What should I do with WhatsApp orders that arrive when the kitchen is full?

Give new customers an honest wait time, or pause orders until the queue clears. Accept only what the kitchen can cook on time, because a late order costs more than a lost one.

• Count the orders in the kitchen and add a realistic wait. Tell the customer the time, not 'soon'.
• If the wait is too long, say so and offer a later slot. Many customers will agree.
• Pause new orders for a short while and say when you will reopen.
• Reply to every message, even with a short wait note. Silence feels worse than a delay.
• After the rush, write down how many orders you could handle, and use that as your limit next time.