WhatsApp will soon allow customers to buy products directly from Business chats
While WhatsApp already charges businesses for sending notification messages to customers, the new services allow the platform a new revenue making opportunity
Facebook-owned WhatsApp today introduced new features that allow WhatsApp Business users to sell products directly from the platform. The feature will allow purchases to be made directly from a WhatsApp chat with a business. The company will also provide hosting services to small businesses through Facebook’s partners in the country.
While WhatsApp already charges businesses for sending notification messages to customers, the new services allow the platform a new revenue making opportunity. The company said the Facebook hosting solutions will require additional payments and both businesses and customers will be made aware that their data is being shared with Facebook in such cases.
“We will make it clear to people when they are messaging with a business that is receiving hosting services from Facebook. We’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this move and believe we are leading the industry in transparency,” a WhatsApp spokesperson said, talking about how data will be shared with the social networking giant.
Additionally, the platform will still offer end-to-end encrypted messaging on WhatsApp, and in cases where Facebook’s hosting services are being used, WhatsApp will not be able to see the content of messages between businesses and customers. “Facebook will be providing hosting solutions to these businesses in the capacity of a service provider,” the spokesperson said.
Offline to online business models have flourished in the country due to the pandemic. WhatsApp Business is one amongst many platforms that gained new business from offline businesses. The company said 175 million people message a WhatsApp Business account globally every day.
Other platforms like CoutLoot, Shopmatic have also grown during this period. By adding these new features, WhatsApp Business could become a more wholesome solution for offline business as compared to a marketing platform that it is predominantly used for right now.
Catch all the Technology News and Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates & Live Business News.
Business NewsTechnologyNewsWhatsApp will soon allow customers to buy products directly from Business chats
First Published:22 Oct 2020, 06:40 PM IST
- Top Gainers
- Top Losers
- 52 Week High