How do I tell a customer an item is out of stock after they ordered?
Updated 30 September 2026
Message the customer right away: say what ran out and offer a swap, a removal or a cancel. Confirm the new total, then hide the item so nobody else orders it.
- Save a quick reply such as “Sorry, this item just ran out. Would you like a swap, or shall I remove it?”
- Reply in the same chat. On the API, free-form replies work inside the 24-hour window; after it closes, only an approved template can be sent.
- Send the new total in writing before you start cooking, so the customer agrees to the change.
- If you use the Business app catalog, hide the item so it stops showing until you have stock again.
- If the customer has already paid, agree the refund or swap in the same chat and keep the message as your record.
Stop orders for items you've run out of
Mark an item out of stock in Menuthere and customers can no longer add it to an order. Your menu stays accurate while you cook, so you don't take orders for food you can't serve.
Next questions
Sources (3)
- How to use quick replies, WhatsApp Help Center, read 30 September 2026
- How to create and maintain a catalog, WhatsApp Help Center, read 30 September 2026
- Send messages, Meta for Developers, updated 21 May 2026
