> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.payam.africa/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How WhatsApp shopping works

> Understand the customer conversation, order alert, and merchant follow-up.

Payam's WhatsApp shopping link opens your store in WhatsApp. The customer does not need a separate app download or account for this channel. Payam handles the shopping conversation around the clock: browsing products, adding items to a cart, collecting delivery details, and taking the customer through payment.

## Share and test the shopping link

1. In the merchant dashboard, open **WhatsApp store** and copy the store's shopping link.
2. Check the channel status. **Inactive** means setup is unfinished; **Live 24/7** means the store setup steps are complete.
3. Open the link from a separate phone or browser and follow the flow as a customer. Check the welcome copy, product details, cart, delivery questions, and payment options shown for your store.
4. Share the link or its QR code through your usual marketing channels once the test is satisfactory.

If the page says **Finish setup**, complete the store checklist and transaction-fee choice before expecting the channel to take orders.

## What happens after an order

A new-order alert goes to the **notification number**. You can confirm the order in the merchant dashboard or reply to the alert on WhatsApp, as the channel's **How it works** panel describes. Keep someone responsible for monitoring that number, and use **Orders** in the dashboard to review status and fulfillment details.

The **customer contact number** serves a different purpose. It is a number shoppers can message directly and is shown at the end of an order. It can match the notification number or be different. See [WhatsApp messages and numbers](https://help.payam.africa/merchants/whatsapp-settings.md) to configure both.

If your test fails, check store activation, product availability, your notification number, and the live customer preview in **WhatsApp store**.


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