WhatsApp catalog vs an online store
A WhatsApp catalog shows your products inside the app. An online store gives customers a page of its own. Here is how they differ, and when each one fits.
| WhatsApp catalog | Online store link | |
|---|---|---|
| Where customers see it | Inside WhatsApp | A link that opens in any browser |
| Share on Instagram and elsewhere | Customers need WhatsApp to view it | One link that works anywhere |
| Sizes, colours and extras | Limited | Options and variants with their own price |
| Order total and details | You work it out in the chat | Calculated and sent in one message |
| Order history | Scroll through chats | A dashboard with every order and customer |
| Payment status and revenue | Not tracked | Mark orders as paid and see revenue |
| Delivery fees and minimum order | Not built in | Set once, applied to every order |
| Your own address and QR code | Not included | Included |
Features of other apps change over time. This comparison reflects how they work at the time of writing.
When a catalog is enough
If you have a few products, no options and all your customers already chat with you on WhatsApp, a catalog is quick to set up and costs nothing.
When a store link is better
As soon as you sell sizes or colours, take many orders, or want customers from Instagram and Google, a store page saves you hours of typing and avoids mistakes.
- Customers choose the exact item and quantity
- You get every order in one place
- You can share the link anywhere, not only in chats
You can use both
A store does not replace your chat. The order still arrives on WhatsApp, so you keep talking to your customers the same way.
Questions
No. Keep it if it helps. Your store link adds a page that works outside WhatsApp and handles options and totals.
Yes. The order opens a chat with you, so you confirm and arrange payment and delivery there.