Share your WhatsApp catalogue with a QR code
Sell on WhatsApp Business? Put a QR code on your packaging and flyers that opens your catalogue or a chat with a message ready to send.
Short answer
Point a QR code at a WhatsApp click-to-chat link, wa.me/ followed by your number in international format (27 for South Africa, no leading zero) and an optional ?text= message, or at your catalogue link. One scan opens the chat with your message typed, so the customer only taps send. A dynamic code also counts the scans and lets you switch the number later.
WhatsApp is where a lot of South African buying conversations actually happen. The friction is getting a new customer into that chat — typing a number by hand loses people.
A QR code removes the typing. One scan opens your WhatsApp Business catalogue or a chat with a message already filled in, so the customer only has to send.
How to make a WhatsApp QR code for orders
- 1 Create a QR code and name it after where it will appear, for example "market stall banner".
- 2 Choose the WhatsApp destination and enter your number, with a pre-filled message like "Hi! I would like to order".
- 3 Download the code and add it to flyers, labels, market stalls, invoices or your shop window.
- 4 Track scans to compare which pieces of marketing actually start conversations.
Where a WhatsApp QR code starts conversations
Market stall
A QR on the stall banner so a queue of people can start a WhatsApp order while you serve.
Product label
A small code on the label that opens a reorder chat for repeat customers.
Invoice and quote footer
One scan turns a paid invoice into a repeat order conversation.
Frequently asked questions
Does this work with a normal WhatsApp number?
Yes. Use the same number you use for WhatsApp Business. The scan opens a chat with that number and your pre-filled message.
Can I point it at my catalogue instead of a chat?
Yes. Point the code at your catalogue link or your wa.me catalogue URL. You can switch between a catalogue and a chat at any time.
Can I use a different number for different campaigns?
Each QR code has its own destination. Create one code per campaign, each pointing at the right number or catalogue.
Sources
QR Code Generator
QR codes in the client's colours that you can retarget after they're printed.
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