Overview
WhatsApp is a powerful channel for order notifications and OTP verification in Egypt, with 40+ million active users.
Why WhatsApp for Egyptian E-Commerce?
Key Statistics:
- 📱 40+ million WhatsApp users in Egypt
- 💬 85% of smartphone users have WhatsApp
- ⏰ Average user checks WhatsApp 30+ times per day
- 💰 Lower cost than SMS (0.05 EGP vs 0.10 EGP)
WhatsApp vs SMS: When to Use Each
| Use Case | Best Channel | Reason | |———-|————–|——–| | OTP Verification | SMS (primary) | 98% delivery rate, works without internet | | Order Confirmation | WhatsApp | Rich content, tracking links, lower cost | | Shipping Updates | WhatsApp | Can include images, maps, tracking info | | Out for Delivery | SMS | Critical, needs reliability | | Delivery Confirmation | WhatsApp | Can request feedback, send promo codes |
WhatsApp Business API vs Regular WhatsApp
❌ Regular WhatsApp (NOT Supported)
Manual sending only, no API integration, not scalable.
✅ WhatsApp Business API (Required)
Official business solution with:
- ✅ API integration with Cartsaver
- ✅ Automated message sending
- ✅ Verified business badge
- ✅ Message templates for notifications
Setting Up WhatsApp Business API
Prerequisites
- ✅ Facebook Business Manager Account
- ✅ WhatsApp Business API Access
- ✅ Business Phone Number (Egyptian +20)
- ✅ Business Documentation
Step 1: Choose WhatsApp Business Solution Provider
Option A: Direct with Meta – For tech-savvy teams Option B: Through BSP (Recommended) – Easier setup
Popular BSPs in Egypt:
- Unifonic (Recommended)
- Twilio
- 360dialog
- GupShup
Step 2: Get WhatsApp Business API Access
- Sign up with chosen BSP
- Submit business information
- Verify your business
- Wait for approval (1-3 days)
- Get API credentials
Step 3: Create Message Templates
WhatsApp requires pre-approved templates for automated notifications.
Template Categories:
- Transactional (Order updates)
- Authentication (OTP codes)
- Marketing (Promotional messages)
Step 4: Connect WhatsApp to Cartsaver
- Log in to Cartsaver Dashboard
- Navigate to Settings → WhatsApp Integration
- Enter API credentials
- Test connection
- Save configuration
Step 5: Map Templates to Events
Connect approved templates to order events like confirmation, shipping, delivery.