How to Sell on WhatsApp Business in Kenya (2026): Catalogue, Status and Getting Paid

For many Kenyan businesses, WhatsApp is the shop counter: customers ask prices, send photos and pay by M-Pesa in the same chat. Used well, WhatsApp Business turns your contacts into regular buyers. Here is how to set it up and sell more.

Step 1: Set Up Your WhatsApp Business Profile

1. Download WhatsApp Business (a separate app from normal WhatsApp).
2. Register with your business number.
3. Add your business name, logo, category, description, address and opening hours.
4. Add your website or shop link to the profile.

Step 2: Build a Catalogue

The catalogue is your shop window inside WhatsApp. Add each product with a clear photo, name, price and short description. Customers can open it from your profile and send you the item they want.

• Use bright, real photos on a plain background.
• Put the price; "DM for price" loses buyers.
• Group products into collections (for example Dresses, Shoes, Baby).

Step 3: Market with Status and Broadcast Lists

• Status: post 3–6 times a day: new arrivals, prices, customer photos and delivery proof.
• Broadcast lists: send one message to many customers; only people who saved your number receive it, so ask buyers to save it.
• Groups and communities: share in estate, church and school groups only where selling is allowed.

Step 4: Reply Fast with Quick Replies and Labels

• Set a greeting message and an away message.
• Create quick replies for prices, delivery and payment details.
• Use labels such as New customer, Paid, To deliver.

Step 5: Get Paid and Deliver

Most customers pay with M-Pesa. Send your Till or Paybill number in a quick reply, confirm the payment message before dispatch, and send the rider details or parcel photo after dispatch.

Add an Online Shop Link

WhatsApp works while you are online; a shop link sells while you sleep. On Buy More Mall you get a shop page with your products, prices and a WhatsApp button, and on higher packages your own website, for example zelda-collection.buymoremall.co.ke. Put the link in your profile, Status and every quote.

Worked Example: A Kids Boutique on WhatsApp

Zawadi sells girls’ dresses. She posts four dresses on Status each morning with prices, adds all stock to the catalogue, and keeps a quick reply with her shop link and M-Pesa details. Customers who view her Status at night order from the shop link and she confirms in the morning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Posting too many Status updates at once (people skip them).
• Hiding prices.
• Adding people to groups without permission.
• Slow replies: answer within minutes during business hours.

Not sure which one fits? Send us your details on WhatsApp or through the product page and we will help you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is WhatsApp Business free?

Yes, the WhatsApp Business app is free to download and use.

Can I use the same number for WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business?

One number can be on one of the two apps at a time; many owners use a separate business line.

How do I get more customers on WhatsApp?

Post on Status daily, ask buyers to save your number, share customer reviews and add a shop link.

How many people can a broadcast list reach?

WhatsApp limits list size; only contacts who saved your number receive broadcasts.

Do I need a website if I sell on WhatsApp?

Not to start, but a shop page or website lets customers browse and order any time.

Related Guides

• Sell Clothes Online in Kenya
• How to Become a Seller at Buy More Mall
• Facebook and Instagram Ads Cost