It’s a time for WhatsApp for logistics business in which the logistic partners perform the best asset to deliver packages. Every logistic operation is a chain that depends upon effective communication at the right time to make delivery attempts accurately. In this section, businesses are looking for a smart techy solution for their operations and customer satisfaction. One such solution that meets every need of logistics business is WhatsApp Business API.
WhatsApp has a huge user base of 2.78 billion (ref: demandsage.com) and everyone likes its simplicity for chat and messaging conversations interface. Thus, it has been the most preferred communication channel for business across various industries and logistics is one of them. Adopting this channel through WhatsApp Business API can increase the marketing strategy levels and lower team operational costs because of its multiple services like WhatsApp marketing campaigns, automation API, auto-reply chatbots for customer support, etc.
In earlier decades messaging using internet data was a boom after Skype. WhatsApp is a messaging application for simple message exchange that can carry multimedia attachments. People started using it regularly. But with time, WhatsApp turned into the business messaging platform for organizations through a separate business API that automates, integrates, and connects at any scale to broadcast messaging.
What is WhatsApp Business API?
WhatsApp Business API is the best that can connect you to a large audience at an enterprise scale on officially launched WhatsApp Business.
Thus, What is it actually?
WhatsApp Business API is an application programmable interface launched by Meta(Facebook) in 2018 succeeding the Application. It is a small programmable code that easily fits into the software system to provide WhatsApp connectivity for sending and receiving messages at any scale. It’s a best-suited communication solution designed for medium to large businesses.
The business has developed many useful applications using the same WhatsApp business API like WhatsApp broadcast messaging solutions, autoreply chatbots, interactive messaging templates, and automated communication flows.
If you are looking for the WhatsApp API, you should know How to apply for the free WhatsApp Business API? An excellent explanation with screenshots.
What is WhatsApp for Logistics? (Whatsapp API reference)
Whatsapp Business for Logistics refers to the use of the WhatsApp channel for operations in the logistics industry to facilitate two-way communication and enhance customer engagement and satisfaction. Logistic businesses can integrate WhatsApp API into their software system to use the best features such as automation, real-time updates, address inquiries, manage orders, share locations, delivery status, and authentications effectively. It enables the logistic team to get in touch with customers directly with 2 way communication at their most preferred messaging app offering a convenient experience to the end user. Additional WhatsApp also allows the logistic business to share details in attractive multimedia messages to share files, brochures, etc.
WhatsApp messages for logistics reach the customers with a green tick on their profile picture. it makes a value addition to the brand and makes a trustworthy impression. you can easily apply for the green tick verification by following the steps.
We have discussed the WhatsApp API and WhatsApp for Logistics. Let’s see how WhatsApp API is being used in logistics industry operations.
Use case
Send delivery details precisely:
Logistics companies can use WhatsApp API to send delivery details. Logistics companies can send real-time updates, including tracking numbers, order status, and estimated delivery times. Also, customers get direct access to talk with agents via WhatsApp support, which gives seamless communication.
Customer issue resolving
Resolving customer issues is always a priority for any business and industry. Businesses face challenges to Understanding and resolving customer queries. WhatsApp Business helps logistics firms by offering a clean and personalized customer support platform, by authorized BSP and ISP providers such as Authkey. Through chatbots or live agents, inquiries regarding order status, delivery-related issues, or product inquiries can be easily resolved via WhatsApp. This not only saves time but also gains trust among customers, contributing to improved customer satisfaction.
Live tracking for parcels/orders.
Traditionally, notifying customers about live tracking updates has been a challenge. But now WhatsApp Business has got an easy solution for logistics and courier companies to share real-time delivery effortlessly. This feature increases transparency, also increasing customer confidence, as well as reduces the need for additional delivery inquiries.
Whatsapp integration with business software / CRM.
WhatsApp allows businesses to integrate their CRM or software with Authkey. This integration enables logistics and delivery companies to integrate WhatsApp business APIs into their systems, centralize customer data, and streamline communication processes This enables customized services for individual customers just, facilitates seamless communication with both customers, and optimizes logistics operations
Order confirmation.
WhatsApp Business makes it easy to integrate its APIs into systems to instantly verify orders, thus giving customers real-time assurance about their purchases. Messaging automation can build customer confidence by ensuring they receive accurate product information soon after ordering. It also helps to improve brand value.
Payment notification
Sending customers a payment confirmation or notice promptly is essential to increasing brand value. The WhatsApp Business API facilitates instant payment notification via WhatsApp, enabling logistics companies to quickly send payment reminders, payment confirmations and overpayment alerts. WhatsApp has an advantage over SMS in this regard, as sometimes payment information cannot be delivered via SMS, while WhatsApp ensures real-time delivery. Thus, logistics companies may prefer WhatsApp to traditional messaging apps.
Marketing campaign
Marketing campaigns are an important ROI factor for logistics companies. Unlike SMS and text campaigns that cannot send personalized promotional messages, WhatsApp provides a personalized messaging option. With support for emojis, GIFs, images and video, WhatsApp helps logistics companies create engaging promotions, attract more customers and increase sales.
Inhouse- inventory management.
In-house inventory management is a challenge for logistics companies, which are often confused by traditional mobile messaging. The WhatsApp Business API makes it easy to manage logistic inventory management. Employees can receive real-time inventory updates, allowing them to reorder inventory, check inventory levels, and increase overall operational efficiency.
Sticky query agent
Many businesses require sticky query agent support, which allows recurring customer queries to be automatically addressed based on previous interactions with an agent This requires customers to repeat their queries each time they contact support, creating customer satisfaction and loyalty increase. This feature not only reduces the work and time required for customer support teams but also ensures consistent answers to frequently asked questions.
Confirmation: Assure your delivery
Logistics companies often face challenges when it comes to assuring successful delivery. Customers can express concerns about the lack of products, even if delivery personnel indicate successful completion. To prevent such issues, logistics companies can integrate the WhatsApp Business API into their systems. This integration enables the features of delivery confirmations, digital signatures, or images of packages, giving customers proof of delivery
Send alert and notification
Logistics companies frequently face delays and problems in sending SMS, leading to a lack of timely information. But this problem is reduced when using WhatsApp Business. As long as consumers have internet access, all promotional and order information can be sent instantly without delay. This dynamic communication style not only reduces customer dissatisfaction but also increases overall customer satisfaction.
Feedback from customer
Logistics companies can now effortlessly collect customer feedback on delivery experiences or purchases via WhatsApp.WhatsApp automation features, Logistic companies can automate surveys or set up direct messaging services to gather valuable insights from customers. This helps them to improve their services, and efficiency also, immediately address issues identified by customers.
Two-way Communication with customers
The most valuable feature enabled by the WhatsApp Business API is two-way messaging between customers and delivery/courier companies. This makes it easier for customers to get support via WhatsApp, where they can chat with customer support to better resolve their queries. Customers can provide feedback and ask any query needed. At the same time, companies can respond more quickly.
Avoid high-cost
WhatsApp API is available at best pricing and it always starts with conversation-based. A conversation can be user-initiated and business-initiated. Once a conversation is initiated it remains valid for 24 hours and message exchanges within that are not charged. Only the first message is charged accordingly. It’s unlike the SMS or voice call charges but the engagement and open rate are on the high side. It’s the best cost-effective solution for a logistics company. Check for the WhatsApp Business API Pricing for the Logistics.
Authkey, a leading CPaaS provider, offers the WhatsApp Business API for logistics businesses with seamless enterprise-grade functionality. With Authkey’s platform, you can efficiently manage logistic/shipping/transportation operations and effectively engage customers for marketing purposes. Start your 7-day WhatsApp Business demo today and receive 1000 conversation credits to experience the benefits. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to begin your logistics operations and boost customer engagement.