Understanding the differences between WaChatAPI and WhatsApp Business API is key to choosing the right solution for your business needs.
What is WaChatAPI?
WaChatAPI is a WhatsApp API gateway service specifically designed to assist businesses in optimizing communications through the WhatsApp platform. Providing various features that enable mass messaging, notifications, scheduling, and tracking, WaChatAPI provides an effective and efficient solution for interacting with customers via WhatsApp.
Pros of WaChatAPI:
- Affordable prices: Compared to the WhatsApp Business API, WaChatAPI offers a more affordable price, making it a suitable solution for small and medium businesses.
- Reliable Features: WaChatAPI provides essential features such as bulk messaging, notifications, scheduling and tracking, facilitating effective interaction and communication with customers.
- Integration with MS Excel: The ability to integrate WaChatAPI with MS Excel enables easy and efficient contact management, saving time and effort in managing customer databases.
What is the WhatsApp Business API?
WhatsApp Business API is the official API provided directly by WhatsApp to help businesses connect with customers through the WhatsApp application. With direct support from WhatsApp and the latest updates, the WhatsApp Business API provides a safe and reliable solution for businesses to leverage WhatsApp's potential for stronger business communications.
Pros of WhatsApp Business API:
- Official Solution from WhatsApp: WhatsApp Business API is the official solution provided directly by WhatsApp. This provides trust and assurance that you are using a solution that is supported and updated directly by the WhatsApp platform itself.
- Advanced Features: The WhatsApp Business API provides access to advanced features such as chatbots, in-app payments and integration with existing business systems. This allows businesses to enhance the customer experience and provide more interactive and personalized services.
- Integration with Existing Business Systems: Both WaChatAPI and WhatsApp Business API allow integration with existing business systems. Extensive documentation is provided to guide a smooth and efficient integration process.
Considerations in choosing:
When choosing between the WaChatAPI and the WhatsApp Business API, it is important to consider several factors, including:
- Business Size: Tailor the solution you choose to the size of your business, and the scale and complexity of the communications you need.
- Communication Needs: Review your business's communication needs, such as the types of messages you want to send, frequency of sending, and interactions with customers.
- Technical Capabilities: Consider your team's technical capabilities in managing and maintaining accounts and the necessary API integrations.
Integration with business systems:
Both solutions allow integration with existing business systems, with extensive documentation to guide the integration process.
Customer support:
WaChatAPI provides responsive customer support to assist you with any questions and problems you may encounter while using the service. The customer support team will help ensure a seamless user experience and help you maximize the potential of the WaChatAPI service.
By considering these factors, you can choose a solution that suits your business needs and take advantage of WhatsApp's potential in supporting the growth and success of your business.
The advantages of the WaChat API compared to the WhatsApp Business API
Information | WaChat API | WhatsApp Business API |
WhatsApp Number Connectivity | Can be connected to an existing personal WhatsApp number or business WhatsApp number. | Can only be connected to new numbers that have never been connected before. |
WhatsApp Number Connectivity | You can connect the new number directly during registration, but it's important to follow our recommendations so that it doesn't get blocked. | The number (sender) must have been actively used for at least 3 to 4 weeks before it can be connected. |
Flexibility for All Types of Business | Suitable for all types and levels of business. | Currently only available for mid-sized companies. |
Types of Messages That Can Be Sent | Can send all types of messages, as long as they comply with applicable law. | Message templates must be approved prior to use. |
Price and Payment | Prices start from IDR 100,000 per month to send messages without a limit on the number. | The price per message is around IDR 340. |
Registration | Easy registration, no special requirements. | Bound to many rules and a complex integration process. |
Integration Process | Using a simple REST API and Webhooks, the integration process only takes 5 to 10 minutes and only mobile devices. | Requires a dedicated server and a complex system architecture. Integration can take 2 to 4 weeks. |
Limitation on the Number of Sender Numbers | There is no limit to the number of sender numbers that can be connected to the service. | Service only allows connecting 1 number for confirmed business. |
Message Delivery Agreement | Can directly send messages to the destination number without asking permission first. | You need the customer's approval to receive messages. |
Customer Support and Service | 24/7 support available via email, chat and WhatsApp group. | Limited and paid support through WhatsApp partners. |
Changeability and Integration | Allows changes and integration according to business needs. | Cannot modify or add to existing functionality. |
Account name | You can choose the desired account name. | The account name must match your business name and cannot be changed afterwards. |
Global Reach | The API applies worldwide | Cannot use WA API in certain countries such as Crimea, Iran and others. |
Weaknesses of WaChat API compared to WhatsApp Business API
Information | WaChat API | WhatsApp Business API |
Scalability | Depends on the period of use of the account. At the start of use, it is recommended to send a maximum of 5 messages per minute to maintain stability. | High scalability: 10 messages/sec by default. |
Connection | Depends on the cellphone internet connection used. | It does not depend on the cellphone internet connection used. |
Adding contacts | Contacts have to be added to the phone manually by the user. | Contacts can be added automatically. |
Verified badge | No verified badge. | Get a verified Badge for your business account. |