While WhatsApp E-commerce isn’t as popular in the U.S. as it is abroad, there are millions of users in other countries that utilize the app to connect with family, friends, and even businesses!
The business side of WhatsApp E-commerce is quite interesting!
There are companies that use the application for customer service to respond to questions and to send off instant promotional material.
Currently, it is being used as a form of E-commerce with payment services being made available.
Facebook has taken notice and has been seeking to be a third-party liaison between businesses and WhatsApp.
In this article, we will be discussing:
- How Facebook has been updating their payment services
- The failed attempt in Brazil
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Originally, Facebook was a social media platform to update friends and families on their personal lives.
Instead of seeing just the media of family and friends, Facebook has expanded to promote businesses in the feed.
Now, you can join Facebook groups to sell items, promote your business, or create a Facebook page about your company.
Shopping
Through Facebook Market, people are now able to look for items in their area and buy directly from the seller.
Enter WhatsApp!
Facebook has made it easier for retailers to add ‘buy’ buttons to complete the order, which will carry shoppers to WhatsApp chats.
Due to this, businesses are able to use WhatsApp to showcase information about their products and conduct transactions.
Through links and QR codes, people can go directly to the website or share the links with others through the chat feature of both applications.
Furthermore, businesses can charge customers which will allow Whatsapp to grow other businesses as they continue to offer free end-to-end encrypted text, video, and voice calls to more than two billion citizens.
WhatsApp E-Commerce in Brazil
In early June, Facebook eventually released WhatsApp Payments, using Facebook Pay, in Brazil, only to have it shut down by regulators for not meeting their requirements.
The Central Bank of Brazil served as the main blocker of WhatsApp Payments.
The Central Bank decided that by blocking this, they would be able to maintain an environment that ensures a rapid, secure, open, and cheap payment system.
It’s possible that the new payment function could have restricted new companies from entering a market similar to WhatsApp’s.
In addition, WhatsApp noted that they were in agreement with the decision, hoping to support the PIX (New Brazilian Instant Payment System) when it becomes available and compatible with their system.
Moreover, despite the halt in Brazil, WhatsApp E-Commerce options continue to expand and will progress as time goes on.
Need to Upgrade Your E-Commerce for Your Online Business?
If you’re ready to expand into Latin America or anywhere through the use of e-commerce, contact us at hola@colibricontent.com.
Our team of international marketing strategists can help to create an entry plan perfect for your needs!
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