# Ask Number {% embed url="" %} 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**. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.ownchat.app/bot/ask-action/ask-number.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. 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