WhatsApp is no longer just a messaging app, it’s becoming a powerful sales channel for modern entrepreneurs. With its massive user base and instant communication features, it’s now possible to run a full-fledged dropshipping business right from your phone. You can showcase products, take orders, and build customer relationships, all without a website or upfront inventory.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to start dropshipping using WhatsApp, step-by-step. From setting up your product catalog to automating order tracking and customer replies, we’ll show you how to streamline everything so you can focus on growing your business with less effort. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to scale, this guide is your blueprint to selling smarter on WhatsApp.
What is WhatsApp Dropshipping?
WhatsApp Dropshipping is a method of running an eCommerce business without maintaining inventory, using WhatsApp as the main sales and communication channel. Instead of building a website or investing in paid ads, sellers use WhatsApp to showcase products, take orders, and manage customer communication.
It’s especially popular in India and other mobile-first markets where WhatsApp is the go-to platform for messaging. With tools like WhatsApp Business, even solopreneurs can manage product catalogs, automate replies, and build strong customer relationships – all while running their store directly from their phone.
How WhatsApp Dropshipping Works: A Step-by-Step Guide
WhatsApp dropshipping is a beginner-friendly business model where you sell products without holding inventory. Let’s walk through the process from finding products to delivering them to your customers.
Step 1: Find Reliable Products & Suppliers
Start by choosing a dropshipping platform that offers:
- No upfront investment
- Cash-on-delivery (COD) support
- Direct shipping to customers
Popular Indian Suppliers:
- Qikink – Ideal for custom printed products with no inventory and automated order fulfillment
- Meesho – Great for beginners with easy sharing and zero investment
- GlowRoad – Strong in fashion and home categories
- Shop101 / Yaaku / ShopSe – Full-service reselling platforms
- Udaan / IndiaMART – Ideal for buying in bulk (advanced users)
Step 2: Create Your Product Listings on WhatsApp
Once you’ve selected products:
- Save product images and descriptions
- Add your profit margin to the base price
- Share these listings on:
- WhatsApp personal chats
- Groups (family, friends, local deals)
- Broadcast lists
- Status updates
- Your WhatsApp Business Catalog
Example:
A kurti costs ₹300 on Meesho. You list it for ₹450, making a ₹150 profit.
Step 3: Set Up WhatsApp Business for Selling
To appear professional and save time:
Download & Set Up WhatsApp Business:
- Install from the Play Store or App Store
- Register with a business number
- Go to Settings > Business Tools > Business Profile
- Fill in details: business name, category, hours, description, logo, etc.
Create Product Catalog:
- Go to Business Tools > Catalog > Add Item
- Add:
- Product photo
- Price & description
- Order link (Google Form or product page
Step 4: Promote Your Products
You don’t need ads to start – use your existing network.
Where to Promote:
- WhatsApp groups you’re part of
- Create your own group (e.g., “Budget Home Decor ”)
- WhatsApp Broadcasts
- Daily Status Updates (like a mini billboard)
Tips for Promotion:
- Use urgency: “Only 3 left!”
- Share real buyer reviews or product demo videos
- Use emojis and simple language for appeal
- Run referral deals to increase reach
Step 5: Handle Customer Inquiries & Take Orders
Once someone messages “I want to buy,” you:
Confirm:
- Product variant (size, color, etc.)
- Customer name, address, and phone number
- Payment method (COD or prepaid)
Fulfill the Order:
- Place the order with the supplier using the customer’s details
- Pay the supplier (your cost price)
- Supplier ships directly to your customer
- Share tracking info once available
Step 6: Automate with WhatsApp Business Tools
Save time and look professional by using:
Key Automation Features:
Quick Replies:
/shipping → “We deliver in 5–7 days across India.”
Greeting Message:
“Welcome to GlamCart! Let me know what you’re looking for 😊”
Away Message:
“Thanks for reaching out! We’ll reply soon.”
Labels:
Organize chats into “New Orders,” “Dispatched,” “Follow-up,” etc.
Step 7: Post-Sale Follow-up & Repeat Sales
Keep customers engaged after delivery:
What to Do:
- Share tracking updates
- Ask for feedback or photo reviews
- Recommend related items (upsell)
- Run loyalty deals like “Buy 3, get ₹50 off”
Bonus Tips for Success:
- Use a Google Sheet to track orders, payments, and delivery status
- Use a dedicated business number or dual SIM phone
- Join reseller WhatsApp or Telegram groups for product ideas
- Keep messages short, clear, and personal
- Be responsive – most sales happen when you reply fast
Common Use Cases of WhatsApp Dropshipping
1. Reselling Popular Products
This is the most common use case, where you pick trending products (fashion, home décor, beauty items) from a supplier and sell them via your personal network.
Ideal for students, homemakers, and part-timers looking to earn from home.
2. Group Selling
You create a WhatsApp group of interested buyers (e.g., women’s fashion lovers) and post daily deals or limited-time offers. It builds community and repeat buyers.
Some sellers manage multiple niche-specific groups like “Kitchen Deals” or “Baby Essentials”.
3. Catalog-Based Selling
Using WhatsApp Business Catalog, you can upload all your products, prices, and details. Customers can view and message you directly without asking for images again and again.
Looks more professional and saves time for frequent sellers.
4. Broadcast Selling
You create a broadcast list of all buyers and send daily product updates or discounts. Unlike groups, customers don’t see each other, and your message feels personal.
Pros of WhatsApp Dropshipping
1. Direct Customer Communication
- WhatsApp enables instant, personal interaction with customers.
- You can quickly answer queries, provide product info, and build trust.
2. Low Cost & Easy Setup
- WhatsApp is free to use and widely available.
- No need for a complex website or expensive eCommerce platform initially.
3. High Engagement Rate
- Messages on WhatsApp are often read immediately, higher open and response rates than emails.
- Customers feel conversations are more personalized and less “salesy.”
4. Easy Sharing of Multimedia
- You can send images, videos, catalogs, voice notes, and product demos easily.
- Helps in better showcasing products without needing a dedicated site.
5. Group and Broadcast Marketing
- Use groups or broadcast lists to promote offers and new products to multiple customers simultaneously.
- Can create a community or loyal customer base.
6. Payment Integration
- Many countries allow easy integration with UPI, Paytm, or other mobile wallets through links.
- Facilitates quicker payments directly in chat.
7. WhatsApp Business Tools
- Automated greeting and away messages, labels for organizing chats, quick replies.
- Helps manage orders and customer service efficiently.
Cons of WhatsApp Dropshipping
1. Limited Scalability
- Managing a large number of customers can get overwhelming without automation.
- No built-in eCommerce features like shopping carts or product catalogs beyond basic tools.
2. Manual Order Processing
- Orders and payments usually need to be tracked manually or with third-party tools.
- Increases chances of errors or delays.
3. Customer Privacy and Consent
- Customers must have your number saved to receive broadcast messages.
- Spamming users can lead to being blocked or reported.
4. No Native Payment Gateway
- WhatsApp doesn’t provide built-in payment processing globally.
- You rely on external payment methods or links, which might reduce conversion.
5. Limited Marketing Analytics
- WhatsApp doesn’t offer detailed metrics like click-through rates, impressions, or conversion tracking.
- Hard to analyze campaign effectiveness.
6. Risk of Account Suspension
- Aggressive marketing or violating WhatsApp policies may lead to account bans.
- Requires careful management to avoid spammy behavior.
7. Less Professional Perception
- Some customers may see WhatsApp shopping as informal or less trustworthy compared to a dedicated online store.
8. Customer Support Load
- Without automation, answering repetitive queries can be time-consuming.
WhatsApp Automation Tools
WhatsApp automation tools help businesses streamline communication, enhance customer engagement, and drive sales by automating repetitive tasks such as messaging, responses, and campaign management. These tools leverage WhatsApp Business API and cloud capabilities to send personalized messages, set up chatbots, manage contacts, and analyze campaign performance, all from a centralized platform. Using these tools allows brands to deliver timely and relevant communication, improving customer experience and increasing conversion rates. Here are some of the common automation tools for whatsapp:
1. Wati
WATI is a WhatsApp Business Solutions Provider owned by Clare.ai. It helps businesses get access to the official WhatsApp Business API and offers tools to manage customer chats in one shared inbox with automation.
WATI also has an easy-to-use chatbot builder that lets you automate replies and set up conversations without coding. It’s great for businesses of any size that want to provide quick customer support on WhatsApp.
Key Features:
- Send bulk messages
- Connect with many other apps
- Support marketing and customer service
- Promote broadcast messages
Pros:
- Pay based on conversations, not each message
- Fast automatic replies
- Trusted and well-rated
- Many integration options
Cons:
- Costs can add up if you use a lot
- Can be expensive for big businesses
- Takes some time to learn how to use
Pricing:
- Growth: ₹1,999/month
- Pro: ₹4,999/month
- Business: ₹13,499/month
2. QuickReply
QuickReply is a top WhatsApp automation tool designed especially for eCommerce businesses. It helps companies manage marketing and customer communication across multiple channels, including websites, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, SMS, and Twitter, all from a single shared inbox.
With features like bulk messaging, QuickReply lets you run marketing campaigns not only on WhatsApp but also extend your reach to other platforms, improving customer engagement and sales.
Key Features:
- Bulk message sending
- Wide range of integrations
- Live chat support
- Promote broadcast messages
- Conversion tracking and analytics
Pros:
- Free demo available
- Instant automated replies
- Popular and highly rated tool
- Supports many integrations
Cons:
- Additional charges based on usage
- Can get costly for heavy use
- Some learning curve at the start
Pricing:
- Starter: $35/month
- Standard: $89/month
- Plus: $178/month
3. WappBlaster
WappBlaster is a reliable WhatsApp marketing tool that lets you send bulk messages using various methods. It has a user-friendly interface focused on customer-centric marketing, making it easier to connect with your audience effectively.
Key features include reporting, multi-language support, and an anti-blocking algorithm to ensure your bulk messages get delivered safely.
Key Features:
- Bulk message sending
- Live chat
- Auto-responder
- Campaign analytics
- Multiple contact storage options
Pros:
- Supports multiple languages
- Unlimited messaging
- Well-known and trusted
- Many integrations available
Cons:
- No free trial or demo available
- Can be tricky for beginners
Pricing:
- Monthly: ₹220
- Advanced annual plan: ₹2,400
4. Brevo
Brevo is a reliable and widely used WhatsApp marketing solution. It helps you deliver the right messages at the right time and place, improving customer engagement through effective sales strategies on WhatsApp.
Brevo also allows you to integrate your WhatsApp marketing with email campaigns, SMS, and live chat support, providing a comprehensive communication platform.
Key Features:
- Bulk messaging
- Advertising campaigns
- Personalized messaging
- Unified single inbox
- CRM tracking
Pros:
- Responsive customer support
- Built-in CRM tracking
- Convenient single inbox for all messages
Cons:
- Pricing can be high
- Has fewer features compared to some other tools
Pricing:
- Free plan with limited features
- Starter: ₹625 per month
- Business: ₹1,345 per month
- Enterprise: Contact Brevo’s sales team for pricing
5. AiSensy
AiSensy offers a versatile marketing and customer support platform for businesses of all sizes, built on WhatsApp’s official API.
Using the official API, AiSensy allows you to build chatbots, send promotional WhatsApp marketing messages, and manage conversations through a multi-agent shared inbox to boost sales efficiency.
AiSensy is a comprehensive WhatsApp marketing and automation tool that supports automated messaging, broadcast promotions, AI-powered chatbots, and 24/7 multi-agent live chat for customer service.
Key Features:
- Bulk messaging
- Broadcast promotions to all contacts
- Integrations for automated message delivery
- Multi-agent live chat support
- AI chatbot functionality
Pros:
- Responsive customer support
- Multi-language support
- User-friendly interface
- Popular and well-reviewed
- Free version available
Cons:
- Pricing may vary by region
- Offers fewer features compared to some competitors
Pricing:
- Free Trial: 14 days
- Basic: $20 per month
- Pro: $45 per month
- Enterprise: Contact sales for pricing
6. Gallabox
Gallabox helps businesses boost leads and revenue by leveraging chatbots, the WhatsApp Business API, and a multi-agent shared inbox.
Using the official API, it allows you to send WhatsApp marketing messages to both existing and potential customers. It is a WhatsApp automation platform designed to streamline message automation for businesses. Its Growth plan is affordably priced and ideal for small businesses. For companies with larger teams or needing advanced conversational flows, the Scale plans offer good scalability.
Key Features
- Bulk message sender
- Marketing campaigns
- Personalized messaging
- Chatbots
- Automated messages
Pros:
- Responsive customer support
- Multi-language support
- Affordable pricing
- Automated messaging
Cons:
- Can become expensive
- Offers fewer features compared to some competitors
Pricing:
- Growth: ₹2,399/month
- Scale: ₹4,799/month
- Pro: ₹7,999/month
7. Growby
Growby is a powerful marketing automation platform specializing in WhatsApp marketing, designed to help businesses of all sizes improve communication and engagement through this widely used messaging app.
As an AI-driven WhatsApp automation tool, Growby lets you automate various tasks such as sending bulk messages, scheduling campaigns, and building chatbots. This automation helps streamline your workflow while ensuring your messages are timely and consistent.
Features:
- Contact management for organizing customer data
- Pre-built message templates for efficient communication
- Analytics to track and measure your WhatsApp marketing results
- WhatsApp marketing software tools
- Chatbot flow builder for WhatsApp
- Integration with WhatsApp API for chatbots
Pros:
- Saves time by automating repetitive tasks
- Enhances communication efficiency
- Enables personalized customer interactions to increase engagement
- Cost-effective way to reach a broad audience
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve to fully utilize features
- Some templates offer limited customization
- Reliant on WhatsApp’s platform stability
- Pricing might be less suitable for small businesses
Pricing:
- Basic: $109 per year
- Standard: $129 per year
- Professional: $189 per year
- Enterprise: $279 per year
8. Vepaar
Vepaar (formerly WhatHash) is an official WhatsApp marketing tool made in India. It’s a complete WhatsApp Business tool with useful CRM features that help businesses automate their tasks.
Vepaar helps you manage your WhatsApp easily. Just connect your WhatsApp Business Account to start getting leads and reply to customers quickly. It supports media sharing, chatting, and fast replies. It’s simple to use and has a free plan. You can also build business websites, online stores, surveys, reports, and dashboards with it.
Key Features
- Send bulk messages
- Many integrations
- Custom quick replies
- Ticket management
Pros:
- Active customer support
- Supports multiple languages
- Easy to use
- Free version available
Cons:
- Can get expensive
- Has fewer features than some other tools
Pricing:
- Free demo available
- Pro: $11/month
- Premium: $16/month
9. Interakt
Interakt is one of the most affordable official WhatsApp Business Solution Providers available. It offers a shared WhatsApp inbox, allowing your entire team to log in and assist with customer support. The admin dashboard provides efficient contact management and automated order notifications.
Interakt is a comprehensive WhatsApp automation platform powered by the official API. It allows you to send bulk WhatsApp messages and offers one of the most budget-friendly ways to use the WhatsApp API.
Key Features:
- Bulk message sending
- Marketing campaigns
- Integrations for message automation
- AI chatbot
Pros:
- Responsive customer support
- User-friendly interface
- Well-known and highly rated
- Free version available
Cons:
- Pricing varies with usage
- Slight learning curve
- Fewer features compared to some competitors
Pricing:
- Free Trial: 14 days
- Growth: ₹2,499/month
- Advanced: ₹3,499/month
- Enterprise: Available on request
10. BusinessOnBot
BusinessOnBot is a marketing platform that helps you manage your WhatsApp marketing with chatbots, automated sequences, and bulk messaging for sales automation.
This India-based company, backed by Y Combinator, lets you promote your products and services, automate chatbot conversations, and run bulk WhatsApp campaigns using the official API.
Key Features:
- Bulk message sender
- Marketing campaigns
- Integrations for message automation
- AI chatbot
- WhatsApp retargeting campaigns
Pros:
- Active customer support
- Strong chat features
- Multi-language support
- Analytics tracking
Cons:
- Can be complex to use
- Has fewer features than some alternatives
Pricing:
- Starter: ₹6,100/month
- Pro: ₹12,000/month
- Business: ₹25,000/month
WhatsApp Business Case Studies
Case 1: Skullcandy - 150X ROI by Recovering Abandoned Carts
Skullcandy, a renowned global audio brand, was facing a common issue in the eCommerce space- high cart abandonment. Although the brand attracted plenty of traffic, many potential buyers exited before completing their purchase. With AiSensy’s WhatsApp Business automation, they turned this challenge into a revenue opportunity.
The Challenge
- Abandoned Carts: Shoppers often added products but didn’t check out.
- Low Conversion via Traditional Channels: Emails and SMS weren’t effective in bringing users back.
- Limited Real-Time Communication: There was no instant, personalized way to reconnect with potential buyers.
The Solution
- Automated Cart Reminders: Personalized WhatsApp messages with exclusive discounts were sent 15–20 minutes after cart abandonment.
- In-App Checkout: Buyers could complete purchases directly in WhatsApp, making the process smooth and frictionless.
- Automated Order Updates: Notifications about order status and delivery were sent via WhatsApp, reducing the need for support.
The Results
- 150x ROI from WhatsApp campaigns
- 25–40% cart recovery with timely, targeted reminders
- 3x increase in engagement thanks to real-time, interactive communication
Skullcandy’s case shows how WhatsApp Business is more than just a messaging tool, it’s a powerful driver of conversions and customer experience.
Case 2: The Design Cart - 70% Queries Handled by WhatsApp API
Business Challenge
The Design Cart, an eCommerce platform for craft materials, faced growing pains during its transition from offline to online operations. Managing order confirmations for Cash on Delivery (COD) and addressing WISMO (“Where is my order?”) queries became increasingly difficult. Relying on multiple communication tools created inefficient workflows, while traditional channels like email saw low engagement rates. They needed a more efficient, unified solution and WhatsApp fit the bill.
The WhatsApp Business API Solution
By adopting Interakt’s WhatsApp Business API, The Design Cart transformed its customer engagement. Integration with Shopify enabled seamless automation for order updates and support. Real-time communication helped streamline customer service, while catalog sales messages promoted products directly via WhatsApp. Automated responses handled nearly 70% of customer queries, and the Shared Team Inbox improved collaboration. Click-to-WhatsApp ads (CTWA) added another layer of personalization to retargeting, boosting user interaction.
Results & Key Takeaways
The switch to Interakt’s WhatsApp Business API significantly reduced manual work and improved response times. Co-founder Apaar Gupta shared that bringing marketing and support onto one platform simplified operations and improved overall customer satisfaction. This case study highlights how WhatsApp Business Messaging can drive efficiency, stronger engagement, and long-term growth for eCommerce businesses.
Case 3: Flipkart’s “A Personal Shopper” Campaign
Source
As one of India’s largest e-commerce giants, Flipkart offers a vast range of products from electronics and fashion to groceries and home essentials. Ahead of its flagship Big Billion Days sale, the company sought an innovative way to boost engagement and make the shopping experience more interactive.
The Campaign
Flipkart launched a unique WhatsApp chatbot that featured the persona of Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan. This creative twist made the shopping journey more engaging and entertaining.
The chatbot didn’t rely on plain text, it interacted with users using images, videos, voice messages, and emojis. It even included fun puzzles and emoji-based games, allowing users to discover exclusive deals in an interactive, gamified manner all through WhatsApp.
The Results
In just two weeks, the campaign achieved outstanding results:
- 3.5X higher conversions compared to non-WhatsApp campaigns
- $2.5 million in revenue generated
- 7X increase in high-quality user traffic
This campaign showcased how creative use of WhatsApp can drive both engagement and revenue at scale.
Conclusion: Making Facebook Work for Your Dropshipping Business
Dropshipping on WhatsApp is a simple and low-cost way to start an online business. It lets you connect with customers directly, share products, and build trust through quick and personal messages.
To get started, all you need is a WhatsApp Business account. From there, you can create product catalogs, use broadcast lists, and share updates in groups to reach more people. As your business grows, handling everything manually can be tough. That’s where tools like chatbots, quick replies, and order management systems help, saving time and making it easy to manage customer messages and sales.
With the right tools and strategies, WhatsApp can become more than just a chat app, it can be your main sales channel for running and growing a successful dropshipping business. And as your business scales further, you can launch an eCommerce store and use effective WhatsApp marketing to drive even more sales and profits.
Read More
- How dropshipping works for your online store?
- Top 10 Dropshipping Extensions to automate business
- 10 Profitable dropshipping business ideas to try
- Shopify Dropshipping: The Ultimate Guide To Sell Online
- AI Tools for Dropshipping: How to start and scale guide
- 15+ Trending Dropshipping products for high profit
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use WhatsApp for dropshipping?
Yes, you can use WhatsApp to promote products, take orders, and communicate with customers directly. It’s ideal for personalized selling and local dropshipping.
2. Can I sell products on WhatsApp?
Yes, you can sell products on WhatsApp by sharing product details, images, and payment links through chats, groups, or broadcast lists using a WhatsApp Business account.
3. How do I promote my dropshipping products on WhatsApp?
Promote through broadcast lists, WhatsApp groups, status updates, and share product links in your network or social media.
4. Is it safe to collect payments via WhatsApp?
Yes, use trusted payment methods like UPI, Paytm, or Razorpay links. Always confirm payment before placing supplier orders.
5. Can I automate customer replies on WhatsApp?
Yes, you can use features like quick replies, greeting messages, and third-party tools like WATI or Aisensy for automation.
