Instructions for Customer communication

The add-on places a contact method selector on the checkout page and stores the options marked by the customer in the order. Available methods include phone calls, WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, Email, and MAX.

What the add-on does

The administrator configures every channel separately: activates it, allows it at checkout, sets its default state, enables a label, and optionally uploads a custom icon. Customers can mark one or more channels. After the order is placed, the selected options appear in the order details sidebar.

For phone calls, Email, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Viber, the add-on builds a link from the phone number or email address stored in the order. For MAX, the manager can copy the customer's phone number.

Where to find the add-on

• Add-ons → Downloaded add-ons → Customer communication → Settings — channel options and icon uploads.
• Website → Themes → Layouts → Checkout — placement of the contact method block.
• Orders → View orders → required order — the Customer communication section in the order sidebar.

Configure contact methods

1. Open the add-on settings.
2. Configure the required channels: Mobile, WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber, Email, and MAX.
3. Save the changes.

Four options are available for every channel:

• Use for connect — activates the channel for the add-on. A disabled channel is not shown to the customer or used in the manager's communication section.
• Display on checkout page — adds the active channel to the storefront selector.
• Activated by default — preselects the channel in the block. The customer can change the selection.
• Display sign — shows the channel name next to its icon on the storefront.

Channel settings are independent. The block uses checkboxes, so a customer can select several contact methods. If only one option should be preselected, activate the default setting for that channel only.

Configure icons

1. Find the icon field below the required channel.
2. Upload a file, select an image from the server, or provide a URL with the standard CS-Cart image uploader.
3. Save the settings and check the storefront block.

If no custom icon is uploaded, the block uses its built-in icon for that channel. For a consistent layout, use transparent images with a similar visual size.

Add the block to checkout

1. Go to Website → Themes → Layouts → Checkout.
2. Select the grid where the contact method selector should appear and click Add block.
3. Open the tab for creating a new block and select MS: Customer communication.
4. Enter a block name, save it, and make sure the block is enabled in the layout.

The block is intended for the checkout page. It displays only channels for which both Use for connect and Display on checkout page are enabled.

Customer selection at checkout

At checkout, the customer marks the suitable contact methods. Changes are stored in the current checkout session, so the selection remains available when other order data is refreshed. When checkout is completed, the marked channels are saved with the order.

Use the saved method in an order

1. Open the created order in the administration panel.
2. Find the Customer communication section in the sidebar.
3. Check which channel the customer selected.
4. Use the channel link to call, create an email, or open a supported messenger. For MAX, use the copy button next to the phone number.

The links use the phone number and email address stored in the order. Opening them also depends on a corresponding application or link handler being available on the manager's device.

How to verify the result

1. Activate two test channels, such as Mobile and WhatsApp.
2. For both channels, enable Use for connect and Display on checkout page. One channel may be activated by default.
3. Make sure the MS: Customer communication block is enabled in the checkout layout.
4. Open the storefront, start a test checkout, and confirm that both channels are visible.
5. Change the selection and place the order with a valid phone number and email address.
6. Open the order in the administration panel and verify the Customer communication section, the selected channel, and its link.
7. When testing MAX, use the copy button and confirm that the customer's phone number is copied to the clipboard.

If the block or selection is missing

• No channels appear in the block. Make sure both the activation and checkout display options are enabled for the required channel.
• The block is absent from the storefront. Check the Checkout page in the active layout and the block status.
• A label is missing. Enable Display sign for that channel.
• An uploaded icon is missing. Save the settings again and verify that the source file is available. When no custom file is available, the add-on shows its built-in icon.
• An older order has no selection. Data is present in orders created after the block was added and a customer selected a channel.
• A link opens without the expected contact. Check the phone number and email address in the order, as these fields are used to build the links.