Summary
Want to avoid fake Cash On Delivery (COD) orders on your Shopify store? Wati's Shopify app lets you automatically send WhatsApp messages to customers who choose COD as their payment method. These messages ask customers to confirm or cancel their order — so you only fulfill orders from real, verified customers. This guide explains how to set up the COD automated message and customize it for your store.
Instructions
What is a Cash On Delivery Automated Message?
When a customer places a COD order on your Shopify store, Wati can automatically send them a WhatsApp message asking them to either Confirm or Cancel the order.
This helps you:
Reduce fake or spam orders.
Fulfill only confirmed orders.
Automate customer communication on WhatsApp.
Steps to Enable Cash On Delivery Automated Message
Follow these simple steps to set up the COD automated message in your Wati Shopify app.
1. Enable the COD Automated Message
In your Shopify app, go to the Cash On Delivery settings.
Check the box for Enable.
Choose the default template:
shopify_default_cod_confirm_order_v7.Click Save.
Additional Settings You Can Configure
Wati also allows you to set up additional settings for better order management.
a) Send Follow-Up Messages
You can enable follow-up messages if a customer doesn't respond to the first COD message.
b) Customize Cancellation Status and Tags
Set up a custom cancellation status or add specific tags to help you filter and manage COD orders better.
How to Create a Custom COD Message Template
Don't want to use the default template? You can create your own custom WhatsApp message template in Wati.
Steps to Create a Custom Template
In your Wati dashboard, go to the top menu and click Broadcast.
Select Template Message to create a new template.
Once your template is approved, go back to the Shopify app.
Enable the COD automated message and select your custom template.
Important Points to Remember
1. Choose the Correct Category
When creating a template for COD messages, always select the category as Utility.
2. Use Available Variables in Your Template
These variables help personalize your message:
Variable | Description |
| The customer's name from WhatsApp |
| Total price of the order |
| Your Shopify store name |
| Link for customers to confirm their order |
| Link for customers to cancel their order |
3. Add Product Images (Optional)
To include product images in your template:
Add the attribute
product_image_urlin the header section while creating the template.
4. Add Dynamic Confirmation Buttons
To create a clickable confirmation button in your message, use Wati's partial variables.
Example format for a dynamic confirm button URL:
https://s.wati.io/####{{cod_confirm_url_partial_variable}}
Final Tips
Always test your COD automated message before enabling it for all customers.
Customize your message tone to suit your brand.
Use follow-up messages to improve response rates.
By setting up the Cash On Delivery automated message, you can streamline order confirmation, reduce fraud, and provide a better experience for both your store and your customers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Questions
1. What is a Cash On Delivery (COD) automated message?
→ A Cash On Delivery (COD) automated message is a WhatsApp message sent automatically to customers who choose COD as their payment method on your Shopify store. This message asks them to either confirm or cancel their order.
2. Why should I enable COD automated messages in Wati's Shopify app?
→ Enabling COD automated messages helps you avoid fake or spam orders. Only customers who confirm their order through WhatsApp will have their orders fulfilled.
Setup and Configuration
3. How do I enable the COD automated message in Wati's Shopify app?
→ Go to the Cash On Delivery settings in your Shopify app. Check the box for Enable, select the default template shopify_default_cod_confirm_order_v7 , and click Save.
4. Can I create my own custom template for the COD automated message?
→ Yes, you can create your own template. Go to Broadcast in the Wati dashboard, click on Template Message, create your template, and once approved, enable it in your Shopify app.
5. What template category should I select when creating a COD automated message template?
→ Always select the category Utility when creating a COD automated message template.
Message Customization
6. What variables can I use in the COD message template?
→ You can use the following variables in your template:
####{{name}}– Customer's name from WhatsApp####{{total_price}}– Total price of the order####{{shop_name}}– Your Shopify store name####{{cod_confirm_url}}– Link for customers to confirm their order####{{cod_cancel_url}}– Link for customers to cancel their order
7. Can I include product images in the COD message?
→ Yes, you can include product images by adding the attribute product_image_url in the header section while creating the template.
8. How do I add a confirmation button in the message?
→ Use Wati's partial variables in the following format to create a dynamic confirmation button:
https://s.wati.io/####{{cod_confirm_url_partial_variable}}
Additional Settings
9. What happens if a customer does not respond to the COD automated message?
→ You can enable follow-up messages to remind customers to confirm or cancel their order if they don't respond to the first message.
10. Can I customize the cancellation status or add tags for COD orders?
→ Yes, Wati allows you to set up custom cancellation statuses and add tags to help you manage COD orders more effectively.
11. Why isn’t the Cash on Delivery message sending when using a third-party checkout?
→ The payment_gateway_names field is required for the Cash on Delivery (COD) message to be triggered. To send the COD message, the value must be included in this field. If payment_gateway_names field is empty then the COD message will not be sent. Please reach out to your payment gateway provider to ensure this field is being sent to Wati with the correct value.