WhatsApp launched a feature on Tuesday that allows its more than 2 billion users to shop through the messaging platform and enables merchants to track orders and inquiries.
WhatsApp Cart was introduced globally after the company piloted the service with select businesses. The Facebook-owned instant messaging app expects its new feature to have traction during the holiday season this month, the company said.
Here is how the new shopping platform will work and potentially disrupt the contactless shopping ecosystem globally.
What is WhatsApp cart?
WhatsApp cart is useful when messaging businesses that typically sell multiple items at once, like a local restaurant or a clothing store. With cart, people can browse a catalogue, select multiple products and send the order as one message to the business. This will also make it simpler for businesses to track orders, inquiries, manage requests from customers and close sales.
How to place an order using cart?
Users can go to the business profile of the company and tap on the shopping button icon to access the catalogue. After accessing the catalogue, they can use the "message business" option to start a conversation. They can browse through a list of products from different categories and order by clicking on the "add to cart" button.
How to edit the cart?
As with online shopping, cart users can at anytime see the items they have added by clicking on "view cart". They can click "add more" to navigate back to the catalogue to continue adding more products. They can also edit the quantity for each product added to the cart.
Once the cart is successfully updated, users can send it to the seller as a WhatsApp message. They can also see the details of the order by tapping on the "view cart" button in their chat window with the seller.
How safe is WhatsApp messaging for business?
To attract more business users, WhatsApp is also offering free storage to host messages. WhatsApp ensures safety through its high level of encryption, the company said.
“Every private message sent using WhatsApp is secured with end-to-end encryption by default. Strong encryption acts like an unbreakable digital lock that keeps the information you send over WhatsApp secure, helping protect you from hackers and criminals.”
Messages are only kept on your phone, and no one in between can read your messages or listen to your calls, it said.
WhatsApp is committed to not using messages to boost target advertising.
How big is WhatsApp community?
WhatsApp was founded in 2009 and sold to Facebook for $19 billion in 2014. The messaging platform has more than 2 billion users, compared with 1.5 billion in 2018. Nearly 175 million of WhatsApp's 2 billion users interact with a business on the app every day, according to the company's chief operating officer, Matt Idema.
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
If you go
The flights
There are various ways of getting to the southern Serengeti in Tanzania from the UAE. The exact route and airstrip depends on your overall trip itinerary and which camp you’re staying at.
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Kilimanjaro International Airport from Dh1,350 return, including taxes; this can be followed by a short flight from Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti with Coastal Aviation from about US$700 (Dh2,500) return, including taxes. Kenya Airways, Emirates and Etihad offer flights via Nairobi or Dar es Salaam.
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
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