The LatePoint – WhatsApp by Meta addon is a specialized extension for the LatePoint booking plugin. It leverages the WhatsApp Cloud API (via Meta for Developers) to send automated booking notifications, reminders, and updates directly to clients and agents.
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To use this addon, your environment and setup must meet the following criteria:
Core Plugin: LatePoint (Premium/Pro version typically required for addon support).
WordPress Version: 6.5 or higher.
PHP Version: 7.4 or higher (8.0+ recommended for security and performance).
Meta Developer Account: An active account on Meta for Developers is required to create a WhatsApp Business App.
System User Token: You must generate a Permanent System User Access Token (rather than a temporary 24-hour token) with whatsapp_business_messaging and whatsapp_business_management permissions.
The addon integrates WhatsApp into the LatePoint “Workflows” system, allowing for automated communication triggers.
| Feature | Description |
| Workflow Integration | Trigger WhatsApp messages based on events (Booking Created, Status Changed, etc.). |
| Meta Template Support | Supports Meta-approved templates (required by Meta for outbound messages). |
| Dynamic Variables | Use LatePoint variables (e.g., {{customer_name}}, {{start_time}}) within WhatsApp templates. |
| Agent Notifications | Send instant alerts to staff members when a new appointment is booked. |
| Utility Category | Designed to work with Meta’s “Utility” message category for transaction-related info. |
Setting up the connection requires specific IDs from your Meta App Dashboard:
Phone Number ID: A unique identifier for the phone number sending the messages.
WhatsApp Business Account ID: Links the addon to your specific business profile.
Permanent Access Token: Used for secure, non-expiring authentication between your WordPress site and Meta’s servers.
Template Approval: You cannot send “free-form” text via the API. Every message must follow a template pre-approved by Meta (approval usually takes ~5 minutes to a few hours).
Messaging Fees: While the plugin is a one-time or subscription cost, Meta may charge per-conversation fees after the initial free tier (typically the first 1,000 service-related conversations per month are free).
Opt-in Requirement: Per WhatsApp policy, you must ensure customers have consented to receive messages on WhatsApp.
