The freeware and cross-platform messaging and Voice over IP service owned by Facebook, Whatsapp may require users to pay after the next update.
On January 18,2018, WhatsApp announced the release of WhatsApp business.
WhatsApp Business is an Android app which is free to doqwnload, and was built with the small business owner in mind. With the app, businesses can interact with customers easily by using tools to automate, sort, and quickly respond to messages.
In the next update WhatsApp business users are expected to see and enjoy the following features:
Request helpful information : When you need a shipping confirmation or boarding pass, you can give your mobile number to a business on their website, on their app, or in their store to send you information on WhatsApp.
Start a conversation : You may see a click-to-chat button on a website or Facebook ad to quickly message a business.
Get support: Some businesses may provide real-time support on WhatsApp to answer questions about their products or help you resolve an issue- blog.WhatsApp.com
“Companies can use this API to send customised notifications with relevant, non-promotional content such as shipping confirmations, appointment reminders, event tickets and more. These messages will be chargeable at a fixed rate; a company spokesperson told WSJ that the charges would be between half a penny to 9 cents (about 34 paisa to Rs. 6.18) per message, depending on country. The API can also be used to reply to customers for free – however, businesses will have to pay to reply to messages after 24 hours of receiving the last customer response. ” https://gadgets.ndtv.com reported.
“The new API will also allow businesses to chat with their customers or receive confirmed delivery messages, although they will be charged for doing so. Messages sent to customers will cost between 0.3p to 7p, depending on the region they operate in and can be automated or manually sent by agents.”- http://www.itpro.co.uk also reported
The price are rumoured to be the first time WhatsApp would start monetization after being bought by the Facebook.
