Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about OpShifts. For how-to guides, visit the Help Centre.
The basics
What is OpShifts?
WhatsApp-native rostering for restaurants and other hospitality venues. Staff send availability, swap shifts and ask for time off in the WhatsApp they already use. Managers get a draft roster built for them and approve it in a couple of minutes.
Do my staff need to download an app?
No. Staff use WhatsApp only. Managers use the OpShifts dashboard in a browser, on a phone or a computer.
How long does it take to get started?
Most venues are set up in an afternoon: add your shifts, roles and team, then press Go live. We help you through it as part of your free month.
Can I try it before I commit?
Yes. Your first month is free with no card needed, and there is a demo dashboard you can click around in without signing up.
Does it work for any kind of venue?
It is built for South African hospitality: restaurants, cafés, coffee shops, bars and wine farms. If you roster shifts for a team, it will likely fit. Tell us about your venue if you are unsure.
Can staff in other countries or with foreign numbers use it?
Yes. Phone numbers from any country work. Pick the country, type the number as it is written locally and you are done.
Plans and billing
Can I change plans later?
Yes. Upgrade any time from your venue settings. Downgrades take effect from your next billing cycle.
What happens if I go over my staff limit?
We warn you when you are within 5 staff of your limit. At the limit you can't add more people until you upgrade, which takes one click in your venue settings. We never upgrade you automatically.
Do I need a contract?
No. OpShifts is billed monthly, with nothing to lock you in.
Is there a setup fee?
No. We help you get your first venue running as part of your free month.
What happens when I use all my messages?
We warn you at 80% and again at 100% of your allowance. After that, extra messages are R0.70 each and are added to next month’s bill. You can also set a spending limit.
Do I need separate subscriptions for multiple venues?
Plans are per venue, so each venue has its own subscription, sized to that venue’s team.
How does the free first month work, and what happens after it ends?
Your first month is free, with no card needed to start. Before it ends you choose the plan that fits your team and add payment through Paystack to keep going.
What if a payment fails?
We tell the account owner and keep your venue running during a one-month grace period while you sort out payment.
Privacy and reliability
Is our staff data private and secure?
Yes — all rostering and availability data is encrypted in transit and at rest, and is never sold or shared with third parties. You own your data.
What if WhatsApp is unreliable or a staff member changes numbers?
WhatsApp is how your team already reaches each other, so it is rarely the weak link. If someone changes number, a manager updates it on their profile in the dashboard and messages go to the new number straight away.
What does it actually cost?
From R399 a month per venue, billed in rand, depending on the size of your team. Your first month is free, with no card and no commitment. See Plans for the full breakdown.
Still have a question? Get in touch.