> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://storekit.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Live Chat Widgets

> Convert more visitors into customers by adding a live chat widget to your storekit store. Answer questions in real time and rescue catering inquiries.

Adding a live chat widget to your storekit store lets customers ask questions before they order. For complex orders - especially catering - this can be the difference between a lost visitor and a high-value sale.

<video autoPlay muted loop playsInline className="w-full rounded-xl shadow-lg" src="https://ucarecdn.com/cf6f00e4-0342-4db9-8ba7-7523972f4429/livechat.mp4" />

## Why Live Chat Works

Customers abandon orders when they have unanswered questions:

* "Do you offer gluten-free options for the whole menu?"
* "Can I customise the platters for my event?"
* "What's the lead time for a catering order?"

A chat widget lets you answer these questions instantly, while the customer is still on your site and ready to buy.

<Note>
  Studies show that visitors who use live chat are **3x more likely to convert** than those who don't. For high-value orders like catering, the ROI on chat support is substantial.
</Note>

## Best For

Live chat is particularly valuable for:

| Store Type             | Why Chat Helps                                                                 |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Catering**           | Large orders require custom quotes, dietary accommodations, delivery logistics |
| **Corporate ordering** | B2B customers expect a consultative sales process                              |
| **Complex menus**      | Stores with many customisation options or dietary variations                   |
| **High-value items**   | Expensive orders where customers want reassurance                              |
| **New stores**         | Building trust with first-time customers                                       |

## Supported Chat Integrations

storekit has built-in support for four chat platforms. Enable them directly from your dashboard - no code required.

### Intercom

[Intercom](https://www.intercom.com) is a premium customer messaging platform with powerful automation.

**Best for:** Established businesses wanting advanced features

* AI-powered chatbots for common questions
* Saved replies for fast responses
* Customer data integration
* Mobile apps for on-the-go support
* Pricing: From \$39/month

**To enable:** Add your Intercom App ID in the storekit dashboard under **Integrations**.

### tawk.to

[tawk.to](https://www.tawk.to) is a completely free live chat solution.

**Best for:** Small businesses and those just starting out

* 100% free forever
* Unlimited agents
* Mobile apps included
* Customisable widget
* Optional paid add-ons (hired agents, video chat)

**To enable:** Add your tawk.to Property ID and Widget ID in the storekit dashboard under **Integrations**.

### Superchat

[Superchat](https://www.superchat.com) unifies WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and web chat.

**Best for:** Businesses already using WhatsApp for customer communication

* WhatsApp Business integration
* Multi-channel inbox
* Team collaboration
* German-based (GDPR compliant)
* Pricing: From €89/month

**To enable:** Add your Superchat Application Key in the storekit dashboard under **Integrations**.

### Front

[Front](https://front.com) is a shared inbox platform that includes live chat.

**Best for:** Teams who want chat integrated with their existing email workflow

* Shared inbox for all channels
* Team collaboration and assignments
* CRM integrations
* Analytics and reporting
* Pricing: From \$19/month

**To enable:** Add your Front Chat ID in the storekit dashboard under **Integrations**.

## Quick Comparison

| Platform      | Price        | Best For                          |
| ------------- | ------------ | --------------------------------- |
| **tawk.to**   | Free         | Getting started, budget-conscious |
| **Front**     | From \$19/mo | Teams using shared inbox          |
| **Intercom**  | From \$39/mo | Automation and AI chatbots        |
| **Superchat** | From €89/mo  | WhatsApp-first businesses         |

<Tip>
  If you're unsure, start with **tawk.to**. It's completely free and you can always upgrade to a paid platform later.
</Tip>

## Catering-Specific Tips

For catering stores, live chat can dramatically increase conversions. Here's how to maximise its impact:

### Pre-Written Responses

Create saved replies for common catering questions:

* Minimum order sizes
* Lead time requirements
* Delivery radius and fees
* Dietary accommodation options
* Payment terms for large orders
* Setup and serving options

### Proactive Messages

Configure your chat to proactively reach out on key pages:

```
"Planning an event? We'd love to help you build the perfect menu. 
Ask us anything!"
```

Trigger this message after 30-60 seconds on your catering menu page.

### Qualification Questions

Use initial bot messages to qualify leads:

1. "What type of event are you planning?"
2. "How many guests?"
3. "When is your event?"

This gives you context before the conversation starts and helps prioritise high-value enquiries.

### Quote Requests

For large orders, use chat to gather requirements and provide custom quotes:

* Take details via chat
* Follow up with a formal quote by email
* Include a direct link to a pre-built cart if possible

## Best Practices

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Respond Quickly" icon="bolt">
    Aim to respond within 1-2 minutes during business hours. Slow responses lose sales.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Set Expectations" icon="clock">
    Display your response hours clearly. Use away messages outside business hours.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Mobile Matters" icon="mobile">
    Install the mobile app so you can respond on the go. Most customers are on mobile too.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Capture Details" icon="address-card">
    Always get email or phone for follow-up. Chat conversations can disconnect.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Operating Hours

Be realistic about when you can respond:

* Set clear "online" hours in your widget
* Use auto-responders outside hours: "We're currently closed but will reply first thing tomorrow"
* Consider a chatbot for basic FAQs when you're offline

### What to Avoid

* **Don't ignore chats** - A dead chat is worse than no chat
* **Don't over-automate** - Bots frustrate customers with complex questions
* **Don't hide contact info** - Chat should supplement, not replace, other contact methods

## Measuring Success

Track these metrics to understand chat's impact:

| Metric                 | What It Tells You                                   |
| ---------------------- | --------------------------------------------------- |
| **Chat-to-order rate** | % of chat conversations that result in orders       |
| **Response time**      | How quickly you're answering (aim for under 2 mins) |
| **Satisfaction score** | Post-chat ratings from customers                    |
| **Revenue influenced** | Order value from customers who chatted              |
| **Common questions**   | Topics to address in your FAQ or menu descriptions  |

<Info>
  If you're seeing the same questions repeatedly, consider updating your menu descriptions or adding an FAQ section to reduce support load while still capturing the sales.
</Info>

## Getting Started

If you're new to live chat, here's a simple path:

1. **Sign up for tawk.to** - It's free and full-featured
2. **Get your Property ID and Widget ID** - Found in your tawk.to dashboard
3. **Add to storekit** - Enter the IDs under **Integrations** in your storekit dashboard
4. **Set your hours** - Be honest about availability
5. **Create 5-10 saved replies** - Cover your most common questions
6. **Monitor for 2 weeks** - See what questions come in
7. **Iterate** - Adjust your menu/FAQ based on common queries

For catering stores, live chat often pays for itself with a single converted enquiry. The question isn't whether you can afford chat support - it's whether you can afford to lose those high-value orders to unanswered questions.