Chaiin FAQ & Troubleshooting Guide
Last Updated: January 2025 Reading Time: 12 minutes Category: Support & FAQ Tags: #faq #troubleshooting #support #common-questions #bangalore-restaurants
Table of Contents
- Free Report Questions ⭐ NEW - Start here if you're new
- General Questions
- Getting Started
- Ordering & Orders
- Suppliers & Products
- Payments & Invoicing
- Technical Issues
- Account Management
- Troubleshooting
Free Report Questions
New to Chaiin? Start here! These are the most common questions about our FREE Strategic Pricing Report.
What is the free pricing report?
A personalized analysis showing exactly where you're overpaying on supplier costs.
You'll get:
- Item-by-item price comparison (your current prices vs. best available in Bangalore)
- Exact ₹ savings per month
- Recommended supplier switches
- Annual savings projection
Delivered in 2-3 hours via WhatsApp. 100% free. No obligations.
How do I get the free report?
3 simple steps:
- Message us on WhatsApp - Send "Hi" to start
- Choose option 2 (Get Free Report)
- Upload 2-3 supplier invoices (PDF or photos)
That's it! We'll analyze and send your report in 2-3 hours.
What invoices do I need?
Any 2-3 recent supplier invoices from the last 7-30 days.
✅ Works with:
- PDF invoices (best)
- Photos of paper invoices
- Forwarded WhatsApp messages from suppliers
- Screenshots of order confirmations
Any category: Vegetables, dairy, meat, dry goods, beverages, etc.
Privacy: We only use these to create your report. Data stays confidential and is deleted after report generation.
How accurate is the pricing comparison?
Very accurate. We compare against real, current prices from our verified Bangalore supplier network.
Our database includes:
- 15+ active suppliers in Bangalore
- Updated pricing (weekly)
- Multiple categories (dairy, vegetables, meat, dry goods)
- GST-compliant pricing
Note: Prices fluctuate with market conditions. We show the best available price at the time of analysis.
Is the report really free? What's the catch?
Yes, completely free. Zero cost.
Why we offer it: We want to show you the value before you commit to anything. If the report shows significant savings and you want our help getting those better prices, we facilitate the orders and earn a small commission.
No catch. No obligation. You can:
- Use the insights to negotiate with current suppliers
- Start ordering with us if you like what you see
- Just keep the report and do nothing
Your choice entirely. No follow-ups or pressure.
Only Bangalore? What about other cities?
Currently: Bangalore only.
We're building our supplier network city by city to ensure quality and reliability.
Coming soon: Mumbai, Delhi, Pune (based on demand)
Not in Bangalore? Message us anyway - we'll let you know when we expand to your city. We're tracking demand by location.
How long does the whole process take?
Your time: Under 5 minutes
- Uploading invoices: 2-3 minutes
- Reading report: 5 minutes
Our time: 2-3 hours
- Report generation and delivery
Total: You invest 5 minutes, get actionable savings insights in 2-3 hours.
###Do I need to switch suppliers?
No, not at all.
You can use the report in three ways:
- Negotiate with current suppliers - Show them the report, ask them to match prices
- Switch to better suppliers - We can connect you with the suppliers offering better prices
- Mix of both - Keep some suppliers, switch others
Your existing supplier relationships are valuable. We respect that. The report just shows you where opportunities exist.
What happens after I get the report?
You decide. Three options:
Option 1: Just keep the insights
- Use report to negotiate better with current suppliers
- No obligation to use Chaiin
Option 2: Start ordering with Chaiin
- If you like the savings, we help you order from better suppliers via WhatsApp
- Simple onboarding (10 minutes)
Option 3: Book a call
- Have questions? Want custom setup?
- Book a 15-minute call with our team
We don't follow up unless you ask us to. No spam. No pressure. Your choice.
What information do you need from me?
Just two things:
- Your WhatsApp number (to send report)
- 2-3 supplier invoices (to analyze pricing)
That's it. No:
- Restaurant name required
- Email address
- Credit card
- Long signup forms
- Bank details
Simple and fast.
Do you sell or share my data?
No. Never.
Your data is:
- ✅ Used only to generate your report
- ✅ Encrypted (WhatsApp end-to-end encryption)
- ✅ Deleted after report generation (invoice data)
- ✅ Never shared with third parties
- ✅ Never sold to anyone
We take privacy seriously. Read our [Privacy Policy] for full details.
Can I see a sample report first?
Yes! Here's a sample overview:
Sample Cafe, Indiranagar, Bangalore
- Items Analyzed: 24
- Invoices Reviewed: 3 (Dec 1-15, 2024)
Key Findings:
- 💰 Monthly Savings: ₹18,450
- 📊 Items with Better Pricing: 16/24 (67%)
- 🎯 Supplier Switches Recommended: 3
- 📈 Annual Savings: ₹2,21,400
Top Opportunities:
- Milk - Save ₹9,000/month
- Tomatoes - Save ₹4,200/month
- Onions - Save ₹2,250/month
Your report will be customized to your actual invoices.
I don't have PDF invoices. Can I still get a report?
Yes! We accept:
- ✅ Photos of paper invoices (use your phone camera)
- ✅ WhatsApp messages from suppliers (forward to us)
- ✅ Screenshots of order confirmations
- ✅ PDF invoices (ideal, but not required)
Quality tips:
- Good lighting for photos
- Full invoice visible (all items and prices)
- Clear, not blurry
If we can't read it, we'll let you know and you can re-send.
How soon can I start saving money?
Timeline:
Today: Get your free report (2-3 hours after uploading invoices)
Tomorrow: If you decide to proceed:
- Message us to start ordering
- Simple 10-minute setup via WhatsApp
- Place your first order
This week: Start getting better prices on your orders
This month: See actual ₹ savings in your costs
Most restaurants see measurable savings in the first week.
Ready to see your numbers?
Get Your Free Report on WhatsApp →
Serving Bangalore restaurants. 2-3 hour delivery. Zero cost. No obligations.
General Questions
What is Chaiin?
Chaiin is a WhatsApp-based restaurant supply ordering platform that automates your entire procurement process. Instead of calling multiple suppliers, checking prices, and tracking orders manually, you simply message what you need on WhatsApp and our AI handles everything else.
Think of it as: Your personal procurement assistant that works 24/7 through WhatsApp.
How is Chaiin different from ordering directly on WhatsApp?
| Direct WhatsApp | Chaiin | |-----------------|--------| | Multiple chats with different suppliers | One conversation for all suppliers | | Manual price checking | Automatic price comparison | | No inventory visibility | Real-time stock checking | | Tracking via phone calls | Automated delivery updates | | Paper invoices, manual entry | Digital GST invoices | | No spending insights | Detailed analytics | | No order history | Complete searchable history |
Do I need to install an app?
No! Chaiin works entirely through WhatsApp - the app you already use. There's an optional web dashboard for detailed analytics, but all ordering happens through WhatsApp.
Is my data safe?
Yes. Your data is protected through:
- ✅ End-to-end WhatsApp encryption
- ✅ Secure cloud storage (AWS/GCP)
- ✅ No data sharing with third parties
- ✅ GDPR and Indian data protection compliance
- ✅ Regular security audits
How much does Chaiin cost?
Chaiin is currently in pilot phase. Pilot participants receive preferential pricing. Contact us at [email protected] for pricing details.
Potential models under consideration:
- Transaction-based commission (small % per order)
- Monthly subscription
- Hybrid model
Pilot participants save significantly compared to manual ordering costs (staff time, ordering errors, price differences).
Which cities/areas do you serve?
Currently: Bangalore only.
We're building our supplier network city by city to ensure quality and reliability.
Coming soon: Mumbai, Delhi, Pune (based on demand)
Want Chaiin in your city? Message us on WhatsApp - we're tracking demand by location to plan expansion.
Can I use my existing suppliers?
Absolutely! We can onboard your current trusted suppliers onto the Chaiin platform. You can also access our verified supplier network for additional options or better pricing.
Benefits of bringing your suppliers:
- Keep your existing relationships
- Get automation benefits
- Access to platform features
- Easier for you and your suppliers
Getting Started
How do I sign up?
Step 1: Visit chaiin.app and click "Join Pilot Program"
Step 2: Fill out the application form with:
- Restaurant name and location
- Contact details
- Monthly order volume estimate
- Current pain points
Step 3: We'll review and contact you within 24-48 hours
Step 4: Schedule onboarding call (30-45 minutes)
Step 5: Start ordering!
What information do I need during onboarding?
Prepare:
- ✅ Restaurant business details (name, address, GST number)
- ✅ WhatsApp number for ordering
- ✅ List of items you regularly order
- ✅ Current supplier information (optional)
- ✅ Delivery preferences
- ✅ Payment preferences
How long does onboarding take?
Typical timeline:
- Application review: 24-48 hours
- Onboarding call: 30-45 minutes
- Account setup: 2-4 hours
- Supplier connection: 1-3 days
- First test order: Within 1 week
Total: You can start ordering within 5-7 days of application.
Do I need WhatsApp Business?
Either regular WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business works fine. WhatsApp Business offers some additional features (automated greetings, labels), but it's not required.
Can multiple people from my restaurant use Chaiin?
Yes! You can add multiple users:
- Head chef
- Kitchen manager
- Owner
- Accounts team
Each person gets appropriate access:
- Ordering access: Place and modify orders
- View-only access: See orders and invoices
- Admin access: Full control including payments
Message "Add user" to set this up.
Ordering & Orders
How do I place an order?
Simply message what you need in natural language:
Example 1:
Need 50kg potatoes, 20kg tomatoes,
10L milk for tomorrow
Example 2:
Tomorrow's order:
- Potatoes 50kg
- Tomatoes 20kg
- Milk 10L
The AI understands both formats and many variations.
Can I schedule orders in advance?
Yes! You can:
Schedule specific date:
Order for Friday:
50kg potatoes, 20kg tomatoes
Schedule recurring orders:
Every Monday order:
100kg potatoes, 50kg onions
Schedule weekly standing order:
Standing order every Wednesday:
[your regular items]
How do I modify or cancel an order?
Modify within 2 hours of placing:
Modify order #12345
Change potatoes from 50kg to 60kg
Cancel within 2 hours:
Cancel order #12345
After 2 hours: Contact support. We'll check with suppliers if modification is possible.
What's the minimum order value?
Minimum order values vary by supplier and product category:
- Fresh produce: Usually ₹500-₹1,000
- Dairy: Usually ₹300-₹500
- Dry goods: Usually ₹1,000-₹2,000
You'll be notified if your order is below minimum. Option to add items or wait to combine with next order.
How do I track my order status?
Automatic updates: You'll receive WhatsApp notifications at each stage:
- ✅ Order confirmed
- 📦 Processing
- 🚚 Dispatched
- ✅ Delivered
Manual check:
Order status
or
Status of order #12345
What if I need something urgently?
For urgent orders:
Urgent: 20kg tomatoes needed by 6 PM today
Our AI prioritizes urgent requests and contacts suppliers immediately. Most urgent orders are confirmed within 15-30 minutes.
Note: Urgent orders may have limited supplier options and slightly higher prices.
Can I reorder previous orders?
Yes! Super easy:
Reorder last Monday's order
or
Reorder order #12345
or
Repeat yesterday's order
How do I see my order history?
Show order history
or
Orders from last week
or
All orders in November
You'll get a searchable list with all details.
What happens if an item is out of stock?
When you order, Chaiin checks real-time inventory. If something is unavailable:
You'll be notified immediately:
❌ Tomatoes 20kg not available from Fresh Farms
✅ Alternatives:
1. Fresh Valley has 20kg at ₹42/kg (₹2 more)
2. Order 15kg from Fresh Farms (available qty)
3. Remove from order
Reply 1, 2, or 3
Can I specify quality/grade requirements?
Yes! Be specific in your order:
Order:
- Potatoes 50kg, Grade A, no sprouting
- Tomatoes 20kg, firm, deep red
- Onions 30kg, medium size, purple
Suppliers see these requirements and confirm they can meet them.
Suppliers & Products
How do suppliers join Chaiin?
All suppliers are vetted before joining:
Supplier onboarding process:
- Application and background check
- Sample quality verification
- Business documentation (GST, FSSAI, etc.)
- Coverage area mapping
- Catalog digitization
- Trial orders with test restaurants
- Performance monitoring
Only suppliers meeting quality standards are approved.
How do I view available suppliers?
Show suppliers
or
Suppliers for vegetables
or
Dairy suppliers in my area
You'll see:
- Supplier name
- Categories they serve
- Ratings
- Coverage area
- Response time
How are suppliers rated?
Suppliers are rated on 4 metrics:
1. Delivery Time (⏰)
- Percentage of on-time deliveries
- Target: >90%
2. Quality Score (⭐)
- Product quality consistency
- Based on restaurant feedback
- Target: >4.5/5
3. Fulfillment Rate (✅)
- Percentage of orders fully fulfilled
- Target: >95%
4. Reliability (🔒)
- Order acceptance rate
- Communication responsiveness
- Target: >95%
Overall rating: Average of all four metrics
Can I choose which supplier to use?
By default, Chaiin automatically selects the best supplier based on:
- Price
- Quality rating
- Delivery time
- Availability
But you can specify preferences:
Order from Fresh Farms only:
50kg potatoes, 20kg tomatoes
or set default suppliers:
Set default dairy supplier: Daily Fresh
What if I have an issue with a supplier?
Report immediately:
Report issue with order #12345
[Describe the problem]
Common issues:
- Late delivery
- Quality problems
- Wrong quantity
- Wrong items
We'll:
- Contact supplier immediately
- Arrange replacement if needed
- Credit your account if applicable
- Update supplier rating
- Switch suppliers if pattern continues
How do I request a new product?
Request product: [Product name and specification]
Example:
Request product: Organic jaggery, 25kg packs
We'll check with suppliers and notify you if/when available.
Payments & Invoicing
When do I receive invoices?
Automatic digital invoices are sent:
- Immediately after delivery confirmation
- Via WhatsApp (PDF)
- Accessible in web dashboard
- Email option available
Are invoices GST-compliant?
Yes! All invoices include:
- ✅ Supplier GST number
- ✅ Your restaurant GST number
- ✅ HSN/SAC codes
- ✅ Tax breakup (CGST, SGST/IGST)
- ✅ Item-wise details
- ✅ Payment terms
- ✅ Digitally signed
Format compliant with Indian GST regulations.
What payment methods are accepted?
Current options:
- Bank transfer (NEFT/RTGS/IMPS)
- UPI
- Cash on delivery
- Credit terms (Net 7/15/30)
Coming soon:
- Payment gateway integration
- Card payments
- Digital wallets
Payment method varies by supplier and your credit terms.
How do credit terms work?
Available credit terms:
Net 7: Pay within 7 days of invoice
- May qualify for 2-3% discount
- Good for frequent orders
Net 15: Pay within 15 days
- Standard for most restaurants
- May qualify for 1-2% discount
Net 30: Pay within 30 days
- Better cash flow management
- Typically no discount
Credit approval depends on:
- Order volume
- Payment history
- Business verification
Start with COD, upgrade to credit as you build trust.
How do I mark an invoice as paid?
After making payment:
Mark paid [invoice number]
Payment date: [date]
Payment method: [UPI/NEFT/etc]
Reference: [transaction ID]
Example:
Mark paid INV-2024-1234
Payment date: 15 Nov 2024
Payment method: UPI
Reference: 412589637412
Can I download all invoices for accounting?
Yes!
Via WhatsApp:
Download invoices for November 2024
Via Web Dashboard:
- Filter by date range
- Bulk download as ZIP
- Export to Excel/CSV
- Direct integration with Tally/Zoho Books (coming soon)
What if there's an error in the invoice?
Invoice error #INV-2024-1234
[Describe the error]
Common corrections:
- Wrong quantity
- Wrong price
- GST calculation error
- Wrong items
We'll:
- Verify with supplier
- Issue credit note if needed
- Send corrected invoice
- Update your account
Response time: Within 4 hours
Technical Issues
I'm not receiving WhatsApp messages from Chaiin
Troubleshooting steps:
1. Check if Chaiin number is blocked
- Open WhatsApp
- Settings → Privacy → Blocked contacts
- Unblock if needed
2. Check WhatsApp notification settings
- Settings → Notifications
- Ensure notifications are enabled
3. Check phone internet connection
- Wi-Fi or mobile data working?
4. Check WhatsApp is updated
- Update to latest version
5. Save Chaiin number to contacts
- Sometimes helps with delivery
Still not working? Email [email protected] with your phone number.
Messages are delayed
Possible causes:
1. WhatsApp server issues
- Check WhatsApp status: downdetector.com/status/whatsapp
2. Internet connectivity
- Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data
3. Phone storage full
- WhatsApp needs space for message cache
4. High traffic times
- Peak hours (8-10 AM, 5-7 PM) may have slight delays
Typical response time: 30 seconds to 2 minutes
I sent an order but didn't get confirmation
What to do:
1. Wait 2-3 minutes AI may be processing complex orders
2. Check order status:
Check status of today's orders
3. If no response after 5 minutes:
Resend last order
4. Still no response? Call support: [Support phone number]
The AI doesn't understand my order
Tips for better recognition:
✅ DO:
50kg potatoes, 20kg tomatoes for tomorrow
❌ DON'T:
kal k liye aaloo chaiye thode aur tamatar bhi
Supported languages: English, Hindi (limited)
If AI still doesn't understand:
Talk to human
Connect with support agent who can place order manually.
Web dashboard not loading
Troubleshooting:
1. Clear browser cache
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data
2. Try different browser
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
3. Check internet connection
4. Try incognito/private mode
5. Check dashboard status
- Visit status.chaiin.app
Still not working? Email [email protected] with:
- Browser and version
- Screenshot of error
- Time of issue
Account Management
How do I change my restaurant details?
Update restaurant details
You'll be guided to update:
- Address
- Contact number
- GST number
- Delivery preferences
How do I change my password (web dashboard)?
Via dashboard:
- Login → Settings
- Security → Change Password
- Enter current password
- Enter new password
- Confirm
Forgot password?
- Login page → Forgot Password
- Enter registered email
- Check email for reset link
- Create new password
How do I add/remove team members?
Add user:
Add user
Name: [Name]
Phone: [WhatsApp number]
Access: [Ordering/View-only/Admin]
Remove user:
Remove user [phone number or name]
Change permissions:
Change access for [name]
New access: [Ordering/View-only/Admin]
How do I pause my account temporarily?
If you're closing temporarily (renovation, vacation):
Pause account
Start date: [date]
Resume date: [date]
What happens:
- Existing orders fulfilled
- New orders blocked
- No charges during pause
- Can resume anytime
How do I cancel my account?
We're sad to see you go! Please let us know why so we can improve.
Cancel account
Reason: [your feedback]
What happens:
- Complete pending orders
- Final invoices settled
- Export your data (available for download)
- Account closed after 7 days
Cancellation is reversible within 7 days.
Troubleshooting
My delivery was late
Immediate action:
Late delivery for order #12345
We'll:
- Contact supplier immediately
- Get updated ETA
- Notify you with new timeline
- Note in supplier record
Prevention:
- Supplier rating impacted
- Repeated issues → supplier change
- Time-sensitive orders → multiple supplier options
Wrong items delivered
Report immediately:
Wrong items in order #12345
Ordered: [what you ordered]
Received: [what you got]
Include photo if possible
We'll arrange:
- Immediate pickup of wrong items
- Correct items delivery ASAP
- Credit note for any difference
- Update supplier rating
Quantity shortage
Example: Ordered 50kg, received 45kg
Report:
Shortage in order #12345
Item: Potatoes
Ordered: 50kg
Received: 45kg
Resolution:
- Verify with delivery note
- Credit for short quantity OR
- Immediate delivery of balance
- Adjust invoice
Quality issue
Report with details:
Quality issue order #12345
Item: Tomatoes 20kg
Problem: Half are overripe, soft
[Photo if possible]
Resolution:
- Supplier pickup of rejected items
- Replacement delivery OR
- Credit note
- Quality complaint logged
Quality issues seriously impact supplier rating.
Price different from quoted
If invoice price differs from order confirmation:
Price mismatch order #12345
Item: Potatoes
Quoted: ₹30/kg
Invoiced: ₹35/kg
Resolution:
- Verify quote screenshot/message
- Adjust invoice to quoted price
- Supplier coaching on price accuracy
- You always pay the confirmed price
Supplier not responding
If supplier hasn't confirmed order:
Supplier not responding order #12345
We'll:
- Contact supplier via multiple channels
- If no response in 1 hour, auto-route to backup supplier
- Notify you of change
- Ensure delivery timeline maintained
Billing/invoice error
Common errors:
- Wrong GST calculation
- Duplicate charges
- Missing discounts
- Wrong payment terms
Report:
Invoice error #INV-2024-1234
Error type: [describe]
Correct amount should be: [amount]
Resolution within 4 hours:
- Credit note for overpayment
- Corrected invoice
- Updated records
Payment not reflected
If you've paid but account shows pending:
Payment not reflected
Invoice: #INV-2024-1234
Paid on: [date]
Amount: [amount]
Reference: [transaction ID]
Method: [UPI/NEFT/etc]
[Screenshot of payment]
We'll:
- Verify with supplier
- Update payment status
- Send confirmation
Update usually within 2-4 hours
Still Need Help?
Contact Support
WhatsApp Support: Message "Help" or "Support" anytime
Email: [email protected] Response time: Within 4 hours
Phone: [Support number] Available: 8 AM - 8 PM, Mon-Sat
Emergency (24/7): [Emergency number] For critical delivery issues only
Schedule a Call
For complex issues or training:
Schedule support call
or email [email protected]
Join Our Community
WhatsApp Community: Connect with other restaurant owners
- Share tips
- Ask questions
- Get updates
Newsletter: Weekly insights on restaurant operations Subscribe: [email protected]
Feedback & Suggestions
We love hearing from you!
Feature requests:
Feature request: [your idea]
General feedback: [email protected]
Bug reports: [email protected]
Quick Reference Guide
Most Common Commands
| What you want | Message this | |---------------|--------------| | Place order | Just type what you need | | Check order status | "Order status" | | Modify order | "Modify order #12345" | | Cancel order | "Cancel order #12345" | | Reorder | "Reorder last Monday" | | View suppliers | "Show suppliers" | | Invoice download | "Download November invoices" | | Mark payment | "Mark paid INV-12345" | | Report issue | "Report issue order #12345" | | Get help | "Help" or "Support" | | Talk to human | "Talk to human" |
Emergency Contacts
- Delivery Issues: Message "Urgent delivery issue #12345"
- Quality Issues: Message "Quality issue #12345" + photo
- Payment Urgent: Call [finance number]
- Technical Issues: Email [email protected]
This FAQ is updated regularly. Last update: November 2024
Can't find your answer? Message us: [email protected]
SEO Metadata
Title: Chaiin FAQ - Common Questions & Troubleshooting Guide Meta Description: Complete FAQ and troubleshooting guide for Chaiin restaurant supply automation platform. Find answers to ordering, payments, suppliers, technical issues, and more. Keywords: chaiin faq, chaiin troubleshooting, whatsapp ordering help, restaurant ordering support, chaiin customer support, supplier management faq, restaurant procurement help, order tracking issues, invoice questions, payment support Canonical URL: https://docs.chaiin.app/faq-troubleshooting Schema Type: FAQPage, HowTo