Been running ads through the standard WhatsApp Business app and the message volume is getting serious. Already had one account suspension scare, so shifting to the API feels like the only long-term play. But two things are stopping me from pulling the trigger.
First up, voice calls. It's mandatory for my business to send and receive voice messages and handle live calls. Heard through the grapevine that the API doesn't support inbound or outbound calls at all. That's a dealbreaker if true. Can anyone confirm whether there's a workaround? Something that feels seamless, not a clunky separate phone system bolted on?
Second, cost. Most BSPs quote prices that look like they're aimed at enterprise chatbots and bulk blasting. I don't need any of that. Just a manual shared inbox where my team can reply to customers one-on-one. No automation, no chatbots. Meta's Cloud API itself is free at the API level, and I've seen open-source options like Chatwoot that connect directly. That route seems viable if you're comfortable with some technical setup. Monthly cost stays low, just the per-conversation fees.
Anyone running a similar low-cost manual setup? Or found a way to keep voice calls working alongside the API?
For context, I've tested the calling experience on the native app and it's fine, but the API's lack of voice is a real blocker. A separate phone system is an option, but it adds complexity. Trying to figure out if there's a cleaner solution before I commit.
