WhatsApp Business app or API: which do I need?
The WhatsApp Business app is free and runs on your phone, with a catalogue, labels, greeting and away messages and quick replies. The API is for software: AI replies, several staff on one number and automated updates, with Meta charging per marketing template. With Meta's coexistence option, many businesses can use both on one number.
The app is enough when
One or two people answer chats, most questions are simple and you reply by hand. Use labels to sort customers, quick replies for common answers and the catalogue for products.
The API makes sense when
Messages come in faster than you can answer, you want AI or a system to reply, several staff need to answer from one number, or you want order and booking updates sent by themselves.
Cost and safety
The app is free. On the API, Meta charges per message for marketing templates, and replies within 24 hours of the customer's message are free; providers may add a fee. Both are safe. The risky option is an unofficial tool that copies WhatsApp Web.
How Lucco Boss does it
AI auto reply + WhatsApp in Lucco Boss is coming soon on Meta's official API, with the coexistence option where available so you can keep the app on your phone. 500 replies a month free.
Updated · Lucco Technology