The private alternative to a WhatsApp group for your shop
A WhatsApp group is the easiest way to tell regulars about offers. It also shares every customer's phone number with everyone else in it. Here is how to keep the reach and drop the risk.
What goes wrong with WhatsApp for shop offers
Everyone sees everyone's number
In a group, every member can see every other member's number and message them directly. One upset customer or one wrong forward and your list is out.
Broadcast lists miss people
A broadcast list only reaches people who have saved your number in their contacts. Many never do, so many never get your offers.
No record of permission
UK rules expect you to be able to show that people agreed to marketing messages and can easily stop them. A group gives you neither.
WhatsApp compared with Tillkeep
| Question | WhatsApp group | Broadcast list | Tillkeep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customers can see each other's numbers | Yes | No | No |
| Reaches people who haven't saved your number | Yes | No | Yes |
| Record of who agreed to offers | No | No | Yes |
| Stop link in every message | No | No | Yes |
| Points and rewards | No | No | Yes |
| Sent from | Your phone | Your phone | Your shop's name |
How to switch in a week
You can't copy numbers from WhatsApp, and you shouldn't: customers need to join themselves so their permission is recorded. Most of a group will move over within a week or two.
Day 1: put the QR poster by the till. Day 2: post the message shown on this page in your group once. Day 7: post a reminder. When most have joined, close the group.
Message to post in your group
We're moving our offers to a private list. Nobody will see your number. Join in 1 minute and get 50 points: [your join link]
Your join link and QR poster are on the QR poster page in Tillkeep.
What changes for your customers
Joining
They scan the QR code or tap the link, then type a first name and mobile. It takes under a minute.
Offers
Offers arrive by text from your shop's name, never from a group.
Stopping
One tap on the link in any text stops offers. Their points stay safe.
Questions
Is a WhatsApp group against the rules?
Sharing customers' numbers with each other without their agreement can break UK data protection law, and marketing texts generally need permission plus an easy way to stop. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Can I import my WhatsApp contacts into Tillkeep?
No. Customers join themselves through your QR code or link. That is what records their permission for points and, separately, for offers.
Will Tillkeep send WhatsApp messages?
Offers go by text today, from your shop's name. WhatsApp offers are on the way.
What does it cost?
It is free while we set up our first shops. There is no contract, and we agree a monthly price with you before anything is charged.
See it working in your shop
Free while we set up our first shops. No contract, and we agree a price with you before anything is charged.