WhatsApp Business for local shops: catalogue, quick replies and more orders

For most shops in Bihar, WhatsApp is already the busiest counter — people send photos of what they want, ask for prices and confirm delivery there. The free WhatsApp Business app makes this faster and more professional.

WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business?

WhatsApp Business is a separate free app from Meta, made for small businesses. You can move your shop number to it and keep your chats. Use a number that stays with the shop, not a staff member's personal number.

Set up your business profile

• Business name exactly as on your board
• Category, address and a map location
• Hours — customers see if you are open
• Description — what you sell and where you deliver
• Website — your Bihar Directory page works well if you have no website

Build a catalogue

Add your main products or services with a photo, price and short description. Customers can browse and send you an item straight from the catalogue, which saves both of you typing. Update it when prices change.

Save time with automatic messages

1. Greeting message — welcomes first-time customers and tells them what to send (item, quantity, address).
2. Away message — replies automatically when the shop is closed, with your opening time.
3. Quick replies — save answers you type daily, like your UPI details, delivery charges or directions, and send them with a shortcut.

Use labels to track orders

Mark chats with labels such as New order, Payment pending, Delivered and Follow up. At the end of the day you can see what is still pending.

Grow without spamming

• Share offers on your Status — customers who saved your number see it.
• Use broadcast lists only for customers who agreed to receive messages. Messaging people who did not ask can get your number blocked or reported.
• Put a WhatsApp link or QR code on your counter, bills and your Bihar Directory listing.

Good habits

• Reply within a few minutes during shop hours.
• Confirm the order and total before collecting payment.
• Never share customers' numbers or photos with others.

When you grow bigger

If you need several staff to answer the same number or want to send automated order updates, the WhatsApp Business Platform (Cloud API) supports that through approved providers. For most local shops, the free app is enough.