What should I do when a customer arrives for pickup but their WhatsApp order is not ready?

Apologise, give a real time, and offer a place to wait. Then send a "your order is ready" message next time, so customers come when the food is actually ready.

• Say sorry first and give a time you can keep. A short, true time is better than "soon".
• Offer a seat or a small drink or snack if it is a long wait and your shop allows it.
• Find out why they were early. Did you quote a time that was too short?
• Send a "ready for pickup" message every time. Customers then arrive when it is ready.
• Add a little time to your quotes when the kitchen is busy.