Storefront vs. WhatsApp Business App
Which one fits your stage of business? The short answer: the free app is great to start, Storefront is what you graduate to when sales get serious.
| Feature | WhatsApp Business App | Storefront |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Install the app on your phone | One-click Embedded Signup, no phone required |
| Number of agents | 1 device at a time | Unlimited staff, roles and permissions |
| AI automation | None | Sales, Payment, Dispatch, Tracking, Recovery, Growth |
| Product catalog | Basic list | Rich catalog with images and interactive lists |
| Payments in chat | Manual — copy account details | Automatic Paystack links (card, transfer, USSD) |
| Broadcast messages | 256 contacts, manual | Unlimited with approved templates |
| Ad attribution | None | Click-to-WhatsApp tracking end-to-end |
| Analytics | Basic message counts | Revenue, conversion, ROI dashboards |
| Ideal for | Solo sellers, < 10 chats/day | Growing brands, ads, higher-ticket sales |
When the free app is enough
If you're a solo seller getting fewer than ten conversations a day and payments through bank transfer are fine, the WhatsApp Business App works well. Set up quick replies, add a small catalog, and use labels to stay organised.
When to upgrade to Storefront
You outgrow the app the moment sales stop scaling with your time. If you're running click-to-WhatsApp ads, your team is missing messages after hours, or you sell higher-ticket items where trust matters, the API route pays for itself quickly.
Every plan starts with a 7-day free trial, and you keep your existing WhatsApp Business number. Read the full WhatsApp Business App vs. API guide for a deeper walkthrough.
Ready to convert more WhatsApp conversations?
Start your 7-day free trial. Card required — no charge until day 8.