WhatsApp welcome message templates for online stores
The first WhatsApp message a customer gets from your store sets the tone for every one after it. It should confirm who you are, what they will receive, and how to stop.
Some of these are templates you submit to Meta, such as a subscription welcome; others are automated replies inside a conversation the customer started.
For new subscribers
Template 1: opt-in confirmed
Hi {{name}}, welcome to {{store}} on WhatsApp! You'll get order updates and {{frequency}} offers here. Reply STOP any time to opt out of offers.
Template 2: restock list
Hi {{name}}, you're on the restock list for {{product_name}}. We'll message you here as soon as it's back.
Template 3: early access list
Hi {{name}}, you're in! You'll hear about new drops from {{store}} here before they go public.
For people who message you first
Template 4: first message
Hi {{name}}, thanks for messaging {{store}}! Ask us anything about products, orders or delivery. For order status, reply with your order number.
Template 5: away hours
Hi {{name}}, thanks for your message. We're available {{hours}} and will reply as soon as we're back. You can track orders anytime here: {{tracking_page}}
Template 6: from Instagram
Hi {{name}}, great to see you here from Instagram! Which product were you looking at? Send a screenshot and we'll help.
For returning customers
Template 7: welcome back
Welcome back, {{name}}! What can we help you with today? Reply with your order number for anything about a past order.
Template 8: after first order
Hi {{name}}, thanks for your first order with {{store}}. Save this chat: it's where you'll get updates and can reach us any time.
Template 9: bonus, opt-out confirmed
Done, {{name}}. You won't receive offers from {{store}} on WhatsApp any more. You'll still get updates about orders you place.
Templates or automated replies?
Messages you send first, such as an opt-in confirmation or a restock alert, must be approved templates. Replies to a customer who messaged you, such as the first-message and away-hours replies, are sent inside the customer service window. Meta gives each number 1,000 free service messages a month, so automated replies cost little or nothing for most stores.
Write welcomes that set expectations
- Say what they will receive and roughly how often.
- Say how to opt out, in the first message.
- Give one next step, not a menu of ten.
- Sign with the store name buyers know.
Our pick: Tadlo AI
Tadlo AI
Our top pick
Best for: Welcoming customers on WhatsApp
Tadlo AI includes a shared inbox and automated replies from its Starter plan, ₹999 a month, and leaves opted-out customers out of every send automatically.
Price: Free forever plan with up to 10 messages a day. Starter ₹999, Growth ₹2,499, Pro ₹5,999 and Scale ₹11,999 a month, priced on unique contacts engaged per month. Meta's message charges are billed by Meta directly to your own account, and Tadlo adds no markup. Prices exclude GST.
Strengths
- No markup on Meta's message charges: Meta bills your own WhatsApp Business Account directly, and Tadlo only charges a flat plan
- Built for D2C: abandoned cart recovery, COD to prepaid nudges and order updates from Shopify and WooCommerce (Growth plan and above)
- Instagram comments to WhatsApp chats, which most WhatsApp-only tools cannot do
- Priced on unique people reached, not on every message, so you can follow up without counting sends
- Number health checks every 15 minutes, gradual ramp-up for new numbers and automatic opt-out handling
- Your WhatsApp Business Account is created inside your own Meta business account, so it stays yours
Limitations
- Newer than AiSensy, WATI or Interakt, with a shorter track record
- Commerce automations start on the Growth plan (₹2,499 a month)
- Tadlo AI is onboarding brands in stages, and you request access on its WhatsApp page.
Frequently asked questions
What should a WhatsApp welcome message say?
Who you are, what the customer will receive and how often, how to opt out, and one next step.
Do I need template approval for a welcome message?
Yes, if you send it first, such as after an opt-in. Replies to a customer who messaged you are sent within the service window.
How long should a welcome message be?
Two to four short lines. Say who you are, what they will get, and how to stop or get help.
Are automated WhatsApp replies free?
Replies within the customer service window are service messages. Meta gives each number 1,000 free a month and charges after that.
Sources
- tadlo.ai: Tadlo AI WhatsApp automation. Plans, features, Meta rates and onboarding checked 16 October 2026.
- Meta WhatsApp Business Platform pricing,
developers.facebook.com/docs/whatsapp/pricing. Rates effective 1 October 2026; page updated 30 September 2026. - Meta WhatsApp opt-in requirements,
developers.facebook.com/documentation/business-messaging/whatsapp/getting-opt-in. Updated 16 June 2026.