Broad interest is often the hardest thing to convert because it lacks a clear direction. While a search bar requires a customer to have a specific word in mind, the Shopify Collections Browse flow meets them halfway by offering curated starting points within the chat.

This keeps the chat's momentum alive, turning a vague interest into a focused shopping session by showing the customer exactly where the value is in your store right now.

The sections below explain how to sync your Shopify categories and set up a structured browsing experience for your WhatsApp storefront.

What you’ll need

To get the Shopify Collections Browse flow running on WhatsApp, make sure the following are in place:

• The Flowcart Shopify Plugin installed and active on your store
• The collections browse flow activated within the plugin settings
• Organized shopify collections that are ready to be displayed to your customers

Activating the Collections Browse flow

To activate the Shopify collections browse flow:

• Go to Flows in the Flowcart Shopify Plugin and select Flowcart Flows

• Select the Shopify section

• Click Activate on the Shopify collections browse flow

Congratulations! You’re live.

Your WhatsApp chat is now a fully organized digital storefront. You don't need to do any extra work; the plugin will automatically sync your Shopify categories and keep your product lists up to date.

What it looks like in practice

Once activated, here is how the browsing experience works for your customers:

• The interaction begins as soon as a customer sends a simple greeting like "Hi" in the chat
• An automated welcome message triggers instantly to acknowledge the customer
• Customers can type "Shopify Collections" to see what’s available

• The system responds with a clear set of options to guide the next step

• Upon clicking "View Collections," the customer is asked to confirm their choice to ensure they find exactly what they need

• The system sends another automated message in the chat, acknowledging the choice and providing options for the next step

• Once confirmed, a list of your specific Shopify categories appears directly in the chat window

The options displayed will automatically adapt to match the categories in your Shopify store.

• The customer simply taps the collection they are interested in, for example, "Dairy"

The customer can now swipe through all the products in that collection, seeing images and details without ever leaving WhatsApp

The system also gives customers an option to create a cart from inside the chat, by clicking “Add to Cart”

Troubleshooting when collections aren't displaying

If your customers can't see your categories or the product lists are empty, it is usually a sync settings issue. Here is how to fix the most common issues:

• Ensure the collections you want to show are synced into the Flowcart Shopify Plugin. If a collection is hidden or set to "Draft," it won't appear in the WhatsApp menu.

• Double-check that the Shopify Collections Browse flow is activated. If you’ve recently renamed collections in Shopify, it may take a few moments for the new titles to sync to your chat menu.

• Review "empty" collections. If a customer selects a category and sees no products, check that the products within that collection are actually in stock.

Most first-time visitors are just window shopping: they browse, linger, and disappear without leaving contact info. Once that tab closes, the opportunity to re-engage them usually vanishes.

Capturing WhatsApp opt-ins changes this by allowing merchants to send high-energy broadcasts, improve retargeting, and segment their audience effectively. The First-Time WhatsApp User Discount automates this process by offering an immediate incentive for new visitors to start a conversation.

The sections below explain how to activate this discount in the Flowcart Shopify Plugin and configure the automated opt-in flow.

What You’ll Need

To set up the first-time WhatsApp user discount, make sure the following are in place:

• The Flowcart Shopify Plugin installed and active on the store
• The first-time WhatsApp user discount activated in the plugin
• Visitors able to share a valid WhatsApp phone number and confirm chat initiation

Activating the First-Time WhatsApp Popover/Discount

To activate the welcome discount:

• Go to Flows in the Flowcart Shopify Plugin and select Flowcart Flows

• Select the Shopify section

• Click Activate on the first-time WhatsApp user discount

It would look like this: 

And just like that, you’re live.

The store is now set up to automatically turn browsers into buyers. You don't need to do anything else, but if you want to swap out the discount or change the look, we’ve got you covered. Details below.

Configuring discount type and discount value

To adjust the discount type and the discount value in the flow:

• Click on the dropdown menu in the field titled Discount Type
• Select the type of discount merchant wants to offer

For a flat discount, select Flat, and for a percentage discount, select Percentage.

• Write the discount value depending on the type of discount selected

For example, Discount type = Percentage, and Discount value = 15

Deciding on a discount value is a balancing act. The offer needs to be "thumb-stopping" enough to turn a distracted browser into a subscriber, without cutting too deep into store margins. Start with a small offer and adjust it based on user feedback.

Writing the WhatsApp offer message

To either rewrite or edit the existing WhatsApp message copy:

• Go to the WhatsApp message field below the discount type field
• Click in it to edit/rewrite the text message

Since this is the first WhatsApp message customers see from the store, keeping it short and placing the main emphasis on the discount helps maintain focus. It should quickly direct them back to checkout.

Customizing the popover copy

To decide the popover copy that should appear on the WhatsApp widget:

• Click on the Popover text field below the message field
• Edit the text as desired

This is the short teaser that appears over the WhatsApp button on the store's website. Its only job is to get a visitor’s attention and give them a reason to click. Since space is limited, the most effective popovers are brief and clearly state the benefit, usually the discount itself.

Setting popover display delay and trigger timing

To schedule the popover timing:

• Go to the last field in the Flowcart Shopify Plugin interface
• Click on the field to edit and schedule the popover

• Save and activate the changes

This setting controls how long a visitor should stay on the page before the discount popover appears. It ensures the message arrives at the right moment: early enough to catch their attention, but not so quickly that it’s annoying. Give shoppers a moment to look around and set the timing to a few seconds. 

When the customer clicks on the WhatsApp widget, it will open a consent form, asking for their number, therefore, following a thorough opt-in process:

This is how the WhatsApp popover text copy will appear on the store’s website:

This is how the message will appear in their WhatsApp chat window:

Once the customer selects Get Discount, the system redirects them to the merchant’s storefront and auto-populates the discount code in their shopping cart:

Troubleshooting WhatsApp user discount

If the popover isn’t appearing or numbers aren't being added to the list, it’s usually down to a quick setting tweak. Most of the time, it’s either a timing delay that’s a bit too long or a simple toggle that hasn't been flipped yet. Checking these few spots usually gets everything back on track.

• Check the delay settings first. If the timer is set too high, a visitor might leave the page before the message can trigger. ‍
• Make sure the Flowcart Shopify Plugin is installed and active. If the link between the plugin, store, and WhatsApp is interrupted, the process won't complete. A quick refresh of the connection usually fixes this.
•  Remember that the popover is designed for new visitors. If you are testing it yourself and have already interacted with the widget, it might not show up again. Try checking the store in an "Incognito" or "Private" browser window to see it as a first-time visitor would.

WISMO, or “Where is my order?”, is one of the most common reasons customers reach out after checkout. When shoppers don’t know what’s happening with their order, they start looking for answers.

Many of these queries stem from missing or delayed updates rather than real delivery issues. By sending proactive order updates on WhatsApp, merchants reduce the need for customers to ask in the first place. This aligns with customer preference as well: 54% of shoppers prefer receiving delivery updates on WhatsApp over email or SMS.

The sections below explain how to activate the Shopify order updates flow in the Flowcart Shopify Plugin and configure messages for each order state.

What You’ll Need

To automate Shopify order updates on WhatsApp, make sure the following are set up:

• The Flowcart Shopify Plugin installed on your store
• Shopify order updates flow activated
• Customers with a valid WhatsApp phone number who have opted in to receive messages

Activating the Order Updates flow

The steps below explain how to activate the flow and configure the messages sent at each order stage.

• Go to Flows in the Flowcart Shopify Plugin and select Flowcart Flows

• Select the Shopify section

• Click on Activate to enable the order updates flow 

‍

That’s it. You’re done and live.

The Abandoned Cart flow includes three ready-made reminders, each with timing, variables, and discounts. Once activated, it starts working immediately. Customization is optional and can be done at any time to adjust the messages or offers. Instructions are below!

Word of caution

 Shopify Order Updates rely on preconfigured order-state conditions to determine which message to send to the customer. Updates are triggered when Shopify order reaches a specific status. Changing these conditions can disrupt the sequence; therefore, it's recommended that you not change the existing settings.

This is applicable to all order stages. 

Configuring the created order state

This order state triggers when the Flowcart Shopify Plugin creates a new order. The flow sends a WhatsApp message that confirms the order, reassures the customer that processing has started, and prepares them for subsequent order updates.

• Locate the handler next to the order_state== 'created' condition 
• Click on the handler and select the edit button

It would look like this:

• Click inside the message text box to update the copy 

Use this message to confirm that the order has been successfully placed and to reassure the customer that processing has begun. The tone should be clear and calming, helping set expectations and reduce any post-purchase uncertainty. This message works best as a simple confirmation rather than a detailed update.

• Confirm that the View Order button title is present in the url_button field 

• Save changes by selecting Update

Configuring the shipped order state

This order state triggers when Shopify marks an order as shipped. The message confirms that fulfillment is complete and that the package has been handed off to the carrier. It acts as a handover notice, letting the customer know that delivery is now managed by the shipping provider.

• Locate the handler next to order_state == 'shipped' condition
• Click on the handler and select edit button

It would look like this:

• Click inside the message text box to update the copy 

• Confirm that the View Order button title is present in the url_button field 

• Save changes by selecting Update

Configuring the in_transit order state

This order state runs after shipping confirmation, once the carrier has picked up the package and delivery is in progress. It covers the waiting period before delivery and handles delays, tracking checks, or delivery questions.

• Locate the handler next to order_state == 'in_transit' condition
• Click on the handler and select the edit button

It would look like this:

• Click inside the message text box to update the copy

• Confirm that the View Order button title is present in the url_button field 

• Save changes by selecting Update

Configuring the delivered order stage

This order stage triggers when Shopify marks an order as delivered. The message confirms successful delivery and closes the order update sequence.

• Locate the handler next to order_state == 'delivered' condition
• Click on the handler and select the edit button

It would look like this: 

• Click inside the message text box to update the copy 

• Confirm that the View Order button title is present in the url_button field 

• Save changes by selecting Update

Configuring the cancelled order state 

This order state triggers when a customer cancels an order. The message confirms the cancellation was successful and outlines next steps, such as refund processing or support follow-up.

• Locate the handler next to order_state == 'cancelled' condition
• Click on the handler and select the edit button

It would look like this:

• Click inside the message text box to update the copy

• Confirm that the View Order button title is present in the url_button field 

• Save changes by selecting Update

Troubleshooting Shopify Order Update flows 

If Shopify order updates are not being sent via WhatsApp, review the checks below to identify and resolve the issue.

• Confirm that the order status in the Flowcart Shopify Plugin matches the flow condition. Shopify order updates trigger only when Shopify order events match the conditions defined in the flow. A mismatch between the order’s actual status and the order_state condition in the handler is the most common reason an update does not send.

• Verify that the flow is activated. The flow must be saved and activated for changes to take effect. An inactive flow does not listen for Shopify order events.

• Confirm that the Flowcart Shopify Plugin captures a valid customer phone number. The Flowcart Shopify Plugin sends WhatsApp updates only when an order includes a valid phone number. Orders placed without a phone number or required opt-in cannot receive updates.

• Review time-related settings. Messages scheduled outside business hours may be deferred and appear as if they weren’t sent immediately.

• Check if the tracking information is missing. For shipped or in-transit updates, tracking details must be added to the order in the Flowcart Shopify Plugin. Missing tracking information can cause messages to appear incomplete or lack delivery context.

Sometimes a customer knows exactly what they want, but they don't want to go digging through a website to find it. The Shopify Product Search feature brings the entire Shopify storefront right into the WhatsApp conversation.

Customers can simply type what they’re looking for and get matching products within seconds. Put simply, the Shopify product search feature turns a simple chat into a personal shopping experience where the desired product is always just one message away.

The sections below explain how to activate this flow in the Flowcart Shopify Plugin and what it looks like in practice.

What You’ll Need

To get the Shopify Product Search up and running on WhatsApp, have the following ready to go:

• The Flowcart Shopify Plugin installed and active on the store
• The Shopify product search flow activated within the plugin settings
• An active Shopify product catalog synced and ready for customers to browse

Activating the product search flow

To activate product search in WhatsApp storefront:

• Go to Flows in the Flowcart Shopify Plugin and select Flowcart Flows

• Select the Shopify section

• Click Activate on the Shopify product search flow

Congratulations! You’re live.

Your WhatsApp chat is now a high-speed search engine for your shop. You don't need to do anything else; the plugin will handle the inventory sync automatically.

What it looks like in practice

Once activated, here is how the search works for your customers:

• Customers type what they’re looking for (e.g., “I am looking for apples”)
• They instantly receive a matching item card with the price and available quantity

• Clicking View Product redirects them to the Shopify page to complete their order

Troubleshooting the Shopify product search flow 

If your customers aren't getting the right product results or any results at all, it’s usually down to a sync issue or a simple keyword mismatch. Most of the time, a quick refresh of your settings will get your WhatsApp storefront back up and running.

• Double-check that your Shopify catalog is fully synced. If you’ve recently added new items, they might take a moment to appear. Also, ensure the Shopify product search flow is still activated. 

• Check if the results match the keywords. The search works best with clear product titles. If a customer types something too vague or a term that isn't in your product tags or titles, the system might struggle to find a match.

Tip: Make sure your Shopify product titles and tags are descriptive and accurate.

• Review if products are showing up as "Out of Stock". If an item is sold out in your Shopify admin, it will reflect that in the WhatsApp chat. 

• Ensure the "View Product" link isn’t broken. Check your store’s domain settings. If you’ve recently changed your primary URL or shifted to a new handle, the generated links might need a moment to update. 

Abandoned carts are the biggest "what if" in e-commerce: 7 out of 10 shoppers leave at the checkout. Most of the time, it happens because they get distracted. WhatsApp’s “3-second rule” can reverse this: 90% of WhatsApp messages are opened within three seconds, helping merchants reach customers before they’ve put their phones down.

By sending a quick, automated nudges, Flowcart merchants have recovered nearly 20% of these lost sales. They’re putting a direct checkout link back in their customers’ hands while the intent to buy is still fresh. The sections below explain how to activate the Shopify abandoned cart reminder flow and customize reminders to increase order completion rates.

What You'll Need

To set up Abandoned Cart Reminders on WhatsApp, ensure the following are in place:

• The Flowcart Shopify plugin installed on your store
• Shopify abandoned cart tracking activated
• Customers with a valid WhatsApp phone number who have opted in to receive messages

Activating the Abandoned Cart flow

Abandoned Cart Reminder flows are configured using a single click. The Flowcart Shopify Plugin monitors abandoned checkouts. It follows up on WhatsApp with a series of reminders that include the customer’s cart items and a direct checkout link.

• Go to Flows in the Flowcart Shopify Plugin and select Flowcart Flows

• Select the Shopify section

• Click on Activate to enable the cart recovery flow

This is how the activated abandoned cart recovery flow will appear on your screen:

Congratulations, you’re done!

The Abandoned Cart flow includes three ready-made reminders, each with timing, variables, and discounts. Once activated, it starts working immediately. Customization is optional and can be done at any time to adjust the messages or offers. Instructions are below!

Customizing the first cart reminder

Follow these steps to review or modify the first WhatsApp reminder, which is sent shortly after a cart is abandoned and acts as a gentle nudge to bring the shopper back to checkout.

• Click the After Time Delay dropdown at the top of the message card

• Select when you want this reminder to be sent after a cart is abandoned (recommended timeline is within 1 hour)

‍

• Click inside the message text box to update the copy (For example, “Thanks for shopping.”)

Use this message to gently remind the customer about the items they left behind and make it easy for them to return to checkout. Keep the tone friendly and clear. This first reminder works best as a simple nudge rather than a hard sell.

Variables like ${name} and ${items_str} automatically personalize the message with the customer’s name and cart items.

• Toggle Discount on if you want to offer an incentive in this reminder

‍

• Select a discount type. For a flat discount, select Flat, and for a percentage discount, select Percentage.

When offering a discount, include the discount value in brackets in the reminder message (e.g., 100 for flat discount).

• Click Upload Image to include a product or brand image in the message
  

Note: The backend sources images from the cart the customer has abandoned using the ${items_str} variable, so uploading images is optional.

Here’s the preview of the first abandoned cart reminder on the Flowcart Shopify Plugin interface:

• Click Save to apply updates

How to customize the second cart reminder

The second cart reminder follows the initial nudge and is sent if the customer hasn’t completed checkout. This step is useful for reinforcing the reminder or adding additional context to encourage the shopper to return.

Configuration steps remain the same as the first reminder, with the differences outlined below.

• Find the second cart reminder editor just below the first one in the flow

• Click the After Time Delay dropdown at the top of the message card

• Select when you want this reminder to be sent after a cart is abandoned (recommended timeline is within 6 hours)

• Click inside the message text box to update the copy

Use this message as a follow-up for customers who haven’t returned after the first reminder. At this stage, the shopper has already seen one nudge, so the message can be more direct while still staying helpful.

Here’s the preview of the second abandoned cart reminder with a flat discount value of 120:

How to customize the third cart reminder

The third cart reminder is your final follow-up for shoppers who haven’t responded to earlier messages. At this point, the customer is aware of the cart, so this reminder should focus on clarity and closure rather than repeated nudging.

Configuration steps remain the same as the first and second reminders, with the differences outlined below.

• Locate the third abandoned cart reminder flow below the second one

• Click the After Time Delay dropdown at the top of the message card

• Select when you want this reminder to be sent after a cart is abandoned (recommended timeline is within 24 hours)

• Click inside the message text box to update the copy

Use this message to clearly restate the cart contents and prompt a decision. This is a good place to add urgency or a stronger incentive, if you’re using one, while still keeping the message respectful and straightforward.

Here’s the preview of the third abandoned cart reminder with a 15% off discount value and a limited timeline:

How to track recovery performance: Clicks, orders, revenue

This section explains where to find tracking data for abandoned cart reminders and how to review clicks, completed orders, and attributed revenue inside the Flowcart Shopify Plugin.

• Go to Analytics and select Abandoned Cart Analytics in the Flowcart Shopify Plugin interface

• Configure the dates in the top-left corner to see specific data

How to troubleshoot abandoned cart reminders that aren’t sending?

If WhatsApp abandoned cart reminders stop, review the checks below to identify where the flow may be breaking.

• Start by confirming that the Abandoned Cart flows are active. Each reminder stage runs as a separate flow. If any flow is inactive, that reminder will not send, even if earlier reminders are working.

• Verify that the Flowcart Shopify Plugin captures the customer’s phone number. Abandoned cart reminders rely on the phone number saved with the cart or checkout. If Shopify does not capture a phone number, the Flowcart Shopify Plugin cannot deliver the reminder.

• Check the time delay settings for each reminder. A reminder may still be waiting for the configured delay to pass. Also, review business-hour rules, as the Flowcart Shopify Plugin defers messages scheduled outside allowed hours until the next sending window.

• Confirm that the discount configuration is valid for discount-based reminders. An invalid discount type, value, or checkout URL can prevent the reminder from completing successfully.

• Use the preview and test views to validate message content. Missing variables, buttons, or checkout links can cause reminders to fail or appear incomplete.

If reminders stay undelivered after these checks, review each reminder flow individually to confirm that timing, conditions, and message content align across all stages.

Flowcart is a Shopify plugin that turns WhatsApp into a measurable revenue channel. It helps you capture consented WhatsApp subscribers from your store using smart pop-ups and opt-in widgets, then grow sales with ready-made automations like abandoned cart recovery, reorder reminders, upsells, and win-back journeys.

Customers can complete a one-click checkout directly inside WhatsApp (with a Shopify checkout fallback when needed). Flowcart also supports click-to-WhatsApp ads with clear attribution, so you can see exactly which campaigns and conversations are driving checkouts and revenue

What You'll Need

Before the Shopify store can start recovering lost sales on autopilot, ensure the following foundations are in place:

• Your store must be on a Basic, Shopify, Advanced, or Plus plan. 

Please note that the install button will only be visible in the Shopify App Store if you are on one of these eligible tiers.

• A fully functional storefront where products and customer checkouts are currently managed
• Customers with a valid WhatsApp phone number who have opted in to receive messages

Installing the Flowcart Plugin on Shopify

To install the Flowcart plugin on Shopify:

• Open a web browser and navigate to the Shopify app store

• Type Flowcart in the search bar to find the plugin. Click on the Flowcart Whatsapp Chat+AI+CRM plugin from the search results

• Select the Install button to begin the installation process

After clicking 'Install', the merchant will be redirected to the installation page.

• Review the permissions that the app requires
• Click on the Install button to proceed

Once the installation is complete, a trial account will be created automatically, and the merchant’s number will be added as an admin.

The merchant can explore the features available in the trial account for three days, with an option to extend it to seven days if they connect their number via Meta.

Connecting the merchant’s number 

To connect the number:

• Click on Update Number 

• Select Proceed to Meta Onboarding

• Log into your Meta account and add your number

If you encounter any issues or need assistance, click on Need Help in the bottom right corner:

• Contact us via WhatsApp for assistance 

In case of any questions about how Flowcart integrates with your specific Shopify plan, our team is here to help. Contact the Flowcart support team!

Best practices to follow

To ensure a smooth integration and avoid technical delays, merchants should keep the following points in mind while setting up the Flowcart plugin.

• Before beginning, the user should confirm they have the necessary administrative roles in Shopify to install and authorize third-party applications. Without these permissions, the installation will be blocked at the authorization stage.
• During installation, the merchant should carefully review the plugin's requested data access. This ensures an understanding of how Flowcart interacts with store data to power the WhatsApp flows.
• It is recommended that merchants explore all Flowcart features immediately after installation. Familiarizing the team with the dashboard during the trial period ensures the store can use the automation tools before the first billing cycle.
• For a seamless onboarding experience, merchants should have their Meta Business Suite and WhatsApp Business Account credentials ready. Having these at hand prevents interruptions during the final stages of the sync.
• If the installation screen hangs, clearing the browser cache, refresh the page, and try again. Sometimes, browser extensions or ad-blockers can interfere with the Shopify admin redirect.
• If the flow is not triggering after installation, the merchant should navigate to the "Apps" section in Shopify to ensure the Flowcart plugin is listed as "Installed" and has not been accidentally deactivated.

If reminders stay undelivered after these checks, review each reminder flow individually to confirm that timing, conditions, and message content align across all stages.

For the fastest verification, merchants should ensure their Meta Business Manager is already "Verified." A verified status speeds up the WhatsApp Business API approval process, allowing the Flowcart plugin to transition from a test environment to a live, high-volume storefront in a fraction of the time.