“Worldwide, WhatsApp is the most popular messaging service in over 100 countries. It has over two billion active users and is one of the few apps to be downloaded over five billion times… In 2021, it generated $8.7 billion in revenue, almost all from the WhatsApp for Business app.” – Business of Apps
The world has shifted to the mobile space, with digital offerings facilitating everything from educational instruction through to booking, paying for and following up on products and services through Chat Commerce. But with this move, comes a rise in cyber risk whereby personal information is constantly being trafficked for access to funds. Fortunately, the world’s preferred Chat Commerce platform – WhatsApp – assures users of complete transactional safety through a number of security measures. Here we look at how customers can enjoy convenient and safe purchasing through WhatsApp Business Payment.
How does WhatsApp Business Payment work?
Payment on WhatsApp allows your customers to send money directly through the chat app by clicking on a link. The payment system relies on a Unified Payments Interface (UPI) method which allows for fund transfers without the need for bank account details. Here’s a step-by-step overview:
Step 1: Your business sends a payment request to the customer via a link in the WhatsApp message
Step 2: The customer then clicks on the link, which will direct them to a secure checkout page
Step 3: The customer fills out payment details and then submits these
Step 4: The order confirmation and receipt will be sent to the customer via WhatsApp
How is WhatsApp Business Payment safe?
Payment on WhatsApp is safe and secure because of a number of industry leading features incorporated into the platform. When engaging in Chat Commerce on WhatsApp, customers are protected through:
1. End-to-end encryption
WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption technology which ensures customer privacy. Through this sophisticated technology, only the users who are communicating have access to the messages that are being exchanged.
2. Separate payment channel
While the chat communication is initiated via WhatsApp, the customer clicks on a link which takes them to another page for payment processing. This means that the customer’s payment details are kept completely safe and secure, with not even WhatsApp having access to them.
3. Additional phone security
There is further two-factor authentication for WhatsApp payments in the form of one-time passwords (OTPs), which ensure that the payment is being made by the customer, and it’s not fraudulent. It’s also important to remember that customers should regularly change passwords and keep information safe, no matter what payment platform they’re using.
What are the other benefits of WhatsApp payments?
WhatsApp Payment is incredibly secure for users, but there are lots of other reasons that this Chat Commerce platform is increasingly popular.
- WhatsApp Payment is immediate
When you adopt WhatsApp Business Payment to connect with your customers, you benefit from immediate payment in a few simple clicks. The customer doesn’t have to wait for an emailed invoice – which is often forgotten – but can simply settle any outstanding amount as soon as it’s received.
- WhatsApp Payment minimizes error
With WhatsApp payments, you’re automating most of the operation which means less chance of human error. This assists in your business bookkeeping and ensures a consistent cash flow.
- WhatsApp Payment is simple and convenient
There is no complication for either the service agent or the customer as WhatsApp payment is user-friendly. Because of this ease of use, you’re more likely to get paid on time.
- WhatsApp Payment tracks customers’ journeys
When brands engage with customers on WhatsApp, they’re learning about customer interests and habits from the start of the customer journey through to the purchase. This gives businesses a better idea of how to increase customer conversion by understanding what customers enjoy about the process, and what detracts from the overall experience.
- WhatsApp Payment for launches
When launching a new marketing campaign on WhatsApp, you can take the customer straight from the launch through to purchase on one platform. This also gives brands a chance to engage with customers for up- and cross-selling of products that could be of a similar interest.
- WhatsApp Payment improves customer engagement
This is a tailormade payment solution that is developed around a customer-focused model. Using this application, you’re able to send your customers a personalized message which instantly connects customers to your brand.
- WhatsApp Payment is great for local businesses
This payment option is not only limited to global corporations, WhatsApp Payment also offers a new revenue stream opportunity for small and local businesses that are moving into the online space. Using this platform, businesses can promote their products through catalogues and sell them directly to customers – all on one platform.
Why use Clickatell for WhatsApp Payment?
Clickatell’s innovative Chat 2 Pay service facilitates WhatsApp Payment as part of its extensive digital commerce offerings. Considering the team at Clickatell boasts more than two decades of messaging and commerce experience – having pioneered Chat Commerce – it’s no surprise they’re at the forefront of this impactful business payment solution. Through Chat 2 Pay, you’re able to:
Accept payments from anywhere in the world, at any time
Provide your customers with payment methods that they actually prefer
Integrate fraud and security services to ensure your customers of a safe WhatsApp payment
Work with a certified Level 1 PCI (Payment Card Industry) service provider
WhatsApp Payment can be facilitated by Clickatell in a number of different ways, depending on your company requirements. These include:
Chatbot messaging: This is an automated payment experience through a support bot on WhatsApp
Live agent messaging: Your support agents can send payment requests while messaging with your customers in real-time
Salesforce Order Management Integration (OMS): Integration with this allows customers to pay for orders placed with a live support agent without needing to read out card details
Enterprise-grade APIs: A payment request is triggered from your mobile app or web application using a direct API integration
Find out how payment through WhatsApp can bring your customers closer to your brand today. Get in touch with Clickatell to find out more!
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