Facebook-owned messaging service WhatsApp has revealed new shopping features for its Business app.
Other than smartphones, the firm is now enabling businesses to build and manage catalogs through WhatsApp Web or Desktop editions as users find catalogs to be a good way to explore goods and services.
According to WhatsApp, “since many businesses manage their inventory from a computer, this new option will make it quick and easy to add new items or services so their customers know what’s available. This will be extremely helpful for businesses with big inventories like a restaurant or clothing store so they can manage their catalog from a bigger screen. Catalogs have also allowed businesses to easily showcase and share what they offer.”
WhatsApp claims to have more than 8 million business catalogs available for users to search. All WhatsApp users can now use the new WhatsApp Business feature. WhatsApp has now introduced the ability to mask inaccessible items.
WhatsApp stated that “we introduced carts on WhatsApp during the holiday shopping season last year so people could browse a catalog, select multiple products and send the order as one message to the business. But businesses have told us that they need an easy way to let customers know what’s currently available so they don’t get orders for items that are unavailable or out of stock. That’s why we’re giving them the option.”
The WhatsApp Business app now allows sellers to ‘hide’ unique products from their catalog and quickly reveal them when they are back in stock or available to customers. This feature has already begun to roll out around the world, and if you haven’t received it yet, you should get it in the coming days.
What are the steps for adding a product or service to your catalog?
Step 1: Tap on ‘More’ in the WhatsApp Business app.
Step 2: You’ll see the word “Catalog” at the top of your chat list, which you should click on.
Step 3: To upload images from your Photos, go to Add new item > Add Images. You can upload up to ten photos to WhatsApp.
Step 4: Give the name of a product or service. Optional information for the uploaded product includes the price, description, link, and item code. Then, to add the product to your list, tap on ‘ADD TO CATALOG.’
Related: WhatsApp Feature Update: Different Playback Speeds for voice messages coming soon
