How to Set Up a WhatsApp API Number: Step-by-Step Guide

This article is mainly a tutorial guide for the self-service purchase of WhatsApp API numbers.

1. Select a Package 

Self-service purchase of WhatsApp API numbers is only supported for Pro, Max or Customized packages. If you need to use it, you can choose to purchase an upgraded package. The specific steps are as follows:

1.1. In [Cost Center], purchase the Pro/Max package and purchase the corresponding number of channels based on the WhatsApp numbers you need.

(1) Select an upgrade package.

(2) Select the corresponding package and pay. If more channels and seats are needed, they can be expanded.

Note: The number of social media accounts refers to the number of WhatsApp, FB homepages, chat plug-ins, Email, Line and other accounts that can be activated. While connected accounts are unlimited, activated accounts are capped. Upgrade packages to increase limits.

2. Buy WhatsApp API Numbers

SaleSmartly now supports the WhatsApp API number selling service. If users need it, they can purchase number packages by themselves.

Note: (1) The WhatsApp API number fee is $12 per group (2 numbers). Each number allows 500 merchant-initiated conversations/24h (unlimited user-initiated chats).

(2) The self-service purchase function currently only supports balance payment. If the balance is insufficient, users can go to the WhatsApp API [Recharge] and add our customer service to recharge.

3. Recharge Based on Usage

3.1. After the platform number is activated, users must recharge in [Integration] - [WhatsApp API] - [Recharge]. Only after recharging can it be used for functions such as message broadcasting. The recharge fee includes three parts: merchant-initiated session fee, user-initiated session fee, and basic message fee. The specific recharge fee depends on the required sending volume.

(1) Merchant-initiated session fee: This refers to the session fee that WhatsApp will charge once within 24 hours when a business initiates a new session. Charged once per new 24h conversation.

(2) User-initiated session fee: This refers to the user initiating a new session, and WhatsApp will charge a session fee once within 24 hours.

(3) Basic message fee: This means that a basic message fee will be charged for each message sent and received through the Salesmartly platform. No fee will be charged if the message fails to be sent.

For example, if a company sends its first message to a customer via WhatsApp within 24 hours, in addition to the official session fee charged by WhatsApp within 24 hours, the Salesmartly platform will also charge a basic message fee; if the company sends a message to the same customer again within 24 hours, it will no longer be charged a session fee, but only a basic message fee. Similarly, the user-initiated session fee is the same.

Note: (1) Merchant-initiated session/customer-initiated session is priced according to the official WS standard price list in US dollars.

(2) Basic message fee: $0.005 for each message.

(3) If you have any questions about the recharge amount, you can go to [Integration] - [WhatsApp API] - [Price Calculator], select the country/region you want to send to, and fill in the number of messages you want to send, and you can view the required recharge amount.

3.2. After the recharge is completed, you can check the wallet balance in [Integration]-[WhatsApp API].

4. Configure & Activate WhatsApp API number

After the number is activated, click on the number status and set it to on. You can then use this number to send group messages to help you with marketing and increase your marketing reach.

For details on how to create a WhatsApp group message, please refer to the following link: WhatsApp Tutorial for Beginners