Pricing without the puzzle
One subscription for the software, plus WhatsApp's own conversation charges passed through at cost. No setup fee, no per-seat surprise.
Every ISP's volumes look different, so we price on what you actually run rather than a number on a page. A short call, a look at your traffic, and a real quote.
Book a callWhat counts as a billable conversation
This is the part every WhatsApp product explains badly, so here it is plainly. Meta does not charge you per message. It charges for a 24-hour window, and the price of that window depends on who opened it and why.
- A customer messages you
- The cheapest kind, and the kind Kepto is built around. One window covers everything either of you sends for the next 24 hours, however many messages that turns out to be.
- They arrive from your advert or website
- When someone taps a click-to-WhatsApp advert or a chat button on your site, Meta currently gives you a free window. Worth knowing before you spend on ads.
- You message them first
- Follow-ups, appointment reminders and order updates sent outside an open window are priced higher, and the rate differs by category. They can only go to people who opted in to hear from you.
Meta sets and periodically changes these rates, so we do not reprint their price list here — we would only get it wrong. We will walk you through the current rates for South Africa, and estimate a monthly figure from your actual enquiry volume, before you sign anything.
Billing questions
What exactly is a conversation?
WhatsApp bills in 24-hour conversation windows, not per message. When a thread opens, everything either side sends for the next 24 hours falls under one charge. Ten messages back and forth in an afternoon is one conversation, not ten.
Why does a customer-started chat cost less than one we start?
Meta prices them differently. When a customer messages you first, the window is cheaper — and when the conversation begins from a click on your own advert or website button, it is often free for the first 72 hours. Kepto is designed around inbound conversations, which is the cheaper direction as well as the compliant one.
Do I pay Meta separately?
Conversation charges come from Meta and are billed through to you at cost. Your Kepto subscription is the software. We show both on one invoice and we do not mark up conversation fees.
Is VAT included?
No. All amounts shown are excluding VAT, which is added at the current South African rate.
What contract am I signing?
Monthly plans run month to month and you can stop at the end of any month. Annual plans are paid up front for a discount.
What happens to my data if I leave?
You can export your contacts and conversation history before you go, and we delete what remains on request. Your customer list is yours, not something we hold hostage.
Get a number that fits your volumes
Tell us roughly how many enquiries you handle a month and we will put a real figure in front of you — including the Meta conversation charges, not just our share.
Or email customers@kepto.co.za. We reply to every message within one business day.