Start with the customer decision.
A richer format is not automatically better. Use it only when it removes effort or ambiguity.
Text
Direct answers and short confirmations
Use it when
The customer needs one clear answer or a natural follow-up question.
Choose another format when
The reply asks the customer to choose from several structured options.
Make it work: Keep one decision in each message. Put the next action in the final sentence.
Reply buttons
A small set of clear choices
Use it when
The customer can move forward with two or three mutually exclusive answers.
Choose another format when
The choice needs explanation or the option set is longer than a quick scan.
Make it work: Write labels as the answer the customer intends to give, such as Change time.
Lists
Services, locations, categories and time ranges
Use it when
Several options belong in named groups and the customer should choose one.
Choose another format when
The customer needs to compare rich product details or submit multiple fields.
Make it work: Order options by likely intent. Keep each row understandable without opening it.
WhatsApp Flows
Registration, qualification, booking and feedback
Use it when
The customer needs to complete several connected fields without leaving WhatsApp.
Choose another format when
One short question would finish the task faster in the conversation.
Make it work: Group related fields into short screens and confirm the result back in the chat.
Products and catalogs
Products with current images, prices and availability
Use it when
The customer should inspect one catalog item or open a grouped product list before choosing.
Choose another format when
The business cannot keep the linked catalog accurate or the choice is not a product.
Make it work: Use catalog data rather than recreating product fields. Confirm the chosen item, variant and price in the conversation.
Carousels
A short, visual set of comparable cards
Use it when
Several products or media choices share the same structure and benefit from side-by-side browsing.
Choose another format when
The options need long explanations, unrelated actions or a grouped list with many rows.
Make it work: Keep every card consistent and let the next card peek into view so horizontal browsing is obvious.
Documents and tickets
Passes, confirmations, quotes and instructions
Use it when
The customer needs a portable record they can open or keep.
Choose another format when
The same information is easier to read as a short message.
Make it work: Name the file for the customer and say what it contains before they open it.
Location
Entrances, branches, delivery points and service visits
Use it when
A precise pin prevents ambiguity that a neighbourhood or venue name cannot resolve.
Choose another format when
The business only knows a broad area or cannot verify the shared pin.
Make it work: Pair the pin with a recognizable entrance, building or arrival instruction.