Back-in-stock alerts on WhatsApp for Shopify
A back-in-stock alert tells a shopper that the variant they wanted is available again. On WhatsApp the shopper requests it in one tap from the product page, with no account or email form, and receives a message in the same chat when stock returns. This guide covers the journey and the setup in WhatsApp Pilot.
By Mousa Alhelo, founder, E-SAFQA · Updated · 6 min read · How we write and test these guides
What happens, step by step
- The shopper selects a sold-out variant on the product page.
- The product button reads Notify me when back in stock.
- One tap opens WhatsApp with a prepared message that names the product and variant and carries a request reference.
- The shopper sends it. Sending the message creates the request; tapping alone does not.
- The request is saved for that exact variant.
- When the variant becomes available again in Shopify, the shopper receives a WhatsApp alert with the link to buy.
WhatsApp compared with email back-in-stock forms
| Email form | WhatsApp request | |
|---|---|---|
| What the shopper does | Types an email address | Taps the button and sends a prepared message |
| Account needed | No | No |
| Where the alert arrives | Inbox | The same WhatsApp chat |
| Reply to the store | Rarely | One message away |
| Variant-specific | Depends on the app | Yes, per variant |
Set it up in WhatsApp Pilot
- Upgrade to Pro and connect your WhatsApp number by scanning the QR code.
- In Theme Editor, add the WhatsApp Product Order Button block to your product template and save.
- Open Product Demand in the app. On Pro, requests are collected automatically once WhatsApp is connected.
- Write the restock message for each language your store sells in. It can use the product name, variant name and product link.
- Test it: pick a sold-out variant on your storefront, send the request from your own WhatsApp, then make the variant available.
Writing the restock message
- Lead with the product name and say it is back.
- Name the variant, so the shopper knows it is the size or color they asked for.
- One link, straight to the product.
- Keep it short. The default is three lines.
What to expect
A request is interest, not a promise to buy. Some shoppers will purchase when the alert arrives and some will not. The value is twofold: shoppers who still want the product hear about it first, and you see how many people are waiting for each variant in Product Demand.
Frequently asked questions
Can Shopify send back-in-stock alerts through WhatsApp?
Shopify does not send them by itself. With WhatsApp Pilot Pro, shoppers request an alert from the product button and receive a WhatsApp message when the variant is available again.
Do customers need a Shopify account to request stock alerts?
No. There is no account and no email form. The request is tied to the WhatsApp number that sent it.
Is it available on the Free plan?
No. Back-in-stock requests and restock notifications are Pro features.
Ready to put WhatsApp to work on your store?
Start with the free widget. Upgrade to Pro for order messages, cart recovery, the smart product button, back-in-stock alerts and Product Demand.