Is WhatsApp a good platform to use for SMS in your salon?

In this guide we explore just how WhatsApp Business works.

WhatsApp is one of the largest platforms for messaging in today's world, I am sure you are someone that has already had a WhatsApp message today if you have it on your phone.

We looked into the pros and cons of using WhatsApp for business, see our findings below...

WhatsApp Business

The perception that WhatsApp is free for salons to use for their clients is sadly not the case.

• The WhatsApp SMS charge is based on one conversation within 24 hours between the salon and the client.
  • For example if a salon send a message to Neil and he replies, it begins a conversation, this conversation is one charge within a 24 hour period.
• The client must reply within 24 hours of the WhatsApp message being sent to allow the salon to message the client a second time within the same time frame. 
• As long as the client replies to the message within 24 hours it is free of charge for the salon

Limitations to the salon when using WhatsApp

• Can only send one SMS within 24 hours per client
• If the client is not on WhatsApp the client won’t get it
• The client has to reply to the message to begin a conversation and enable the salon then send another message

At time of writing (March 2023), we will not suggest WhatsApp for business is used through your POS system due to its limitations to you. We feel it is far more beneficial for the salon to have no limitations in contacting a client through the standard SMS.