TAKE APP: ENABLING SMALL BUSINESS E-COMMERCE THROUGH WHATSAPP

Inspiration

Innovation Is Everywhere

Innovation Is Everywhere

January 8, 2024

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Take App is a mobile application that allows small business owners and entrepreneurs to easily create an online store and sell products through WhatsApp, one of the world’s most popular messaging apps. The app was developed by a team of entrepreneurs from Singapore who recognized the need for an affordable, accessible e-commerce solution for small businesses.

With Take App, users can create a virtual storefront in just a few minutes, complete with product listings, pricing, and images. Once their store is set up, they can share the link to their WhatsApp contacts and start selling their products directly through the messaging app. Customers can browse products, place orders, and make payments without ever leaving the chat interface, making the buying process simple and convenient.

TakeApp’s success can be measured in various ways, starting with the fact that Meta (formerly known as Facebook) invested in the app, which is a significant endorsement of its potential. Additionally, TakeApp has gained popularity among small businesses, especially in emerging markets such as Singapore and Malaysia, where WhatsApp is widely used. According to a recent report, TakeApp has over 10,000 registered restaurants across Singapore with plans to expand to other markets in Southeast Asia like Malaysia and India.

One of the key advantages of Take App is its affordability. The app offers a low-cost solution for small businesses that don’t have the resources to invest in a full-fledged e-commerce platform. Users can sign up for a free account and start selling their products immediately, with no upfront costs or subscription fees. Take App takes a commission on each transaction, but the fees are lower than those charged by many other e-commerce platforms. WhatsApp commerce, or “W-commerce,” is a growing trend in e-commerce, particularly in emerging markets where WhatsApp is widely used. In addition to Take App, there are several other platforms and tools that enable businesses to sell products through the messaging app. Some businesses have even created their own WhatsApp storefronts using simple tools like QR codes and WhatsApp Business accounts.

WhatsApp is increasingly becoming a significant player in the realm of commerce, with businesses leveraging the messaging app to connect with customers and facilitate transactions. In Singapore, almost 4 million people use WhatsApp as their primary mode of communication. The popularity of the app has led to the rapid adoption of WhatsApp commerce among SMEs and MNCs in Singapore. The WhatsApp Business API provides a secure and reliable means for businesses to communicate with customers around the world. Currently, over 5 million businesses actively use WhatsApp to connect with customers, with 80% of them believing that it can drive business growth.

Overall, the rise of WhatsApp commerce represents a shift towards more conversational, personalized, and convenient shopping experiences. By integrating with messaging apps like WhatsApp, businesses can build stronger relationships with their customers and provide a more seamless buying process. As more and more consumers turn to messaging apps for communication and commerce, it’s likely that we’ll see continued growth in this space.

 

Why using the app?

1) Upload your restaurant on the app:

To upload your restaurant on the Take app, follow these simple steps. First, download the app on your device from the App Store or Google Play Store. Once you have installed the app, create an account and log in. After logging in, select the option to “Add a Restaurant” from the main menu. You will be prompted to enter your restaurant’s name, location, and contact information. You can also add your restaurant’s menu, photos, and any additional information you want to share with potential customers. Once you have filled in all the necessary information, click “Submit.” Your restaurant will then be reviewed by the Take app team, and once approved, it will be live on the app for customers to discover and order from. The Take app provides a simple and convenient way for restaurants to reach a broader audience and increase their online presence, making it easier for customers to find and order from them.

2) Get an order

To receive orders on WhatsApp using the Take app, you need to first create an account on the app and set up your restaurant profile, including your menu items and prices. Once you have done this, you can then share your WhatsApp number with your customers, who can then place their orders by messaging you directly on WhatsApp. When you receive an order, you will receive a notification through the Take app, which will contain all the relevant details, such as the customer’s name, order details, and delivery address. You can then confirm the order with the customer and process it as you normally would. The Take app provides a convenient way for restaurants to manage their orders from multiple channels, including WhatsApp, making it easier for customers to order from them and for restaurants to streamline their operations.

3) Gain analytics

The Take app provides restaurants with a variety of analytics to help them better understand their business and make data-driven decisions. Some of the analytics provided to restaurants include real-time sales data, customer order history, menu item popularity, and delivery performance metrics. Restaurants can use these analytics to track their sales performance, monitor customer behavior, identify trends, and make adjustments to their menu or operations accordingly. Additionally, the app provides restaurants with a dashboard that allows them to view all their orders, track order statuses, and manage their delivery fleet. By leveraging these analytics and insights, restaurants can optimize their operations, increase efficiency, and improve customer satisfaction. The Take app’s analytics also enable restaurants to benchmark their performance against their competitors, identify areas for improvement, and ultimately grow their business.

4) Increase reach

The Take app provides several ways for restaurants to increase their reach and expand their customer base. First, by creating a restaurant profile on the app, restaurants can increase their online presence and visibility, making it easier for customers to discover and order from them. Restaurants can also leverage the Take app’s marketing and promotional tools, such as targeted advertising campaigns and social media promotions, to reach a broader audience and attract new customers. Additionally, the Take app allows restaurants to offer exclusive deals and discounts to customers, which can help incentivize them to order from the restaurant and become repeat customers. The app also enables restaurants to partner with other businesses, such as food bloggers and influencers, to increase their exposure and reach. Finally, the Take app’s delivery network allows restaurants to expand their delivery radius and reach customers in new areas, enabling them to grow their business beyond their physical location.