What counts as an automated conversation?
Only conversations the agent handles entirely on its own, within a 24-hour window. If you or your team reply within 48 hours, it doesn't count — no matter how many messages were exchanged.
Is it really free to start?
Yes — no credit card needed. You get 20 automated conversations a month with every feature and channel open.
What happens if I go over on the Free plan?
Nothing breaks — the agent simply pauses automated replies once you hit the monthly limit, and you can still reply yourself. Upgrade to Paid anytime to keep it running.
Are there per-agent or per-channel fees?
No. All channels, all integrations, and your whole team are included on both plans. You only ever pay for automated conversations.
Is there a setup fee?
No. Zero setup fees on any plan.
Can I upgrade, downgrade, or cancel anytime?
Yes. There's no annual lock-in — the Paid plan is month to month, so you can change plans or drop back to Free whenever you like.
What payment methods do you accept?
All major credit cards. Payments are processed securely.
How much do WhatsApp messages cost?
Meta charges per message. Rates depend on category and destination country. Representative ranges: Marketing ~$0.025–$0.14, Utility ~$0.004–$0.05, Authentication ~$0.004–$0.05. Service messages (non-template replies inside an open CS window) are free. Rates vary by country and can change up to 4 times a year.
What is the 24-hour customer service window?
When a customer messages you first, a 24-hour customer service (CS) window opens. All non-template replies inside that window are free. Utility templates sent inside the window are also free. Outside the window, you need a template message, which Meta charges for.
Are conversations from Click-to-WhatsApp ads free?
Yes. When a user starts a conversation via a Click-to-WhatsApp ad, a 72-hour Free Entry Point (FEP) window opens. Any message you send during that window — including templates — is free.
Are utility templates always charged?
No. Utility templates sent inside an open customer service window are free. They are only charged when sent proactively outside a window to re-engage or reach out to a customer.
Are there volume discounts for WhatsApp messages?
Yes. Meta offers tiered pricing for utility and authentication messages. Higher monthly volume unlocks lower per-message rates. Tiers reset monthly and are tracked per country and category.
When does Meta update WhatsApp prices?
Meta can change rates up to 4 times a year — on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1 — with advance notice. The next scheduled change is April 1, 2026.
Does AssistantLabs charge extra on top of Meta's fees?
No. We pass Meta's WhatsApp messaging fees through at cost with no markup.
What is a WhatsApp template message?
A template message is a pre-approved message format used to start or re-open a conversation. Templates must be submitted to Meta for approval before use. They are how businesses reach out to customers first — or continue a conversation after the 24-hour window closes.
What is the difference between a marketing and a utility template?
Marketing templates are promotional — offers, announcements, campaigns. They cost more because Meta restricts how often businesses can send them. Utility templates are transactional — order confirmations, appointment reminders, shipping updates. They cost less and have fewer restrictions.
Why does Meta charge for template messages at all?
To prevent spam. Without a cost attached to outgoing messages, businesses could blast unlimited promotions to every phone number. The fee — combined with template pre-approval — is Meta's way of keeping WhatsApp a high-trust channel where people actually want to receive messages.