WhatsApp Business in Sparkforge: FAQs

Message delivery

Why did I see "Failed to send because this user is part of an experiment"?

Since June 14, 2023, roughly 1% of WhatsApp users won't receive marketing template messages from any business unless one of these is true:

• An open customer service window exists with the business
• An open marketing conversation exists with the business
• An open free-entry-point conversation exists

If a recipient is in the experiment group, the message is not sent and you are not billed.

Unsubscribing and switching plans

Will unsubscribing affect my numbers and templates?

No. Numbers and templates remain intact. When you resubscribe, everything is restored.

What if I switch between Location Purchase and Agency Direct Deploy?

Numbers and templates are preserved across the switch and restored on resubscribe.

Can I send or receive while inactive?

No. Messaging is paused while the subscription is inactive. Data is preserved and resumes on resubscribe.

What if numbers don't reappear after resubscribing?

Contact support.

Are linked workflows preserved?

Yes. Workflows and automations tied to WhatsApp templates resume normally after resubscribe.

Using an existing WhatsApp number

You must first delete the existing WhatsApp account on that number:

1. Open WhatsApp
2. Go to Settings > Account > Delete my account

See the migration guide for moving an existing number to a Business Account.

Can I use one number on the WhatsApp Business Platform and the WhatsApp Business App at the same time?

Yes, with WhatsApp Coexistence. Coexistence lets you keep using the WhatsApp Business App while also using Sparkforge's CRM tools through the WhatsApp Cloud API.

Will I lose data when migrating to the Business Platform?

Yes. Meta does not allow data transfers between platforms. Back up before migrating.

How do I back up?

1. Open WhatsApp
2. Go to Settings > Chats > Chat backup
3. Back up to Google Drive or iCloud

Frequency capping (India)

Meta added frequency capping to limit marketing messages sent to Indian phone numbers (+91). It works on a first-come, first-served basis — once the cap is hit, further marketing messages won't deliver.

Capping does not apply to:

• Session messages inside an existing customer service window
• Click-to-WhatsApp ads conversations

The cap is per recipient across all businesses, not per business.

Facebook Business Manager verification

What does verification unlock?

A verified Facebook Business Manager account allows unlimited business-initiated conversations on WhatsApp.

What if verification is pending?

• Up to 250 business-initiated conversations in a 24-hour rolling window
• Unlimited responses to customer-initiated conversations
• Up to two WhatsApp numbers per unverified account

What if verification fails?

You can keep using the number with the same restrictions (250 business-initiated per 24 hours, unlimited responses).

How do I request verification?

Provide proof of your legal entity and business access. See the WhatsApp Business Manager verification guide for steps.

Deliverability best practices

• Opt-in only: Message customers who have explicitly opted in.
• Segment: Group recipients by shared traits and target accordingly.
• Personalize: Use behavior and purchase data to tailor recommendations.
• Quality over quantity: Send fewer, higher-value messages.
• Two-way: Encourage replies — sustained conversations protect your sending quality.

Charges

WhatsApp is free for personal use. What are conversation charges?

Businesses using the WhatsApp Business API pay Meta per conversation, especially for outbound notifications outside the 24-hour customer service window. Rates depend on the recipient's country code. Sparkforge bills these at cost with no surcharge.

Onboarding errors

What does "Last onboarding failed! This WABA is already onboarded at this Location ID" mean?

The WhatsApp Business Account is already connected to another Location ID. Disconnect it from the current Location first, then onboard it to the new one.