> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pokulabs.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Follow Up Time

> Keep listening for a reply after the waitTime window closes.

`waitTime` holds the HTTP request open waiting for a reply. `followUpTime` extends that window — but instead of holding the request open, it delivers late replies to your webhook.

The two parameters can work together, or you can use just one:

| Parameter      | What it does                                          | Where the reply goes |
| -------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | -------------------- |
| `waitTime`     | Holds the request open for N seconds                  | HTTP response        |
| `followUpTime` | Keeps listening for N seconds after `waitTime` closes | Your webhook         |

***

## How it works

<Steps>
  <Step title="Message is sent">
    Poku sends the message to the recipient.
  </Step>

  <Step title="waitTime window opens">
    The HTTP request stays open. If the recipient replies, it's returned immediately in the response and your agent continues with the received context.
  </Step>

  <Step title="waitTime expires">
    If no reply came in, your agent receives the no-response message and moves on.
  </Step>

  <Step title="followUpTime window opens">
    Poku continues listening in the background. If a reply arrives, it's delivered to your webhook.
  </Step>

  <Step title="followUpTime expires">
    The channel closes. Any reply after this point is not captured.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Use case: manager replies after the call moves on

Your agent texts a manager mid-call asking about a customer's car repair. The manager doesn't reply in time, so the agent tells the customer no one is available. Ten minutes later, the manager replies — and `followUpTime` is still open.

Your webhook receives the reply, and you can:

* Text or email the customer with the manager's response
* Trigger a follow-up call to the customer
* Log the response for your team

**Example message to manager:**

```
Customer John is asking about the status of his black Toyota Camry 2016. When is it ready for pick-up?
```

**Request body:**

```json theme={null}
{
  "message": "Customer John is asking about the status of his black Toyota Camry 2016. When is it ready for pick-up?",
  "to": "+12155550100",
  "waitTime": 30,
  "followUpTime": 3600
}
```

The agent gets a response within 30 seconds if the manager is available. If not, Poku keeps listening for up to an hour. When the manager replies, your webhook receives their message.

***

## Webhook payload

When a reply arrives within `followUpTime`, Poku sends a POST to your webhook:

```typescript theme={null}
"interaction.response.received": {
  interactionId: "092f9eb4-3694-4718-9084-5c786afa87ec";
  message: "Toyota Camry 2016 will be ready for pick-up on Thursday.";
  metadata: { "customerId": "cust_123" };
  isWithinWaitTime: false;
  isWithinValidTime: true;
}
```

You can use a workflow tool like [n8n](https://n8n.io) or [Make](https://make.com) to act on this payload automatically — for example, sending the customer a follow-up text:

> *"Hi John, the manager just got back to us — your Toyota Camry 2016 will be ready for pick-up on Thursday."*

See the [Webhook](/poku-skill/webhook) page for setup instructions.