How to Take Orders on WhatsApp Without Paying for Software

For many small businesses, WhatsApp is where customers already are. You can take orders there without buying any special software. The free WhatsApp Business app adds tools made for small businesses, and a simple routine keeps orders organised. This guide shows how to set it up.

Step 1: Use the WhatsApp Business app

WhatsApp Business is a free app, separate from regular WhatsApp. It is designed for small businesses and can run on a different number from your personal one. Set up your business profile with your name, a short description, your address, opening hours and website.

Step 2: Show what you sell

The app has a Catalog feature where you can add products or services with photos, prices and descriptions. Customers can browse it inside the chat. If you sell only a few things, a clear price list sent as an image also works.

Step 3: Save time with automatic messages

• Greeting message: a welcome that goes to new customers automatically.
• Away message: tells people when you are closed and when you will reply.
• Quick replies: saved answers for common questions. Type a short shortcut and the full message appears.

Step 4: Make it easy to start a chat

Put your WhatsApp link everywhere customers look. Use our WhatsApp Link Generator to make a link with a message already typed, and put it on your website, Instagram bio and Google profile. Then turn it into a QR code with our QR Code Maker for your shop window and packaging.

Step 5: Use a simple order routine

Orders go wrong when details are missing. Ask customers to send the same information every time, using a saved quick reply like this:

Thanks for your order! Please send:
1. What you want and how many
2. Your name
3. Delivery address or pickup time
4. Your phone number

Then repeat the order back with the total price, and wait for the customer to confirm before you start.

Step 6: Stay organised

• Use Labels to mark chats, such as "New order", "Paid" or "Delivered".
• Confirm payment before you deliver or send goods.
• Keep a simple list or notebook of daily orders, in case chats get busy or messages are missed.

Mistakes to avoid

• Using your personal number for the business, so work and private chats mix.
• Taking orders without confirming the price and the address.
• Sending messages to people who did not ask to hear from you. It annoys customers and can get your number restricted.
• Replying very late. Quick replies win orders.

Frequently asked questions

Keep reading