Close
Search
Menu Menu

WhatsApp ‘Carts’ could seriously harm e-commerce start-ups

By
London, UK
1 energy + Add Energy
What is energy?
Want to show your appreciation? Give an article “Energy” and it will help us know what you like.
0 comments
0 comments

WhatsApp’s new in-app feature ‘Carts’ is set to make online shopping easier for its 2 billion user base. Small e-commerce start-ups are real concerned.

Just in time for the holiday season, WhatsApp has this week announced plans to roll out a new in-app shopping feature called Carts which allows buyers to group multiple purchases into a single message. Tech really is all about convenience these days.

Those who keep up with social tech will be well aware that the instant messaging service already had an e-commerce arm called ‘Catalogs.’ Launching back in 2019, this update basically became the digital storefront for businesses to showcase their goods in one scrollable products page. Carts is about to take that principle and simplify the purchasing process even further for shoppers on WhatsApp by grouping huge orders into just one message.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugFIVoh9IEQ&feature=emb_logo

WhatsApp’s popularity as a shopping service has taken the industry by surprise, with 175 million people using the Catalogs service every day as of late October. Add to that the addition of Carts and WhatsApp is all but set to rival Amazon, Walmart, and other key players of e-commerce for the attention of emerging markets like India.

Speaking of India, the nation currently represents WhatsApp’s biggest market by users, and one of its big emerging e-commerce start-ups DealShare – which just turned a fiscal profit of $21 million in a new financing round – actually earned its chops on WhatsApp before going solo.

It would be a cruel turn of fate if WhatsApp were to end up dominating the space DealShare is looking to target, but unfortunately that prospect is looking more conceivable by the day. A quick look at Twitter displays the level of panic setting in amongst independent ecommerce start-ups looking to grow their businesses. After all, when a financial powerhouse like Facebook starts throwing its weight around, what is one to do?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxrU9_087lk&feature=emb_logo

One big element is missing from WhatsApp’s overall shopping experience though, and that is an internal support for payments. As of right now, when a user places an order with a business on WhatsApp, both parties are left to figure out how money will exchange hands.

Establishing a way of adding in-app payments has been high on the agenda of the instant messaging service for a while, but to date, it’s been a real stumbling block – barring versions of the app in India and Brazil, where in-app payments are available.

Depending on where you sit, we’re looking at both good and bad news. For those who want to see economies thriving through a network of localised businesses, WhatsApp’s foray into emerging markets spells danger, but those who ultimately want the most convenient and seamless social media experience possible in their day-to-day lives are going to be all for the addition of Carts.

What side of the coin do you fall under? We promise not to judge.

Tech Editor London, UK

I’m Jamie (He/Him), the Deputy Editor and a Senior Writer at Thred. Keeping up with social media updates and revolutionary technology is my forte, but when away from my keyboard, you’ll probably find me wrapped around a large Tango ice blast at the latest mediocre horror flick. Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.

Popular

Keep up with thred by signing up to our planet-positive newsletter!

More from thred.

Study strongly evidences theory that a planet is partly buried in Earth
Credit: Thred
Science

Study strongly evidences theory that a planet is partly buried in Earth

Ever heard the theory that the Moon was created by Earth’s collision with another planet 4.5 billion years ago? A new study has just given that belief stronger credibility. The exact origins of our Moon remain somewhat elusive, but a widely accepted theory has just received another significant boost. Unfortunately, there is no cheese involved. The hypothesis in question is officially referred to as the ‘Theia Impact Theory’ and colloquially dubbed...

By London, UK
Microsoft seals record corporate purchase of green energy for AI
Credit: Thred
Technology

Microsoft seals record corporate purchase of green energy for AI

Eight times larger than the previous record, Microsoft has just purchased the most renewable energy in history for a single corporate entity in one deal. This will ensure its carbon negative plans aren’t derailed by upscaling AI projects. There are a few constants in life: death, taxes, and Microsoft chucking its weight around by making record financial acquisitions. The latest, at least, is a positive for the planet on this...

By London, UK
Indie act ‘Washed Out’ releases first OpenAI Sora music video
Credit: OpenAI
Technology

Indie act ‘Washed Out’ releases first OpenAI Sora music video

A new song called ‘The Hardest Part’ by the artist Washed Out was created entirely using OpenAI’s Sora, which converts text prompts to realistic video. The first of its kind, it is both impressive and terrifying, depending on where you stand. It seems like every week we’re writing about AI. Using text prompts to create auto-generated content has exploded in popularity in the past two years. Where once it seemed like...

By London, UK
World’s first beauty contest launched for AI influencers
Credit: Thred
Social

World’s first beauty contest launched for AI influencers

In an attempt to further blend emerging AI trends with reality, a new beauty pageant has been announced for AI influencers. Despite the event creators’ excitement, critics have warned we should approach with caution. Thought the world of AI influencers couldn’t get any weirder? Hmm.. think again. Fanvue, a platform that helps digital creators boost engagement using AI messaging, voice notes, and analytics, has just announced the world’s first...

By London, UK
Accessibility