WhatsApp opt-in for online stores
Every WhatsApp message a store sends depends on permission. Meta requires businesses to collect opt-in that clearly states the person is agreeing to receive messages from the business, and names the business. Without that, order updates, cart reminders and campaigns all sit on shaky ground.
This guide covers the places to collect opt-in and the wording that keeps it clear.
At checkout
The best place, because the buyer is already giving a number. Add a checkbox next to the phone field: "Send me order updates and offers from [Store] on WhatsApp". Some stores split it in two, one box for order updates and one for offers, so buyers can choose; that tends to keep opt-outs low.
Site pop-ups
A pop-up offering something useful, such as early access to sales or restock alerts, can collect opt-ins from visitors who are not buying yet. Say exactly what they will get and how often.
Inside Instagram DMs
When someone comments for a product link, the DM can offer "Get restock alerts on WhatsApp" with a button. The buyer messaging you on WhatsApp starts the conversation; capture their opt-in there.
Offline: packaging and stores
- A QR code on the packaging that opens a WhatsApp chat for care tips or reorders.
- A QR code at the counter for in-store customers.
- Clear text next to each code saying what they will receive.
Wording examples
| Where | Wording |
|---|---|
| Checkout | Send me order updates and offers from [Store] on WhatsApp |
| Pop-up | Get early access to sales from [Store] on WhatsApp. One message a week at most. |
| Instagram DM | Want a WhatsApp alert when this is back in stock? Tap below. |
Separate order updates from offers
Buyers are far more willing to receive order updates than promotions. If you ask for both in one checkbox, some will untick it and you lose the updates too. Two checkboxes, or one for updates with a separate invitation to offers later, usually keeps more customers reachable for the messages that matter most to them.
How many opt-ins to expect
Opt-in rates vary widely by store and wording. Measure your own: opt-ins as a share of orders at checkout, and of visitors for pop-ups. Change one thing at a time, the wording or the incentive, and compare a few weeks of results.
Keep a record
Store the date, the source and the wording each customer agreed to. If someone asks why they received a message, or Meta reviews your account, you can show it.
Make leaving easy
Every marketing message should make opting out simple, and opt-outs must be honoured at once. Tools that exclude opted-out customers automatically remove the risk of a mistake during a busy campaign.
Our pick: Tadlo AI
Tadlo AI
Our top pick
Best for: Stores building a WhatsApp list properly
Tadlo AI leaves opted-out customers out of sends automatically, shows the cost of each broadcast before you send, and checks your quality rating every 15 minutes, so a healthy list stays healthy.
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
Do I need opt-in to send WhatsApp messages to customers?
Yes. Meta requires businesses to collect opt-in that clearly states the person is agreeing to receive messages from the business, and names the business.
Where should an online store collect WhatsApp opt-in?
At checkout first, then site pop-ups, Instagram DMs and QR codes on packaging.
What should happen when someone opts out?
Stop all marketing messages to them at once. Order updates for an order they already placed can continue only if they agreed to receive them.
Should I offer a discount for WhatsApp opt-in?
It can lift opt-ins, but it attracts people who want only the discount. Early access, restock alerts and order updates are often enough, and they bring subscribers who stay.
Can I buy a WhatsApp contact list?
No. Messaging people who did not opt in breaks WhatsApp's Business Messaging Policy and leads to blocks, reports and limits on your number.
Can I message customers who gave their number for delivery?
Only if they agreed to receive WhatsApp messages from you. A phone number for delivery is not the same as WhatsApp opt-in.
Sources
- tadlo.ai: Tadlo AI WhatsApp automation. Plans, features, Meta rates and onboarding checked 16 October 2026.
- Meta WhatsApp opt-in requirements,
developers.facebook.com/documentation/business-messaging/whatsapp/getting-opt-in. Updated 16 June 2026. - WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy,
whatsappbusiness.com/policy/. Last updated 23 September 2026.