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10 Tech How-To

How to Add Products to WhatsApp Store

Guide 10-12492 · Updated · Step by step

Adding products to your WhatsApp store (the catalog feature in WhatsApp Business) lets customers browse your items without leaving the chat. This guide walks you through setting up your catalog, adding products with photos and prices, and sharing them with customers. You’ll need a WhatsApp Business account (not the regular WhatsApp app) and your product photos ready.

What You’ll Need

  • WhatsApp Business app installed on your phone (Android or iOS)
  • A business phone number that isn’t already registered with regular WhatsApp
  • Product photos (clear, well-lit images)
  • Product names, descriptions, and prices
  • Optional: a website or catalog link if you want to include it

Step-by-Step

  1. Open WhatsApp Business and go to your business profile. Tap the three-dot menu (Android) or Settings (iOS), then tap your business name at the top.
  2. Tap “Catalog” (or “Products” on some versions). If you haven’t set up a catalog yet, you’ll see a “Get Started” button – tap it.
  3. Tap the “Add Product” button (usually a plus icon or a button that says “Add Product”).
  4. Add your product photos. Tap the camera icon to take a photo or select from your gallery. You can add up to 10 photos per product. Choose the best one as the cover – this is what customers see first.
  5. Enter the product name. Keep it clear and specific, e.g., “Handmade Leather Wallet – Brown” rather than just “Wallet.”
  6. Add a description. Include key details: size, material, color, features, and what’s included. Keep it concise but informative – customers can’t touch the item, so describe it well.
  7. Set the price. Enter the numeric value (e.g., 29.99). Choose the currency from the drop-down – it defaults to your region’s currency, but you can change it.
  8. Add a product code (optional). This is useful for inventory tracking, but it’s not required.
  9. Add a link (optional). If you have a website or a specific product page, you can paste the URL here. Customers can tap it to learn more.
  10. Tap “Save” (or the checkmark in the top right). Your product is now live in your catalog.
  11. Share your catalog with customers. In a chat, tap the paperclip icon (Android) or the plus icon (iOS), then select “Catalog” or “Product” to send a specific item or the whole catalog. You can also add a catalog shortcut to your business profile.

Common Mistakes

  • Using regular WhatsApp instead of WhatsApp Business. The catalog feature is only available in WhatsApp Business. You’ll need to download the Business app and register your business number.
  • Blurry or low-quality photos. Customers can’t see the product in person, so a poor photo can kill a sale. Use natural lighting and multiple angles.
  • Missing prices or vague descriptions. If a price isn’t listed, customers may not ask – they’ll just move on. Always include a price and enough detail to answer common questions.
  • Forgetting to update inventory. If you sell out, the product stays visible unless you mark it as out of stock or delete it. Keep your catalog current.
  • Not sharing the catalog. Adding products is only half the job – you need to actively send the catalog link or product cards to customers, especially new ones.

Tips

  • Use a consistent photo style. Clean backgrounds and similar angles make your catalog look professional.
  • Write descriptions that answer questions. Include size, material, care instructions, and shipping info if applicable.
  • Set a clear currency. If you ship internationally, consider listing prices in a common currency or note that prices are in your local currency.
  • Organize products logically. WhatsApp doesn’t allow categories yet, so use naming conventions (e.g., “Men’s Shirt – Blue”) to help customers find what they need.
  • Update your catalog regularly. Add new items, remove sold-out ones, and adjust prices as needed.
  • Pin your catalog to your profile. This makes it visible to anyone who views your business info.

Troubleshooting

  • Can’t find the Catalog option. Make sure you’re using WhatsApp Business, not regular WhatsApp. If you are, update the app to the latest version – older versions may not have the catalog feature.
  • Product won’t save. Check that you’ve filled in all required fields: name, price, and at least one photo. Some versions require a description too.
  • Price shows in the wrong currency. Go to your catalog settings and change the currency. You can only have one currency for the entire catalog, so choose the one you use most.
  • Customers can’t see your catalog. Make sure your catalog is set to “Public” in the catalog settings. Also, ensure you’ve shared the link or product card – it doesn’t automatically appear in every chat.
  • Photo upload fails. Compress the image or try a smaller file size. Large images can time out on slower connections.
  • You see “Catalog not available” error. This can happen if your account is new or if WhatsApp is temporarily glitching. Try restarting the app, checking your internet connection, and waiting a few hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add products from my computer?

Yes, WhatsApp Business has a web/desktop version. Log in at web.whatsapp.com with your business number, then go to Settings > Catalog to add products from your computer.

How many products can I add?

WhatsApp allows up to 500 products per catalog. That’s plenty for most small businesses.

Can I edit or delete a product after it’s added?

Yes. Go to Catalog, tap the product, then tap the edit (pencil) icon to change details or the trash icon to delete it.

Is there a fee for using the WhatsApp catalog?

No, the catalog feature is free as part of WhatsApp Business. You only pay for standard data charges.

Can I share my catalog on Instagram or Facebook?

Not directly. WhatsApp doesn’t have a built-in cross-posting feature. However, you can copy the catalog link and share it manually on other platforms.

Do customers need WhatsApp to view my catalog?

Yes, they need WhatsApp to see the catalog and chat with you. However, you can share a public link that opens the catalog in a browser for viewing, but they’ll need WhatsApp to contact you.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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