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Account linking after guest checkout

Guest checkout is intentionally low-friction, but the storefront still provides a path to turn that guest order into a reusable customer account. This flow is important because it keeps first-order conversion high without sacrificing future repeat-order convenience.

What this flow covers​

  • The post-checkout account-linking options shown to guest customers
  • Creating or linking an account after a guest order
  • WhatsApp verification for guest-order claiming
  • Skipping linking without breaking the current order

Start from the order-created page​

1. Complete a guest checkout successfully​

The account-linking options appear after the guest order has already been created.

Live screenshotGuest checkout success state before linking
Guest checkout success state before linking
static/img/storefront/account-linking/placeholder.svg

2. Review the guest follow-up options​

The success page can offer actions such as:

  • Create account
  • Link to existing account
  • Skip for now

These are optional convenience flows, not requirements for the current order.

Live screenshotGuest order account-linking choices
Guest order account-linking choices
static/img/storefront/account-linking/placeholder.svg

3. Open the WhatsApp claim flow​

When the storefront uses WhatsApp-based claim logic, it sends a one-time code to the number captured during guest checkout.

Live screenshotWhatsApp claim flow entry
WhatsApp claim flow entry
static/img/storefront/account-linking/placeholder.svg

4. Send the WhatsApp verification code​

The flow uses the guest checkout number as the proof point for attaching the order to the right customer profile.

Live screenshotSend WhatsApp claim code
Send WhatsApp claim code
static/img/storefront/account-linking/placeholder.svg

5. Enter the verification code and complete linking​

Once the code is verified, eligible guest orders can be attached to a newly created or existing signed-in account.

Live screenshotVerify WhatsApp code and link account
Verify WhatsApp code and link account
static/img/storefront/account-linking/placeholder.svg

6. Confirm the customer can still skip linking​

The storefront should make it clear that skipping account linking does not invalidate the order or stop the customer from receiving the current order updates.

Live screenshotSkip account linking without blocking the order
Skip account linking without blocking the order
static/img/storefront/account-linking/placeholder.svg

Good practice​

  • Explain this flow as a retention path, not a checkout dependency.
  • Keep the screenshots separate from the main checkout guide so the optional nature of the flow stays obvious.
  • Use the same WhatsApp number across guest checkout and later sign-in if the customer wants the cleanest history merge.