How can a restaurant take orders on WhatsApp?
Updated 30 September 2026
There are two ways: take orders by hand in the free WhatsApp Business app, or let them run automatically on the WhatsApp Business API.
- WhatsApp Business app: free. The customer messages you, you reply with the total and confirm. Good for a few orders a day.
- WhatsApp Business API: automatic. The customer sends “Hi”, gets your menu, orders and gets updates. Good once chats pile up.
- The API is used through a provider, and Meta charges a small fee per message you send.
- Customers message you first from your WhatsApp link, QR code or Google listing.
Orders on your own WhatsApp number, automatically
Customers send “Hi” to your number, tap Order Now and place the order themselves. It lands in your dashboard and partner app, and updates go back in the same chat, all at 0% commission.
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Sources (4)
- WhatsApp Business app and Platform, WhatsApp Help Center, read 30 September 2026
- About Business Solution Providers, WhatsApp Help Center, read 30 September 2026
- Pricing on the WhatsApp Business Platform, Meta for Developers, updated 28 September 2026
- Unauthorized use of automated or bulk messaging on WhatsApp, WhatsApp Help Center, read 30 September 2026