Your customers already live on WhatsApp. Once you connect your number, Shopstar sends their booking confirmations, reminders, payment links and ticket confirmations on WhatsApp, from your own number, next to the emails they get today. Setup takes about five minutes.
Who can use WhatsApp updates
WhatsApp appears under Store → WhatsApp once your store sells bookings or event tickets. Only the store owner can connect or change it. If your store sells them and you can’t see WhatsApp, contact Shopstar support.
Choose which number customers see
You can connect the number you already use in the WhatsApp Business app, or a new number just for updates. You can change your mind later.
- The number you already use for WhatsApp Business (recommended): you keep using the app on your phone like you do now, and customer replies still arrive there. Messages Shopstar sends also show in your chats.
- A new number, just for updates: a number that isn’t on WhatsApp yet. There’s no app on the other end, so each message tells customers how to reach you instead. Any replies show on the customer’s page in Shopstar.
Using your existing number changes a few things in the app
When you connect a WhatsApp Business app number, Meta turns off disappearing messages, view once and live location in your one-to-one chats, and your broadcast lists become read-only. Linked devices such as WhatsApp Web are signed out, and you can link them again afterwards (WhatsApp for Windows can’t be linked). Your chats, contacts, groups, calls and catalog keep working.
What you need before you start
- For your existing number: your phone with the WhatsApp Business app, version 2.24.17 or newer (regular WhatsApp won’t work)
- For a new number: a phone number that isn’t on WhatsApp and can get an SMS or call for its code
- Your Facebook login, to pick or create your business on Meta
- A card for Meta’s message fees (you can add it after connecting)
- A computer or tablet browser that allows pop-up windows
Connect your number
- 1
Open WhatsApp in your dashboard
Go to Store → WhatsApp and click Set up WhatsApp.
- 2
Choose your number
Pick the number you already use for WhatsApp Business or a new number, check the list of things to have ready, and click Continue.
- 3
Open the Meta window
Click Open WhatsApp setup. Meta, which owns WhatsApp, opens a window to link your number to Shopstar. Log in with Facebook and choose your business, or create one.
- 4
Add your number
For your existing number, enter it, open the WhatsApp Business app on your phone and scan the code Meta shows you. For a new number, add it and type in the code Meta sends to it.
- 5
Finish in the Meta window
With your existing number, choose whether to share your chat history. With a new number, set the name customers will see. Then tap Finish.
- 6
Keep the page open for a few seconds
Shopstar connects your number, sends your messages to Meta for approval and checks your account. When it’s done, you see WhatsApp is connected.
The Meta window didn’t open?
Your browser probably blocked the pop-up. Click Window didn’t open?, allow pop-ups for Shopstar in your browser, and click Open WhatsApp setup again.
Finish setting up
Your WhatsApp page now shows a checklist of anything Meta still needs, headed with how many things are left to sort out. Work through each one. Until everything is ready, customers keep getting email, so nothing is missed.
- 1
Add a payment method in Meta
Meta charges a small fee per message and bills you directly, so it needs a card before messages can go out. Click Show me how next to Add a payment method in Meta, add your card in WhatsApp Manager, then click Check again (on a phone, tap the refresh icon).
- 2
Wait for Meta to approve your messages
Meta checks every message before it can be sent. This usually takes a few minutes and can take up to a day. While it waits, What your customers get shows Waiting for Meta.
- 3
Let Meta check your display name
Meta checks the name customers see, which usually takes a day or two. Messages still send in the meantime. If Meta declines it, change it in WhatsApp Manager to match your business name.
- 4
Send yourself a test
Under Send yourself a test, enter your personal WhatsApp number (not your business number) to see exactly what customers get.
- 5
Choose what customers get
Under What your customers get, every message type shows On WhatsApp once it’s ready. Customers get the email too unless you turn it off for that message.
What it costs
Meta charges a small fee per message and bills you directly. Shopstar adds nothing on top. Meta’s prices are linked from your WhatsApp page.
Next: what your customers get on WhatsApp
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to verify my business with Meta?
No. You can send messages without it. Verifying your business in Meta Business Suite lets you message more customers each day, and the checklist on your WhatsApp page shows how many you can message now.
Can I keep replying to customers from my phone?
Yes, if you connected the number you already use in the WhatsApp Business app. Customer replies arrive in the app as before, and you answer them there.
Can I change the wording of the messages?
Not yet. Meta approves each message word for word before it can be sent, so every store uses the same friendly wording, filled in with your business name, contact details and the customer’s booking.
Can I connect the same number to two Shopstar stores?
No. A WhatsApp number can only be connected to one store. Use a different number for your second store.
Does connecting WhatsApp change my number or account?
No. Your number and your WhatsApp Business account stay yours. If you disconnect, customers go back to getting email only, and you can reconnect any time.