Every day, customers walk into your shop, buy something and leave. Most never come back simply because they forget you. A WhatsApp QR code on your counter changes that: one scan, one message, and you can reach them again — with their permission.
Step 1: Make your click-to-chat link
WhatsApp has a simple link format:
https://wa.me/91XXXXXXXXXX
Put your business number after 91 (India's code), with no spaces, zeros or plus sign.
Step 2: Add a ready message
You can add a message that appears in the customer's chat box, so all they do is tap send:
https://wa.me/91XXXXXXXXXX?text=Hi%2C%20please%20send%20me%20your%20offers
The %20 stands for a space. Keep the message short: "Hi, please send me your offers" or "Hi, I want to order".
Step 3: Turn the link into a QR code
Paste the link into any trusted QR code generator and download the image. Test it with two or three phones before you print.
Where to put it
- Billing counter — the best spot.
- Shopping bags and boxes.
- Bills and visiting cards.
- Menu cards and table tents for cafés.
- Delivery packets for online orders.
What to write next to it
Give people a reason to scan:
- "Scan to get new arrivals first."
- "Scan for festive offers on WhatsApp."
- "Scan to order on WhatsApp — home delivery available."
Make it a clear opt-in
When a customer messages you after scanning, they are agreeing to hear from you. Reply with a short welcome that says what they will get — "We'll send you 2–3 offers a month. Reply STOP anytime." — and keep that promise. This is good manners, and it protects your number from being reported.
Common mistakes
- A QR code too small to scan — keep it at least 3 cm wide.
- Using a personal number that the owner keeps on silent.
- Sending daily messages after someone scans once.
- Not testing the code after printing.
When scans turn into hundreds of chats
A busy shop can collect hundreds of numbers a month. With the WhatsApp Business API, those chats come into one business number that your whole team can answer. On our Growth and Pro plans, a welcome message can greet every new scanner automatically, and contacts can be sorted into lists for offers later.
See how to get the WhatsApp Business API or read how to collect WhatsApp opt-ins.
FAQs
How do I make a WhatsApp QR code for my shop?
Create a link like https://wa.me/91 followed by your number, optionally add ?text= with a ready message, and turn it into a QR code with a trusted QR generator.
Can the QR code open a chat with a ready message?
Yes. Add ?text= and your message to the wa.me link, using %20 for spaces.
Where should I put the QR code?
At the billing counter, on bags, bills, menus and delivery packets.
Is a scan an opt-in?
When the customer messages you after scanning, they are reaching out to you. Reply with a welcome that says what you will send and how to stop, and keep that promise.
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