined range.
When enabled, you can configure:
Minimum Value
Defines the smallest acceptable number.
Example:
Min Value: 1
Maximum Value
Defines the largest acceptable number.
Example:
Max Value: 50
If the user enters a number outside this range, the system will display the error message.
Store Response in Variable
The Store Response in Variable field saves the numeric input for later use.
Example variable:
order_quantity
This stored value can be used for:
Order processing
Conditional logic
Reporting and analytics
Personalized chatbot responses
Example Ask Number Interaction
Example chatbot conversation:
Bot: Hi John 👋 How many items would you like to order today? User: 4
The chatbot stores the response in the variable:
order_quantity
and continues to the next step in the workflow.
Best Practices
Follow these recommendations when using Ask Number.
Ask clear numeric questions
Ensure users understand they must enter a number.
Use validation ranges
Set minimum and maximum values when applicable.
Provide helpful error messages
Guide users when incorrect input is entered.
Personalize messages
Include dynamic variables such as the customer's name.
Store numeric responses
Save responses in variables for future automation.
Summary
The Ask Number action enables chatbots to collect numeric responses from users with built-in validation.
With Ask Number, you can:
Collect numeric data from users
Prevent invalid text input
Define minimum and maximum numeric ranges
Handle invalid responses automatically
Store numeric responses for automation and workflow logic
This feature helps ensure accurate and structured numeric data collection in chatbot interactions.
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