# Checklist to Get Started

Below are the documents required to complete the WhatsApp Store setup with Picky Assist, an authorised Meta Partner under WhatsApp Speciality 

### WhatsApp Store Number

Your business must provide a phone number either mobile or landline on which the WhatsApp Store will be configured. We recommend using a new number dedicated exclusively for this purpose. However, it is still possible to use your existing WhatsApp number (currently configured in the WhatsApp app). To do this, the number must first be deleted from the WhatsApp Business app in order to be used with the WhatsApp Business API.

**Important Notes:**

1. WhatsApp Business API numbers do not support group creation, voice/video calls, or access via the WhatsApp mobile app or WhatsApp Web.
2. All communication and access will be handled exclusively through the Picky Assist platform.
3. Please ensure the number you provide has not been previously blocked by WhatsApp or used for sending unsolicited or proactive messages, as this could result in a low quality score for the number.

{% hint style="success" %}
Once your WhatsApp Store number is ready, you can proceed to connect the number with your Picky Assist Account. [Read More](https://help.pickyassist.com/whatsapp-commerce/getting-started/connecting-whatsapp-number)
{% endhint %}

### Business Verification 

{% hint style="danger" %}
After the number is connected to Picky Assist, follow the steps below to start the business verification 
{% endhint %}

WhatsApp requires all businesses that open a WhatsApp Store to verify their business identity and provide existing proof by uploading the necessary details to the Meta Business Suite (formerly Facebook Business Manager).<br>

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Log in to Meta Business Suite

Login to Meta Business Suite <https://business.facebook.com>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Navigate to Business Info

Navigate to Business Info <https://business.facebook.com/settings/info>&#x20;
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Start your Business Verification&#x20;

Complete your business verification by uploading the required documents. Watch the video below to see the step-by-step instructions&#x20;

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/H0Flfzh8WCg?si=6aLS7o0jptAkbrYp&t=403>" %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### Accepted Documents (India)

A GST Certificate is the most highly recommended document for completing business verification. However, the following documents are also accepted:

1. GST Certificate (recommended)
2. Udyog Registration Certificate
3. MSME Registration Certificate
4. Trade License (issued by local government authorities)
5. Certificate of Incorporation (CIN)<br>

### Website & Official Email

WhatsApp verifies your business identity through your website and official email address (e.g., <yourname@yourdomain.com>). Free email services such as Gmail, Live, and Outlook are not accepted.

Your website must be functional and contain content relevant to your business, as WhatsApp reviews this information in accordance with its commerce policy. Therefore, please ensure your website is live and accurately represents your business.

If you do not have a website and branded email, you can create one through platforms such as: <https://hostinger.com/> | <https://wix.com/> | <https://www.godaddy.com/en-in>&#x20;

Make sure you also set up a branded email inbox (e.g., <yourname@yourdomain.com>), as WhatsApp will send an OTP to this address for email verification during the business verification process.

### Payment Gateway

To collect payments within WhatsApp, the business must activate a payment gateway through Razorpay (recommended), PayU, or BillDesk. Payments collected through the payment gateway will be settled to your bank account within 2 working days, with transaction charges ranging from 1% to 3%, which will be deducted during the settlement process.

To activate the payment gateway, the business needs to provide:

1. A bank statement showing the business name and address, or a cancelled cheque
2. KYC of the authorised person, which can be Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, or Driving License

{% hint style="success" %}

### We highly recommend considering Razorpay as your payment gateway. You can create your free account through this link [ https://rzp.io/rzp/t885Uyo ](https://rzp.io/rzp/t885Uyo)

{% endhint %}

### Product Details

The WhatsApp Store supports listing up to 500 products, and each product can include up to 9 images and 1 video. The following details are required to upload a product:

1. Product Name
2. Short Description
3. Price
4. Sales Price
5. Tax (if any)
6. At least one image is mandatory<br>

{% hint style="warning" %}
Product listing in the WhatsApp Store is subject to approval by WhatsApp. Picky Assist does not guarantee that all products submitted will be approved for listing in the WhatsApp Store.
{% endhint %}

### Prohibited Products

The following products and services are not allowed:

1. Tobacco and Related Products
2. Weapons and Ammunition
3. Adult Products and Services
4. Live Animals and Animal Products
5. Body Parts and Fluids
6. Digital or Subscription-Based Services
7. Fake or Virtual Currency

### Products Need Special Approval from WhatsApp&#x20;

The following products and services need special approval from WhatsApp to get started&#x20;

1. Alochol
2. Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs
3. Online Gambling & Lottery

Refer to WhatsApp Polices here <https://business.whatsapp.com/policy>&#x20;

### Step-by-Step Process

The complete WhatsApp Store setup may take 2 to 10 days, depending on how quickly the business provides the required documents and product details.

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="61.4266357421875">SL</th><th width="237.307861328125"></th><th></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>SL</strong></td><td><strong>Step</strong></td><td><strong>Time Needed</strong></td><td><strong>Involvement</strong></td></tr><tr><td>1</td><td>Business Name &#x26; Address Proof Verification</td><td>1 to 3 days</td><td>Business &#x26; WhatsApp</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Payment Gateway Approval (Razorpay, PayU, BillDesk) </td><td>2 to 5 days</td><td>Business &#x26; Payment Gateway Provider</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>Preparing Product Details and Image</td><td>Depends on Biz</td><td>Business</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Product Listing Approval</td><td>1 to 3 days</td><td>WhatsApp</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>WhatsApp Store Setup</td><td>2 to 4 days</td><td>Business &#x26; Picky Assist</td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>User Training &#x26; Completion of Setup</td><td>3 to 5 days</td><td>Picky Assist</td></tr></tbody></table>

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