Why can't I use my existing WhatsApp number for back in stock alerts?
..and what's the alternative?
WhatsApp API for Business does not allow the re-use of an existing phone number that's already connected to WhatsApp as a personal number.
In addition to this, when any Shopify App maker (similar to us) integrates with the WhatsApp API, the phone number used by that App maker is "reserved" for the services provided only by that App maker. That's why WhatsApp phone numbers used by one App maker are not re-usable by another.
Due to these restrictions, it is common for large ecommerce brands to use multiple WhatsApp phone numbers for different business needs.
We recommend that you purchase a new phone number and use that for Back in stock WhatsApp alerts.
We've got you covered! We integrate the new custom number to your existing support channel, so if anyone replies to the back in stock WhatsApp message, they are smoothly redirected to your existing WhatsApp chat support or your "contact us" pages.
How it works: When anyone replies to the back in stock WhatsApp message, they get an instant automatic reply that says something like:
"This conversation is used only for Back in Stock notifications. If you need any help, please tap here: +XXXXXXXXXXXX".
The phone number added here is hyperlinked, and customers will get redirected with one tap. You can choose to redirect customers to your existing WhatsApp support chat phone number here or you can redirect customers to your contact-us page by adding a URL.
Customers will be redirected to your existing support phone number or contact us page using an auto-response (see the answer to the previous question). Your customer support won't need to handle any additional channel. They can continue doing what they were doing earlier.
One option is to continue using our central Peppyduck number. However, we highly recommend that you purchase a new number because conversion rates from back in stock alerts increase by 20% when customers use their custom number with their own brand logo and their own brand display name. The growth in revenue far outweighs the cost of buying a new number.
Which numbers are restricted by the WhatsApp Business API?
WhatsApp API for Business does not allow the re-use of an existing phone number that's already connected to WhatsApp as a personal number.
In addition to this, when any Shopify App maker (similar to us) integrates with the WhatsApp API, the phone number used by that App maker is "reserved" for the services provided only by that App maker. That's why WhatsApp phone numbers used by one App maker are not re-usable by another.
Due to these restrictions, it is common for large ecommerce brands to use multiple WhatsApp phone numbers for different business needs.
What number should I use for back in stock alerts?
We recommend that you purchase a new phone number and use that for Back in stock WhatsApp alerts.
What happens if someone replies to a message sent from one phone number? I already have a support channel, and I do not want customers to chat on another new number.
We've got you covered! We integrate the new custom number to your existing support channel, so if anyone replies to the back in stock WhatsApp message, they are smoothly redirected to your existing WhatsApp chat support or your "contact us" pages.
How it works: When anyone replies to the back in stock WhatsApp message, they get an instant automatic reply that says something like:
"This conversation is used only for Back in Stock notifications. If you need any help, please tap here: +XXXXXXXXXXXX".
The phone number added here is hyperlinked, and customers will get redirected with one tap. You can choose to redirect customers to your existing WhatsApp support chat phone number here or you can redirect customers to your contact-us page by adding a URL.
I already have customer support handling one phone number. I don't want my customer support to be confused with another phone number. What can I do?
Customers will be redirected to your existing support phone number or contact us page using an auto-response (see the answer to the previous question). Your customer support won't need to handle any additional channel. They can continue doing what they were doing earlier.
I don't want to spend additional money on a new number. What can I do?
One option is to continue using our central Peppyduck number. However, we highly recommend that you purchase a new number because conversion rates from back in stock alerts increase by 20% when customers use their custom number with their own brand logo and their own brand display name. The growth in revenue far outweighs the cost of buying a new number.
Updated on: 22/04/2024
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