WhatsApp templates

Template library

WhatsApp shipping update templates

Customers want to know where their parcel is. A WhatsApp shipping update answers that question before they ask it, which means fewer "where is my order" messages for your team. Here are WhatsApp shipping update templates for each stage of delivery, the category to choose and how to send them with BelloSend.

WhatsApp shipping update template examples

Use one template per delivery stage. Variables ({{1}}, {{2}}) are filled with the customer's data at send time.

order_shipped · Utility
Hello {{1}}, good news: your order {{2}} has shipped with {{3}}. Your tracking number is {{4}}. We will let you know when it is out for delivery.
out_for_delivery · Utility
Hi {{1}}, your order {{2}} is out for delivery today. The courier can be reached at {{3}} if needed. Thank you for your patience.
delivery_delayed · Utility
Hello {{1}}, your order {{2}} is delayed by the carrier. The new expected delivery date is {{3}}. We are sorry for the wait.
  • Talk to us
delivery_attempt_failed · Utility
Hi {{1}}, the courier tried to deliver your order {{2}} today but could not reach you. When should we try again?
  • Tomorrow
  • Change address
  • Talk to us
order_delivered · Utility
Hello {{1}}, your order {{2}} was delivered on {{3}}. If anything is missing or damaged, reply to this message and we will help.

Which category is a shipping update template?

Shipping and delivery updates are Utility templates. They report on an order the customer already placed. Meta's guidelines list order and delivery updates as typical Utility use.

Keep promotional content out of shipping messages. A line like "use code SHIP10 on your next order" can turn the template into Marketing. Send those offers separately, only to contacts who agreed to receive them.

Meta charges per delivered template message, by category and country, and since 1 October 2026 a Utility template is charged even inside the customer's 24-hour service window. BelloSend adds no fee per message.

Tips to get your shipping update template approved

  • Do not put a variable at the very start or end of the body. "Hello {{1}}," is fine; "{{1}} is on its way" is not.
  • Separate variables with words. "with {{3}}. Your tracking number is {{4}}" reads clearly; "{{3}} {{4}}" does not.
  • If you link to a tracking page, use a URL button or a fixed domain with a variable path, and give a sample link.
  • Provide sample values that look real: a carrier name, a tracking number, a date.
  • Keep each template focused on one stage. Short, clear messages are reviewed faster and read more often.

How to send WhatsApp shipping updates with BelloSend

  1. Prepare one template per stage

    Create shipped, out for delivery, delayed and delivered templates in BelloSend, or sync them from WhatsApp Manager, and wait for Meta's approval.

  2. Send them by hand when needed

    Agents can send any approved template to a contact from the shared inbox, for example for a delayed parcel. Templates are included in every plan.

  3. Automate from your shipping system

    When your store or carrier tool changes an order status, it can call BelloSend's API to send the matching template. The API and webhooks are in the Max plan.

  4. Handle replies as a team

    Replies such as "I am not home" arrive in the shared inbox, where they can be assigned to the right agent with notes and history.

Track what was delivered and read

BelloSend shows delivery, read and failure status for messages, so you can see which customers received the update and which numbers failed.

Facts checked on 2026-10-05. https://developers.facebook.com/docs/whatsapp/business-management-api/message-templates · https://developers.facebook.com/docs/whatsapp/updates-to-pricing/new-template-guidelines · https://developers.facebook.com/docs/whatsapp/pricing

Frequently asked questions

Are WhatsApp shipping updates free?

Meta charges its Utility rate for the customer's country per delivered message, and since 1 October 2026 that applies even inside an open 24-hour customer service window. BelloSend adds no fee per message.

Does BelloSend connect to carriers directly?

No. BelloSend does not offer carrier integrations. Your store, carrier tool or an automation service such as Zapier, Make or n8n can send the update through BelloSend's API.

Can I include a tracking link?

Yes. A URL button with a variable path is the usual way. Submit a sample link with the template so Meta can review it.

How many shipping templates should I create?

One per stage you want to report: shipped, out for delivery, delayed and delivered cover most shops.

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