Guide

    40 WhatsApp template examples for Indian businesses (marketing, utility and authentication)

    40 WhatsApp template examples for Indian businesses: marketing, utility and authentication, by use case and industry, with approval tips and costs.

    By WatsBerry8 min read

    WhatsApp marketing template example for a festive sale in India

    Quick answers

    What is a WhatsApp message template?
    It is a pre-approved message format that businesses use on the WhatsApp Business API to start conversations or message customers outside the 24-hour service window. Meta reviews each template and assigns a category.
    What are the three WhatsApp template categories?
    Marketing (promotions and offers), utility (updates about an existing order, booking or account) and authentication (one-time passcodes). Each has its own Meta rate.
    Is an appointment reminder marketing or utility?
    A factual reminder about a booking the customer already made is usually utility. If the reminder also promotes a new service or offer, Meta may classify it as marketing.

    Short answer

    Updated 27 September 2026 (IST). Rates are from Meta's INR rate card effective 1 October 2026, excluding taxes.

    Short answer: WhatsApp Business API templates fall into three categories. Marketing templates promote something (offers, launches, win-backs) and cost ₹0.8631 per delivered message to Indian numbers. Utility templates relate to a specific transaction or account the customer already has (order updates, reminders, payment receipts) and cost ₹0.1150. Authentication templates deliver one-time passcodes and cost ₹0.1150. Below are 40 copy-paste examples labelled with the category Meta is likely to assign. Meta makes the final decision, so keep utility templates strictly factual.

    Variables are shown as {{1}}, {{2}} and so on. Replace brand names and details before submitting.

    Rules that keep templates approved

    1. Match the category to the content. A "reminder" that pushes a new offer is marketing, not utility.
    2. Keep variables in context. Do not start or end a template with a variable, and do not stack variables next to each other.
    3. Say who you are. Include your brand name so the customer recognises the sender.
    4. No misleading urgency or claims. Avoid "last chance" wording if it is not true.
    5. Give an easy opt-out on marketing templates, for example a "Stop promotions" quick reply button.
    6. Use buttons for actions: website links, call buttons or quick replies.

    Step-by-step approval help: WhatsApp template approval process. Policy basics: templates and compliance. Category differences and costs: marketing vs utility messages.

    Ecommerce and D2C (10 examples)

    1. Order confirmation (likely utility)

    Hi {{1}}, thanks for shopping with {{2}}. Your order {{3}} for ₹{{4}} is confirmed. We will update you here when it ships.

    2. Shipping update (likely utility)

    Your {{1}} order {{2}} is on the way with {{3}}. Track it here: {{4}}

    3. Delivered (likely utility)

    Hi {{1}}, your order {{2}} has been delivered. Reply here if anything is wrong and our team will help.

    4. COD confirmation (likely utility)

    Hi {{1}}, please confirm your Cash on Delivery order {{2}} for ₹{{3}} so we can dispatch it. Buttons: Confirm | Cancel

    5. Abandoned cart (likely marketing)

    Hi {{1}}, you left {{2}} in your cart at {{3}}. It is still available. Complete your order here: {{4}}

    6. Back in stock (likely marketing)

    Good news {{1}}! {{2}} is back in stock at {{3}}. Sizes go fast, so shop here: {{4}}

    7. Festive sale (marketing)

    Happy {{1}} from {{2}}! Enjoy {{3}}% off sitewide until {{4}}. Shop the festive collection: {{5}}. Reply STOP to opt out.

    8. New launch (marketing)

    Hi {{1}}, our new {{2}} range just launched at {{3}}. Be among the first to see it here: {{4}}

    9. Reorder reminder (likely marketing)

    Hi {{1}}, it has been about {{2}} weeks since you bought {{3}}. Running low? Reorder in one tap: {{4}}

    Timing ideas for reorder and win-back sends: retargeting, reorder and win-back on WhatsApp.

    10. Review request after delivery (likely marketing, can be utility if strictly about the order)

    Hi {{1}}, how was your {{2}} order? A quick review helps other shoppers: {{3}}

    More ecommerce flows: Shopify cart recovery and COD confirmation.

    Clinics, salons and appointment businesses (8 examples)

    11. Booking confirmation (likely utility)

    Hi {{1}}, your appointment at {{2}} is booked for {{3}}, {{4}}. Reply here to reschedule.

    12. Appointment reminder (likely utility)

    Reminder: your appointment at {{1}} is tomorrow, {{2}} at {{3}}. Address: {{4}}.

    13. Preparation instructions (likely utility)

    Hi {{1}}, before your {{2}} appointment on {{3}}, please {{4}}. Call us at {{5}} with any questions.

    14. Missed appointment (likely utility)

    Hi {{1}}, we missed you at {{2}} today. Would you like to book a new time? Reply here.

    15. Post-visit feedback (likely marketing)

    Thank you for visiting {{1}}, {{2}}. How was your experience? Share a quick review here: {{3}}

    16. Membership renewal (likely utility if tied to an existing plan)

    Hi {{1}}, your {{2}} membership at {{3}} ends on {{4}}. Renew here: {{5}}

    17. Seasonal offer (marketing)

    Hi {{1}}, {{2}} has a {{3}} offer this month on {{4}}. Book your slot: {{5}}. Reply STOP to opt out.

    18. Re-engagement (marketing)

    Hi {{1}}, it has been a while since your last visit to {{2}}. Here is {{3}} off your next booking: {{4}}

    Booking setup: Google Calendar booking on WhatsApp. Restaurants can adapt these for table bookings: WhatsApp for restaurants.

    Education and coaching (6 examples)

    19. Enquiry follow-up (likely marketing)

    Hi {{1}}, thanks for your interest in {{2}} at {{3}}. Here is the course brochure: {{4}}. Reply with any questions.

    20. Demo class confirmation (likely utility)

    Hi {{1}}, your demo class for {{2}} is confirmed for {{3}} at {{4}}. Join link: {{5}}

    21. Class reminder (likely utility)

    Reminder: {{1}} class starts at {{2}} today. Join here: {{3}}

    22. Fee due reminder (likely utility)

    Hi {{1}}, the fee of ₹{{2}} for {{3}} is due on {{4}}. Pay securely here: {{5}}

    23. Admissions open (marketing)

    Admissions for {{1}} at {{2}} are open until {{3}}. Apply here: {{4}}. Reply STOP to opt out.

    24. Result or certificate ready (likely utility)

    Hi {{1}}, your {{2}} certificate is ready. Download it here: {{3}}

    More for this sector: WhatsApp for education and edtech.

    Real estate (4 examples)

    25. Site visit confirmation (likely utility)

    Hi {{1}}, your site visit to {{2}} is confirmed for {{3}} at {{4}}. Location: {{5}}

    26. Site visit reminder (likely utility)

    Reminder: your visit to {{1}} is tomorrow at {{2}}. Our executive {{3}} will meet you.

    27. New project launch (marketing)

    Hi {{1}}, {{2}} has launched {{3}} in {{4}}. See floor plans and prices: {{5}}. Reply STOP to opt out.

    28. Payment milestone (likely utility)

    Hi {{1}}, the next payment of ₹{{2}} for unit {{3}} at {{4}} is due on {{5}}.

    Payments and accounts (6 examples)

    29. Payment link (likely utility when linked to an order)

    Hi {{1}}, here is the payment link for order {{2}} of ₹{{3}}: {{4}}

    30. Payment received (utility)

    Payment received. Thank you {{1}}, we have received ₹{{2}} for {{3}}. Receipt: {{4}}

    31. Payment failed (utility)

    Hi {{1}}, your payment for {{2}} did not go through. You can retry here: {{3}}

    32. Refund processed (utility)

    Hi {{1}}, your refund of ₹{{2}} for order {{3}} has been processed. It may take {{4}} working days to reflect.

    33. Subscription renewal notice (utility)

    Hi {{1}}, your {{2}} subscription renews on {{3}} for ₹{{4}}. Manage it here: {{5}}

    34. Account update (utility)

    Hi {{1}}, the {{2}} on your {{3}} account was updated on {{4}}. If this was not you, reply here.

    Payment links: Razorpay payment links on WhatsApp.

    Authentication (3 examples)

    Authentication templates follow Meta's fixed formats for one-time passcodes. Typical wording:

    35. Login code

    {{1}} is your verification code. For your security, do not share this code.

    36. Code with expiry

    {{1}} is your verification code. This code expires in {{2}} minutes.

    37. Copy code button

    Use the button below to copy your {{1}} login code. (Copy code button)

    Lead generation and service businesses (3 examples)

    38. Enquiry received (likely utility)

    Hi {{1}}, thanks for contacting {{2}}. We have received your enquiry about {{3}} and will reply within {{4}}.

    39. Quote shared (likely utility)

    Hi {{1}}, your quote for {{2}} is ready: {{3}}. Reply here to confirm or ask questions.

    40. Follow-up after no reply (likely marketing)

    Hi {{1}}, just checking in on your {{2}} enquiry with {{3}}. Would you like to go ahead? Reply YES and we will call you.

    What these templates cost to send

    Category Meta rate per delivered message (India, ex-tax) 10,000 messages
    Marketing ₹0.8631 ₹8,631
    Utility ₹0.1150 ₹1,150
    Authentication ₹0.1150 ₹1,150

    From 1 October 2026, utility templates sent inside an open 24-hour service window are also charged. Full rules: WhatsApp Business API pricing in India.

    Sending templates with WatsBerry (disclosure: this is our product)

    WatsBerry is a WhatsApp marketing and automation platform for Indian businesses by Furiq Technologies. You can create and submit templates, run campaigns and automations, and track results. 0% markup on WhatsApp marketing: Meta charges are shown separately from the plan. Plans: Starter ₹1,599, Pro ₹2,999, Growth ₹5,999 per month + GST. 14-day free trial. See pricing and the WhatsApp message templates guide.

    What to do next

    Ready to send your first approved template? Start a 14-day free trial of WatsBerry at watsberry.com/waitlist or email [email protected].

    Frequently asked questions

    What is a WhatsApp message template?

    It is a pre-approved message format that businesses use on the WhatsApp Business API to start conversations or message customers outside the 24-hour service window. Meta reviews each template and assigns a category.

    What are the three WhatsApp template categories?

    Marketing (promotions and offers), utility (updates about an existing order, booking or account) and authentication (one-time passcodes). Each has its own Meta rate.

    Is an appointment reminder marketing or utility?

    A factual reminder about a booking the customer already made is usually utility. If the reminder also promotes a new service or offer, Meta may classify it as marketing.

    Why was my WhatsApp template rejected?

    Common reasons include a category mismatch, variables at the start or end, missing brand context, misleading claims, or formatting issues. Fix the specific issue and resubmit.

    How much does a WhatsApp marketing template cost in India?

    Meta charges ₹0.8631 per delivered marketing template to Indian numbers (ex-tax, card effective 1 October 2026). Utility and authentication cost ₹0.1150.

    Can I use these templates on any WhatsApp platform?

    Yes. These are wording examples for the official WhatsApp Business API. Submit them through your provider, adjusting brand names and variables.

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