Help

Frequently asked questions

Answers about plans, domains, WhatsApp, and the catalog. If it is not here, write to us from Contact.

What is Shelfkat?

Shelfkat is a platform to build your online catalog and close sales on WhatsApp. Each store gets its own URL (for example your-business.shelfkat.store) where customers browse products, variants, and prices. When they confirm an order, WhatsApp opens with the message already written for you or your team.

How do I create my first catalog?

Sign up with Google or your email, complete your profile (country and phone), and open the dashboard. In Catalogs create a new one, upload photos, set prices, organize categories, and publish. In minutes you have a link and a QR code ready to share on WhatsApp, Instagram, or anywhere else.

Is it really free? What happens if I never pay?

Yes. The Free plan is free forever and needs no card: 1 catalog, up to 20 products with 2 photos and up to 3 sizes and 3 colors per product, your shelfkat.store URL, a QR code, and WhatsApp orders. If you never pay, your catalog stays published under those conditions.

What do I unlock on a paid plan?

More products and photos, unlimited variants, orders with status, a WhatsApp inbox, coupons, Meta and TikTok pixels and, depending on the plan, a custom domain, several sellers, and a pipeline. Current prices and limits are in the plan table: Free (free forever), Starter USD 12.99 /mo, Business USD 23.99 /mo, Pro USD 39.99 /mo. Change or cancel whenever you want; paid access lasts until the end of the billed period.

Do you charge a commission on my sales?

No. You only pay your plan subscription (or nothing on Free). Shelfkat does not charge your customers or hold your money: you agree on payment with each customer on WhatsApp, just like today.

What URL does my store include?

Every published catalog gets a Shelfkat subdomain: {your-slug}.shelfkat.store. You can also use /c/{slug} as a fallback. You do not need to buy a domain to get started: the subdomain is included on all plans.

What is a custom domain and how is it different from the subdomain?

The subdomain (your-store.shelfkat.store) is included. A custom domain is your brand in the browser bar (shop.com or shop.yourbrand.com). It requires a plan with custom domains, buying the domain from a registrar, and setting the DNS records Shelfkat shows you.

Where can I buy a domain?

From international registrars such as Namecheap, GoDaddy, or Cloudflare Registrar, or from registrars in your country (.com, .co.uk, etc.). Shelfkat does not sell domains: buy it wherever you prefer and then connect the hostname in your catalog's Domains panel.

How do I connect and verify my custom domain?

In Admin → Domain choose the catalog and add the hostname (for example shop.yourbrand.com). Shelfkat shows the DNS records, including a TXT verification record. Create them in your registrar or DNS (Cloudflare, etc.), wait for propagation (minutes to hours), and press Check now. Once the status is Verified, your store answers on that domain over HTTPS.

How do I change plans or cancel?

From Admin → Plan (Billing) you can see your current plan, start checkout for a higher plan, or open the customer portal to update your card, change plans, or cancel. If you cancel, you keep paid access until the end of the period and then your account moves to Free without losing your catalog.

What payment methods do you accept?

Credit and debit cards plus the methods available in your country at checkout. Prices are shown in US dollars (USD). The Free plan does not require a card.

How do WhatsApp orders work?

On your catalog the customer builds a cart and confirms. Shelfkat opens WhatsApp (web or app) with a message summarizing products, quantities, and total, addressed to the number you set for that catalog or seller. Your team replies and closes the sale in the chat, as always.

Can I invite my team? What roles exist?

Yes. In Admin → Team you can invite members as Admin (full settings), Manager (CRM, pipeline, offers), or User (day-to-day operations per plan modules). The maximum number of sellers depends on your plan. Each catalog can assign a different WhatsApp per seller.

What are contacts, pipeline, and offers?

Contacts centralizes the customers who arrive through your catalog or that you add by hand. Pipeline is a board to track opportunities by stage. Offers enables coupons and campaigns for your contacts (per your plan). These are Shelfkat's lightweight CRM modules for sales teams.

Does Shelfkat offer AI copy suggestions?

Yes. From the editor you can request suggestions for product descriptions and catalog copy; every plan includes a monthly quota of AI credits. Always review the content before publishing: you have the final say.

Can I see visits and analytics for my catalog?

Yes. The catalog dashboard shows visits, most-viewed products, WhatsApp clicks, and orders. The Free plan has a basic view; paid plans include the full funnel. Analytics help you see which products draw interest and where your traffic comes from.

Do I own my data and catalog?

Yes. The content you upload (photos, copy, prices) is yours. You can edit, duplicate, or delete catalogs from the dashboard. Shelfkat hosts the store and processes orders and contacts under the terms of service and privacy policy published on the site.

How do I contact support?

Use the contact form on the website or email the support address in the footer. For billing, the customer portal shows your receipts and subscription management. Business and Pro plans include priority support.