Starting today WhatsApp users will be able to use the app to do some shopping. Neat!
The Facebook-owned platform is releasing a catalog collection for small businesses worldwide that use the app.
The Collection feature lets businesses organise and keep their catalog by categories, so customers can find what they want faster and more directly, without having to scroll endlessly.
For example a tech shop can have a category for PC parts, keyboards, headphones and such. Once shoppers have the items that they want, it is as easy as adding to cart and purchasing the items after that.
We want to make WhatsApp the best way for people to shop for goods and services and for businesses to connect with their customers, which is why we are making it easier to see what a business offers on WhatsApp.
WhatsApp’s statement on the new feature
WhatsApp first rolled out the Catalogs feature in 2019, which served as a storefront on the application. Not needing any websites, businesses can showcase their products also services to potential customers easily.
Then a Carts feature was launched last year to make it easier for consumers to buy multiple items in one go. It also helps businesses keep track of and manage orders better.
It only makes sense for Facebook to push this feature on WhatsApp because they have been expanding e-commerce features on both Instagram and Facebook itself with Marketplace.
