How to collect payments on WhatsApp from your shop's customers: payment links and bank transfers
For: Auto repair shops and automotive businesses that get paid over WhatsApp · Updated October 25, 2026
Short answer
Ask for money when the customer has already decided: a deposit when they approve the quote, the total when the vehicle is ready and a friendly reminder if a balance remains. In each message send one link where they see what they owe and can pay by card (on your own Payphone, Mercado Pago or Stripe account) or see your bank details and send you the receipt.
The three moments to collect
- When the quote is approved: a deposit (say 30% or the cost of parts) secures the job.
- When the vehicle is ready: the "ready for pickup" message with the total and the link to pay before coming in.
- After delivery, if a balance remains: a reminder with the exact amount and the same link.
Payment link or bank transfer
A card payment link is the easiest for the customer and the money lands in your gateway account. A bank transfer has no fee, but you need to confirm the money arrived before handing over.
Best is to offer both in one place: the customer chooses, and you get the receipt in the same chat.
Which gateway to use
- Ecuador: Payphone (credit and debit cards, also in installments).
- Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay: Mercado Pago.
- United States, Europe and international payments: Stripe.
- In every case the account is your business's: the money goes straight to you.
Mistakes that keep you from getting paid
- Dropping your account number in the chat without the exact amount or the order.
- Only collecting when the customer arrives to pick up (and turns out not to have the money).
- Handing over on a receipt without confirming the money arrived.
How Sherom does it
- Every order has its payment page: the amount, a button to pay by card on your gateway and your bank details.
- The assistant sends that link when the quote is approved (if you ask for a deposit), when the vehicle is ready, in balance reminders and when the customer asks "how do I pay?".
- You connect your Stripe, Mercado Pago or Payphone by pasting a single credential, or we do it with you at no cost.
- Card payments record themselves; the AI reads transfer receipts and you confirm with a "yes".
Frequently asked questions
Does Sherom take a fee on payments?
No. You only pay your gateway's fee; bank transfers have none. The money goes straight to your account.
Do I need a gateway to start?
No. You can take bank transfers only and add a gateway whenever you want; we help you create and connect it.
How much deposit should I ask for?
Many shops ask for 30% to 50%, or the cost of the parts they have to buy. What matters is asking when the quote is approved, not later.