WhatsApp Commerce for Businesses in 2024

Traditional online commerce often lacks the personal touch and real-time interaction that customers crave, leading to lost opportunities. People have an increasing preference for shopping through their familiar and convenient channels. 

According to PwC some factors positively affect a customer’s sales journey, such as (see Figure 1):

• Easy mobile experience
• Fast and convenient purchasing process and checkout 
• Using customer data to ease their decision process
• Efficient customer service

With its ability to enable conversational commerce, WhatsApp allows businesses to satisfy most of these customer expectations. In this article, we will explain WhatsApp commerce and its use cases and benefits for businesses.

Figure 1. Parameters that affect customer experience

Source: PwC

What is WhatsApp commerce?

WhatsApp commerce is the integration of business activities within the WhatsApp API. It is part of a broader trend of conversational commerce, which focuses on engaging customers through their preferred communication channels (mostly messaging apps) and enhancing customer experience through more personalized and immediate customer interactions.

Essentially, it’s about using the WhatsApp business platform not just for communication, but for a range of business operations, from marketing to customer service. WhatsApp Commerce allows for a more direct and personal interaction between businesses and their customers, in a context where the customers already spend a significant portion of their online time. 

Also, it can offer upselling and cross-selling options that enhance the shopping experience and boost sales.

What is WhatsApp Commerce Policy?

WhatsApp’s commerce policy, as of October 25, 2022, sets guidelines for the use of commerce catalogs on the WhatsApp Business app or any other commerce experiences to sell goods or services. 

According to the policy:

1. Users must comply with the policies and prohibitions listed, as well as all applicable terms, laws, and regulations.
2. Users are solely responsible for their transactions and for providing any sales terms, privacy terms, or other terms applicable to their interactions with other users.
3. WhatsApp is not responsible for processing, paying for, or fulfilling any sales relating to user transactions.
4. Users are solely responsible for determining, collecting, withholding, reporting, and remitting all applicable taxes, duties, fees, and additional charges for sales relating to their transactions​​.

For the extensive list of the prohibited products, you can check WhatsApp’s commerce policy page.

How can businesses use WhatsApp commerce?

WhatsApp commerce can be adopted by businesses across many industries, such as:

• Finance
• Banking
• Retail
• Insurance
• Travel & hospitality

1- WhatsApp Business App

WhatsApp business account is designed for small businesses and offers features like automated messages, quick replies, and labels to help manage conversations. It also includes a business profile where companies can share important information like their website, location, and contact details.

2- WhatsApp Business API

For medium and large businesses, the WhatsApp Business API allows for more advanced communication capabilities, like integrating WhatsApp messaging into their own systems or software. This can be used for automated notifications, support services, and more.

What are the use cases of WhatsApp commerce for businesses?

1- Customer support

Businesses can use WhatsApp to offer real-time, personalized customer support. Organizations can use Whatsapp to respond to inquiries, resolve issues, and provide assistance. Automated responses to common queries by using a WhatsApp chatbot can also be set up.

Figure 2. Example of a WhatsApp chatbot interacting with customers to boost sales

Source: Haptik

2- Product showcase

Businesses can use the Product Catalog feature in the WhatsApp Business app to showcase their products or services. Customers can browse through these directly within their WhatsApp conversation.

It can also assist buyers in making informed purchases by contrasting two products within the same category.

3- Product recommendations & shopping assistance

Businesses can also use WhatsApp as a commerce platform to offer product recommendations to their customers. By using the customer’s browsing behavior and purchase history, they can:

• Make personalized suggestions on products and services
• Promote new products
• Suggest bundled products and offers
• Offer shopping assistance

Figure 3. WhatsApp chatbot provides booking recommendations

Source: Haptik

4- Order updates

Businesses can send updates regarding the status of an order, delivery details, or tracking information via WhatsApp. This can streamline communication and improve the customer experience.

5- Marketing and promotions

WhatsApp can be used to send promotional messages, updates about new products or services, or other marketing content to customers who have opted to receive such messages.

6- Transactions

Where available, businesses can use WhatsApp Pay to accept payments directly within WhatsApp, making the purchasing process more seamless for customers.

What are the benefits of WhatsApp commerce for businesses?

1- Direct communication

WhatsApp allows businesses to communicate directly with customers in real time. This can improve customer service, enhance relationships, and drive engagement.

2- Personalization

Businesses can offer personalized customer experiences through one-on-one conversations, tailored product recommendations, and personalized updates.

3- Global reach

With over 2 billion users worldwide, and also being the most popular messaging app across the world, WhatsApp offers businesses the opportunity to reach a global audience (see Figure 4).

Figure 4. Most popular global mobile messenger apps as of January 2023

Source: Statista

4- Cost-effective marketing

Sharing updates, promotions, and news through WhatsApp can be a cost-effective way to engage customers.

5- Improved customer service

The platform allows for real-time customer service and support, enabling businesses to promptly address queries and issues.

6- Ease of use

Many customers already use WhatsApp in their daily lives, so using it to interact with businesses can be intuitive and convenient for them.

7- Product discovery

The product catalog feature in the WhatsApp Business app allows businesses to showcase their products or services, aiding product discovery.

8- Transaction convenience

In regions where it’s available, WhatsApp Pay can make the purchasing process more seamless by allowing transactions directly within the app.

9- Automated responses

Businesses can automate responses to frequently asked questions, improving efficiency and ensuring customers get timely answers.

10- Data analysis

Through WhatsApp Business API, businesses can track and analyze communication data to gain insights, improve their services, and make informed decisions.

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