# Marea Alcalina — Complete Product Documentation > Marea Alcalina is a SaaS platform that enables small businesses to create professional digital catalogs and online stores with AI-powered tools, WhatsApp order management, and integrated payments (Stripe/PayPal). Rated 4.2/5 on Trustpilot. Over 100,000 active businesses. More than $12M generated by users annually. ## About Marea Alcalina serves small businesses across Latin America (Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and beyond) including clothing stores, restaurants, retail shops, artisans, service providers, agencies, and B2B distributors who need professional online catalogs without technical complexity. The platform is available in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. - Website: https://mareaalcalina.com - English: https://en.mareaalcalina.com - Portuguese: https://pt.mareaalcalina.com - Blog: https://blog.mareaalcalina.com --- ## Core Features ### 1. AI Catalog Builder Describe your business and AI generates a complete catalog with products, categories, and design automatically. Upload product photos and AI completes titles, descriptions, and categories. No coding or design skills needed. - URL: https://mareaalcalina.com - Use case: Entrepreneurs who want a professional catalog in minutes, not weeks ### 2. Visual Block Editor 16+ drag-and-drop design elements for fully custom catalog pages. Blocks include product grids, banners, text sections, image galleries, videos, maps, social links, and more. Up to 100 blocks per page. - URL: https://mareaalcalina.com - Use case: Businesses that want brand-customized catalog design without hiring a developer ### 3. WhatsApp Orders Customers browse the catalog, add items to cart, and place orders that arrive as pre-filled WhatsApp messages with full order details (items, quantities, totals, customer info). Also supports email orders. - URL: https://mareaalcalina.com - Use case: Latin American businesses where WhatsApp is the primary communication and sales channel ### 4. Integrated Payments Accept payments through Stripe (credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Oxxo), PayPal, cash on delivery, and custom bank transfer methods. Zero sales commission from Marea Alcalina in agency plans — only standard payment processor fees apply. - URL: https://mareaalcalina.com/plans - Use case: Businesses that want to accept online payments or just orders with follow up without building an e-commerce site ### 5. Custom Domains & Branding Connect your own domain or use a Marea Alcalina subdomain. Remove Marea branding on paid plans. Custom QR codes with your brand colors and logo. Full SEO metadata control. - URL: https://mareaalcalina.com/plans - Use case: Businesses that want their catalog on their own domain with no third-party branding ### 6. Analytics Dashboard Real-time tracking of visits, orders, revenue, geographic data, and customer behavior. Google Analytics and Meta Pixel integration. Product performance insights and conversion optimization. - URL: https://mareaalcalina.com - Use case: Business owners who want data-driven decisions about their catalog and test different marketing strategies. ### 7. Multi-Store Management Manage multiple catalogs from a single dashboard. Each catalog has independent settings, domain, products, and analytics. Perfect for agencies managing multiple clients, franchises, or entrepreneurs testing multiple concepts. - URL: https://mareaalcalina.com/agencies - Use case: Marketing agencies, franchise owners, serial entrepreneurs, B2B distributors ### All Free Tools Hub Hub page listing all 6 free AI-powered tools for entrepreneurs. Includes WhatsApp Link Generator, AI Product Description Generator, Profit Margin Calculator, AI Business Name Generator, QR Code Menu Generator, and AI Biography Generator. All tools work without signing up. - URL: https://mareaalcalina.com/tools ### 8. AI Product Description Generator (Free Tool) Free online tool that generates unique, persuasive product descriptions using AI. Choose tone (casual, formal, funny) and length (short, medium, long). No account required. - URL: https://mareaalcalina.com/tools/product-description-generator - Use case: Any seller or entrepreneur who needs compelling product copy quickly ### 9. WhatsApp Link Generator (Free Tool) Free online tool that creates direct WhatsApp chat links (wa.me) with optional pre-filled messages. Includes QR code generation, country code auto-detection, and link shortening. No account required. - URL: https://mareaalcalina.com/tools/whatsapp-link-generator - Use case: Any business that uses WhatsApp for customer communication — perfect for social media bios, business cards, websites, and email signatures ### 10. Profit Margin Calculator (Free Tool) Free online tool that calculates profit margin, markup percentage, and selling price. Supports multiple currencies (MXN, COP, ARS, CLP, PEN, BRL, USD, EUR), tax presets by country, and additional costs (shipping, packaging, platform fees). No account required. - URL: https://mareaalcalina.com/tools/profit-margin-calculator - Use case: Any entrepreneur or small business owner who needs to calculate pricing and margins for their products ### 11. Business Name Generator (Free Tool) Free AI-powered tool that generates creative and unique business names. Users select their industry, describe their business with keywords, and choose a naming style (modern, classic, fun, elegant, minimalist). The AI generates 10 unique names with explanations. Features include copy to clipboard, favorites (localStorage), and domain availability check via WHOIS. No account required. Available in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. - URL: https://mareaalcalina.com/tools/business-name-generator - Use case: Entrepreneurs and new business owners who need creative name ideas for their business, brand, or store ### 13. Biography Generator (Free Tool) Free AI-powered tool that generates professional biographies for Instagram, LinkedIn, WhatsApp Business, and websites. Users enter their name, select a role (entrepreneur, freelancer, artist, coach, developer, marketer, chef, other), describe what they do with keywords, and choose a tone (professional, casual, creative, bold). The AI generates 3 unique bios with different angles. Features include copy to clipboard. No account required. Available in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. - URL: https://mareaalcalina.com/tools/biography-generator - Use case: Entrepreneurs, freelancers, and creators who need professional bios for their social media profiles and websites ### 14. Order Management System Track orders through statuses (Pending, In Progress, Completed, Cancelled, Refunded). Automatic WhatsApp notifications. Printable order tickets. Filter by status and date. Edit orders with change history. - URL: https://mareaalcalina.com - Use case: Businesses that need organized order tracking beyond just receiving WhatsApp messages ### 15. Inventory & Stock Management Real-time inventory updates. Automatic stock deduction on orders. Low stock alerts. Bulk product updates. Distance-based pricing for delivery businesses. - URL: https://mareaalcalina.com - Use case: Product-based businesses that need accurate stock tracking ### 16. Promotions & Marketing 6 types of automatic discounts. Promo codes. Promotion banners. Business hours configuration. Customer chat functionality. - URL: https://mareaalcalina.com - Use case: Businesses running sales campaigns or seasonal promotions ### 17. Digital Menu for Restaurants QR code menus that customers scan at the table. Real-time price and item updates (no reprinting). Delivery, pickup, and dine-in ordering. Multiple location support with independent menus and pricing. - URL: https://mareaalcalina.com/digitalmenu - Use case: Restaurants, cafés, bars, food trucks that want to replace printed menus --- ## Pricing All prices in USD. No Marea commission on WhatsApp, cash, or bank-transfer orders on any plan; online card payments carry a 0.9%–1.9% Marea fee depending on plan (0% on agency plans). ### Individual Plans (Per Catalog) **Draft Mode — $0** - Create and design your full catalog free: AI generation, visual editor, live preview - No credit card required, no time limit - Publishing your page and receiving orders requires a paid plan **Basic Plan — $10.50/month (billed annually) or $14/month (monthly)** - Up to 60 products - Up to 100 design blocks - Full order history - PayPal integration - Distance-based pricing - Remove Marea branding - Custom domain/subdomain - Google Analytics integration **Pro Plan — $18.75/month (billed annually) or $25/month (monthly)** - Up to 200 products - All design blocks - Advanced customization options - Custom payment methods - Advanced message customization - Everything in Basic **Business Plan — $30/month (billed annually) or $40/month (monthly)** - Up to 2,000 products - All design blocks unlocked - Unlimited pages - Team collaboration and sub-account permissions - Up to 3 branches/locations - Priority support - Everything in Pro ### Agency Plans (Multi-Catalog) **Starter Agent — $99/month** - Up to 5 catalogs - All Business features per catalog **Professional Agent — $199/month** - Up to 20 catalogs - Bulk operations across catalogs - Centralized billing - Priority support **Enterprise Agent — $299/month** - Up to 50 catalogs - Advanced multi-location management - All features unlocked **Volume (51+ catalogs)** — Custom pricing, contact sales **Extra catalogs:** $7/month or $69/year each (available on any plan) **Annual billing:** Save 16% (equivalent to 2 free months) --- ## Use Cases ### For Retail & Product Sellers Create a professional product catalog with real-time inventory, WhatsApp ordering, and integrated payments. Share via link, QR code, or social media. Customers browse, select, and order without friction. ### For Restaurants & Cafés Replace printed menus with QR code digital menus. Update dishes and prices instantly. Accept orders for delivery, pickup, or dine-in. Multiple location support with independent menus. ### For Marketing Agencies Manage 5 to 50+ client catalogs from a single dashboard. Each client gets their own domain, branding, analytics, and products. Bulk operations for efficiency. Zero Marea commission on agency plans means better margins for your clients. ### For B2B Distributors Create per-client catalogs with custom pricing. Clients order through WhatsApp or checkout. Bulk stock and price updates across all catalogs. Each client sees only their own catalog. ### For Serial Entrepreneurs Test multiple business concepts affordably. Each concept gets its own catalog with independent settings. Manage all from one dashboard. Design each concept free in draft mode; publish the ones you validate. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **How long does it take to create a catalog?** With Marea Alcalina you can create a professional digital catalog in one afternoon. The AI helps generate products and categories automatically. **How much does it cost?** You can create and design your store free in draft mode, with no credit card. Publishing and receiving orders starts at $10.50/month (billed annually), with features like custom domains and advanced analytics on higher plans. No Marea commission on WhatsApp orders; online card payments carry a 0.9%–1.9% fee depending on plan. **Do I need technical knowledge?** No. Customers consistently say it's very easy to use with an intuitive interface anyone can navigate. No coding required. **Is WhatsApp ordering included free?** Yes, WhatsApp and email orders are included in all paid plans. **Can I have multiple stores or catalogs?** Yes. You can create multiple catalogs from a single account. Extra catalogs cost $7/month each. Agency plans support 5 to 50+ catalogs with bulk management tools. **What payment methods are supported?** Stripe (credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Oxxo), PayPal, cash on delivery, and custom bank transfer methods. **Can I use my own domain?** Yes, on all paid plans you can connect your own domain or use a custom Marea Alcalina subdomain. **Does it work for restaurants?** Yes. The platform has specific features for restaurants including QR code menus, dine-in/pickup/delivery ordering, and real-time menu updates. **What happens if I downgrade my plan?** Your catalog continues working with reduced feature limits. Unused time is credited. **How do I cancel?** Go to Profile → Manage Plan → Cancel Plan. You keep features until the end of your billing period. --- ## Guides ### All Guides Hub Hub page listing all Marea Alcalina guides for entrepreneurs. Includes comparisons, tutorials, and strategies for selling online and via WhatsApp in Latin America. Features 4 guides covering WhatsApp selling platforms, Tiendanube comparison, free online store creation, and QR digital menus for restaurants. - URL: https://mareaalcalina.com/guides ### Best WhatsApp Selling Platform Mexico 2026 Comprehensive comparison of 7 platforms for selling via WhatsApp in Mexico: Marea Alcalina, Tiendanube, Callbell Shop, RediRedi, Pency, WhatsOrder, and MasPedidos. Covers pricing, WhatsApp native integration, payment methods, AI features, multi-store support, and commission rates. Marea Alcalina leads with zero commission, AI-powered catalog generation, and native WhatsApp ordering. - URL: https://mareaalcalina.com/guides/mejor-plataforma-vender-whatsapp-mexico ### Marea Alcalina vs Tiendanube 2026 Direct head-to-head comparison between Marea Alcalina (WhatsApp-first catalog builder) and Tiendanube (full e-commerce platform). Covers 12 feature categories including pricing, commission rates, WhatsApp integration, AI tools, multi-store management, and setup time. Marea Alcalina wins for WhatsApp commerce, Tiendanube better for traditional e-commerce with unlimited products. - URL: https://mareaalcalina.com/guides/marea-alcalina-vs-tiendanube ### How to Create a Free Online Store in Mexico 2026 Step-by-step guide showing how to create an online store in Mexico in under 10 minutes: build and design free in Marea Alcalina's draft mode, then publish with a paid plan from $200 MXN/month. Compares 5 store options (Marea Alcalina, Tiendanube, Shopify, WooCommerce, Ecwid), what you can do free (create and design) vs. paid (publish and sell), and common mistakes to avoid. - URL: https://mareaalcalina.com/guides/crear-tienda-en-linea-gratis-mexico ### Digital Menu for Restaurants: QR + WhatsApp Orders 2026 Complete guide for restaurants to replace paper menus with QR code digital menus and WhatsApp ordering. Compares 6 restaurant menu platforms. Includes step-by-step setup, QR code best practices, POS integration tips, and multi-location management. 61% of restaurant customers prefer ordering via WhatsApp when available. - URL: https://mareaalcalina.com/guides/menu-digital-restaurantes-qr-whatsapp --- ## Como Vender por WhatsApp (Industry Guides) 30 industry-specific guides teaching entrepreneurs how to sell their products via WhatsApp with digital catalogs. Each guide includes market data, 5 actionable tips, catalog requirements, and FAQs specific to that industry. ### All Industry Guides Hub - URL: https://mareaalcalina.com/como-vender ### Featured Industries - [Cakes & Bakery](https://mareaalcalina.com/como-vender/pasteles-por-whatsapp): Tips for selling pasteles with photo catalogs, occasion-based organization, and pricing strategies - [Clothing & Fashion](https://mareaalcalina.com/como-vender/ropa-por-whatsapp): Size charts, outfit groupings, and apartado (layaway) systems for WhatsApp clothing sales - [Home Cooking](https://mareaalcalina.com/como-vender/comida-por-whatsapp): Daily menus, delivery zones, and COFEPRIS compliance for food businesses - [Fast Food](https://mareaalcalina.com/como-vender/comida-rapida-por-whatsapp): Save 18-30% vs delivery app commissions with direct WhatsApp ordering - [Coffee](https://mareaalcalina.com/como-vender/cafe-por-whatsapp): Origin stories, subscription models, and tasting notes for specialty coffee - [Cosmetics](https://mareaalcalina.com/como-vender/cosmeticos-por-whatsapp): COFEPRIS compliance, routine bundles, and shade matching via WhatsApp - [Shoes](https://mareaalcalina.com/como-vender/zapatos-por-whatsapp): Multi-angle photos, MX/US/EU size charts, and Leon wholesale sourcing - [Jewelry](https://mareaalcalina.com/como-vender/joyeria-por-whatsapp): White background photography, measurement guides, and occasion-based catalogs - [Artisan Crafts](https://mareaalcalina.com/como-vender/artesanias-por-whatsapp): Origin stories, export potential, and authenticity certificates - [Candles](https://mareaalcalina.com/como-vender/velas-artesanales-por-whatsapp): 300%+ margins, scent profiles, and atmospheric product photography - [Flowers](https://mareaalcalina.com/como-vender/flores-por-whatsapp): Occasion-driven catalogs, seasonal planning, and same-day delivery - [Plants](https://mareaalcalina.com/como-vender/plantas-por-whatsapp): Individual plant photos, care guides, and difficulty ratings - [Pet Products](https://mareaalcalina.com/como-vender/productos-mascotas-por-whatsapp): Recurring food orders, reorder reminders, and loyalty programs - [Baby Clothes](https://mareaalcalina.com/como-vender/ropa-bebe-por-whatsapp): Exact measurements, fabric composition, and gift basket packaging - [Piñatas & Party](https://mareaalcalina.com/como-vender/pinatas-articulos-fiestas-por-whatsapp): Theme-based navigation, party packages, and seasonal planning - And 15 more industries covering perfumes, makeup, natural products, salsas, snacks, tamales, healthy food, lingerie, phone accessories, cleaning products, stationery, groceries, crochet/knitting, barbershops, and craft beer/mezcal --- ## Comparisons ### Marea Alcalina vs Flipsnack Marea Alcalina focuses on commerce (orders, payments, inventory) while Flipsnack focuses on PDF flipbook publishing. Marea Alcalina includes WhatsApp ordering, payment processing, and AI tools that Flipsnack does not offer. ### Marea Alcalina vs Canva Canva is a general design tool. Marea Alcalina is a complete catalog commerce platform with built-in ordering, payments, inventory management, and analytics. No exporting or additional tools needed. ### Marea Alcalina vs Shopify Shopify is a full e-commerce platform with higher complexity and cost. Marea Alcalina is simpler and more affordable for businesses that need a digital catalog with ordering rather than a full online store. --- ## Reviews & Social Proof - [Trustpilot](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/mareaalcalina.com): 4.2/5 rating - [Product Hunt](https://www.producthunt.com/products/marea-alcalina): Listed and verified - 100,000+ active businesses - $12M+ generated by users annually - Available in 3 languages (Spanish, English, Portuguese) --- ## Blog & Resources - [Blog](https://blog.mareaalcalina.com): Guides on digital catalogs, WhatsApp commerce, and online selling - [How to Create a Digital Catalog](https://blog.mareaalcalina.com/como-crear-catalogos-digitales-personalizados-en-linea/): Step-by-step guide - [5 Best Digital Catalog Tools](https://blog.mareaalcalina.com/5-herramientas-para-crear-catalogos-digitales/): Platform comparison - [Marea Alcalina vs Flipsnack vs Canva 2026](https://blog.mareaalcalina.com/marea-alcalina-vs-flipsnack-vs-canva-cual-es-la-mejor-plataforma-para-tu-catalogo-digital-en-2026/): Detailed comparison - [How to Make ChatGPT Recommend Your Products](https://blog.mareaalcalina.com/como-hacer-que-chatgpt-recomiende-tus-productos-o-servicios/): AI visibility guide - [WhatsApp Business + Web Catalog Formula](https://blog.mareaalcalina.com/whatsapp-business-catalogo-web-la-formula-mexicana-que-aumenta-ventas-300/): Sales strategy - [Digital Menu for Restaurants](https://blog.mareaalcalina.com/marea-alcalina-la-mejor-plataforma-para-crear-menus-digitales-de-restaurantes/): Restaurant guide - [Shopify vs Web Catalogs](https://blog.mareaalcalina.com/shopify-vs-catalogos-web-cuando-necesitas-menos-e-commerce-y-mas-catalogo/): When you need less e-commerce and more catalog - [PDF to Digital Catalog Migration](https://blog.mareaalcalina.com/migrar-de-pdf-a-catalogo-digital-checklist-completo-para-no-perder-ventas-en-el-proceso/): Complete migration checklist --- ## Agency Program White-label catalog creation for marketing agencies. Manage multiple client catalogs from a centralized dashboard with: - Independent domains per client - Isolated analytics and settings - Bulk product and price updates - Sub-account permissions and collaboration - Zero Marea sales commission (agency plans) - Priority support URL: https://mareaalcalina.com/agencies --- ## Contact & Links - Website: https://mareaalcalina.com - English: https://en.mareaalcalina.com - Portuguese: https://pt.mareaalcalina.com - Blog: https://blog.mareaalcalina.com - Trustpilot: https://www.trustpilot.com/review/mareaalcalina.com - Product Hunt: https://www.producthunt.com/products/marea-alcalina - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mareaalcalina - Threads: https://www.threads.com/@mareaalcalina_ --- *Last updated: 2026-08-10*