PostReplyTurn a WhatsApp enquiry into a booked time with a link.
Reply with a PostReply Inbox booking link. The customer opens a separate booking page to choose a time; your team checks the resulting appointment. This is link-based booking, not a date picker inside WhatsApp.
1. Prepare a scheduling link
In Calendar, create a scheduling link with a service name, one assigned staff member, duration and buffers. Save it, copy its public URL from the scheduling-links list, and open it yourself to confirm which dates and times are offered before you share it.
2. Send the link in the WhatsApp conversation
When a customer asks for a consultation or service time, paste the link into a normal Inbox reply and explain what they can book. For the official WhatsApp Cloud API, a free-form reply must be inside Meta's 24-hour customer-service window after the customer's latest message; outside it, use an approved message template. Check delivery separately from clicking Send.
Review Meta's current WhatsApp messaging policy3. Let the customer choose an available time
The link opens an Inbox booking page in the browser. The customer chooses a date and available slot; the assigned staff member appears on the page. They enter first name, last name, email and phone to submit. Inbox checks existing appointments for conflicts and, when Google Calendar is connected, checks its busy times too. The time picker is on the web page, not in the WhatsApp chat.
4. Check the contact, staff member and calendar
A submitted booking creates an appointment for the assigned staff member and a contact record that Inbox creates or matches by the email entered in the form. It does not automatically attach the appointment to the original WhatsApp conversation or match that contact by WhatsApp number alone. Check the appointment in Calendar and add a conversation note if your team needs that handover. With a connected Google Calendar, verify the external event on the configured staff calendar or primary calendar. A Google Meet, Zoom or Teams link depends on the selected meeting setup and connected account.
5. Verify the complete path with a test enquiry
Use a business number and a customer number you control. Receive a WhatsApp enquiry, send the link, book an available slot on the public page, then check the saved appointment, email-matched contact, configured host and any connected calendar event or meeting link. Sending a link alone does not configure automatic reminders, customer self-service changes or payment.
Frequently asked questions
Does the customer choose a date inside WhatsApp?
No. They open the booking link and choose an available time on a separate web page. This guide does not describe a native WhatsApp date picker or WhatsApp Flow.
Will the appointment automatically join the WhatsApp conversation?
No. The booking form creates or matches a contact by its email address. Check whether that is the same customer record as the conversation and add a note for the team when needed.
Can the customer choose a different staff member?
This guide uses a single assigned staff member. The customer chooses an available time on the booking page; your team chooses the staff member when creating the link.
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