What is opt-in?
Opt-in means a customer has agreed to receive messages from your business on WhatsApp. Meta's WhatsApp Business policy requires opt-in before you send business-initiated messages, which are the message templates you send when the customer has not just written to you.
A good opt-in:
- names your business,
- says the messages will come on WhatsApp,
- says what kind of messages to expect, such as order updates or offers,
- is easy to undo.
Why does it matter for sellers in Bangladesh?
Many shops collect thousands of phone numbers from COD orders and Facebook comments, then send everyone a promotion. Without real consent people block and report, your quality rating drops, and Meta can restrict the number you rely on for sales. Collecting opt-in at checkout or in chat keeps your number healthy and your broadcasts welcome.
Ways to collect opt-in
- A checkbox on your website checkout: "Send me order updates and offers on WhatsApp."
- A question in chat: "Can we send you offers here on WhatsApp? Reply YES."
- A line on your order form or a QR code at your shop counter.
Example
A customer orders on WhatsApp and replies YES to "Want Eid offers here?". The shop marks the contact as opted in. In SaleMag each contact has a WhatsApp opt-in flag, and WhatsApp broadcasts skip contacts who have not opted in.
Related terms
Broadcast, marketing message, 24-hour window, quality rating.
Frequently asked questions
Is a phone number from a COD order an opt-in?
Not on its own. Ask clearly, for example with a checkbox or a line on the order form saying you will send updates on WhatsApp.
Do I need opt-in to reply to a customer who messaged me?
No. Replying inside the 24-hour window after the customer writes to you does not need a separate opt-in. Opt-in covers messages your business starts.
What happens if I message people who did not opt in?
They are more likely to block or report you, which lowers your quality rating and can lead Meta to restrict your number.
How do customers opt out?
Give a simple way, such as replying STOP or tapping a button, and stop messaging them once they ask.
About the author
WhatsApp & F-commerce automation, Dhaka
The Dhaka team that builds SaleMag, the AI sales inbox for WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram used by online sellers in Bangladesh.