WhatsApp is not going anywhere, nor should it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It remains one of the most trusted and widely used communication channels available to businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Customers already have it installed, use it daily and often choose it as their first point of contact with a brand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pieter Strydom, Omnichannel Executive Bidvest Data: \u201cIt is not whether businesses should continue using WhatsApp. It is how much of each customer conversation needs to attract the new expensive charges\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bidvest Data<\/strong><\/a> has already solved that challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bidvest Data has developed its own chat capability, powered by the same AI and chatbot intelligence used within the WhatsApp channel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The key difference is that the conversation takes place through Bidvest Data\u2019s infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The customer begins the engagement on WhatsApp, exactly as they do today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They can then select a menu option \u201cChat for FREE\u201d<\/strong>, which seamlessly redirects them to Bidvest Data\u2019s chat environment to continue and complete the conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The customer has already been identified, and there is no need to start again. The conversation and relevant context moves smoothly into and out of the Bidvest Data Chat environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n WhatsApp remains the familiar front door while we move the bulk of the interaction, including AI-driven resolutions, service enquiries and extended back-and-forth conversations, outside WhatsApp\u2019s newly chargeable service-message environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another very important cost consideration is end user mobile data consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n WhatsApp cannot be zero-rated. Every message a customer sends or receives uses data from their mobile bundle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bidvest Data\u2019s chat capability is different because the platform is zero-rated. Customers can engage with a brand without using their own mobile data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This creates a dual benefit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Two cost lines are optimised through a single, seamless customer journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is not a temporary workaround or a marketing concept. It is a purpose-built solution using capabilities Bidvest Data already owns and manages end to end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These capabilities include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bidvest Data controls the full technology stack; we can provide clients with greater visibility and certainty, while optimising cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For clients, the strategy is simple: keep WhatsApp as the entry point because that is where customers already are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then, when a conversation requires extended support, AI-driven resolution or live-agent engagement, route it seamlessly through Bidvest Data\u2019s chat capability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Businesses retain the accessibility and reach of WhatsApp while reducing their exposure to its changing cost model. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Customers experience a consistent, convenient journey without having to pay for the data used during the conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\nKeep the Reach, Reduce the Cost<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nFree for the Customer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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An End-to-End Capability<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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WhatsApp Remains the Front Door<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Navigating the New Rate Card with Confidence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n