Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about WhatsApp Business API
What is the WhatsApp Business API?
The WhatsApp Businesses API enables businesses to chat with their customers in the same way they chat with their friends and family — with fast, simple, and secure messaging. Enterprises of all sizes can use their current customer engagement platforms to integrate with WhatsApp through the API and reply to their customers promptly with messages, notifications, shipping confirmations, appointment reminders or event tickets.
Which businesses can use the WhatsApp Business API?
Businesses of all sizes looking to provide their customers with a direct channel of communication, prompt support, and an efficient customer experience are eligible to use the WhatsApp Business API. Presently, availability is limited and WhatsApp will review each submission on a case-by-case basis.
What are the use cases for WhatsApp Business API?
You can use the WhatsApp Business API for a large number of non-promotional cases. These include but are not limited to: travel updates and ticket confirmation, in-message payment links and receipts, order placements, reservations, delivery updates, appointment reminders, and direct customer communication enabling your team to offer efficient and personalized support.
How do I start using WhatsApp Business API?
To start using the WhatsApp Business API, you need to submit a request. You can submit a request via Facebook or WhatsApp solution providers like Sendbee here. After your application is approved and your business account is created, you can use solution providers to connect with WhatsApp users. Sendbee offers a business chat and conversational commerce solution that easily integrates the WhatsApp Business API.
If you have requested access to the WhatsApp Business API via a solution partner, you will be notified when you are ready to go.
How long will it take to receive a verified WhatsApp Business Account?
To ensure the solution is running to the best of its capacity, the WhatsApp Business API is currently available to a limited public view and WhatsApp approval is required for all customers entering the program. You can submit a request via Facebook or via WhatsApp solution providers like Sendbee here who will keep you up-to-date when you are
What content I can share with customers on WhatsApp?
Engage your customers with varied content in the form of text messages, message templates, images, documents and audio clips.
In which countries is the WhatsApp Business API supported?
WhatsApp is supported all over the world, excluding Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Syria.
How much does the WhatsApp Business API cost?
Replies to customer-initiated messages are free over the WhatsApp Business API. However, any communication outside of a 24-hour window from the first message will come at a fixed cost per message, depending on the country.
Can I send messages outside the 24-hour window?
Yes, you can send messages outside of the 24-hour window. These messages must be meaningful notifications, like appointment reminders and order notifications, and need to be pre-approved by WhatsApp. Learn more about Message Templates here.
Are there any messaging restrictions when using the WhatsApp Business API?
The WhatsApp Business API currently does not support messaging for marketing purposes outside of a 24-hour window
Originally published at blog.sendbee.io on September 6, 2018.
