How much does WhatsApp Business API cost - briefly?
The cost of the WhatsApp Business API varies depending on the volume of messages sent. For instance, prices range from $0.003 per message for high-volume users to $0.50 per message for low-volume users.
How much does WhatsApp Business API cost - in detail?
The cost of the WhatsApp Business API is determined by several factors, including message volume, type of messages sent, and the specific features utilized. Here's a detailed breakdown:
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Message Types: WhatsApp categorizes messages into three types: Session Messages, Template Messages, and Interactive Messages.
- Session Messages are free for the first 24 hours after a user initiates contact with your business. After this period, there is a charge per message.
- Template Messages are pre-approved messages that businesses can send to customers outside of the 24-hour session window. These incur a cost based on the country where the message is sent.
- Interactive Messages include buttons, lists, and quick replies, which can be used within sessions or templates. The cost for these features is included in the price of the corresponding message type.
- Pricing by Country: WhatsApp Business API pricing varies by country due to differences in infrastructure costs and market conditions. For instance, sending a Template Message to the United States might cost more than sending one to India.
- Additional Features: Besides basic messaging, additional features like sending media files (images, videos, documents) or using buttons and quick replies may incur extra charges depending on usage volume and country-specific rates.
- Setup and Maintenance Fees: Apart from message costs, there are potential setup fees and ongoing maintenance costs when integrating the WhatsApp Business API with your existing systems. These can vary based on the complexity of integration and the services provided by your integration partner.
- Volume Discounts: For businesses with high message volumes, WhatsApp offers tiered pricing plans that provide discounts as volume increases. This is particularly beneficial for enterprises that rely heavily on WhatsApp for customer communication.
In summary, the cost of using the WhatsApp Business API depends on factors such as message type, country-specific rates, additional features used, setup and maintenance fees, and potential volume discounts. Understanding these components helps businesses better plan their budget and maximize the ROI from utilizing WhatsApp for customer engagement.