Messaging hub is a feature in Guest Engagement that allows you to communicate with your guests using various communication channels including WhatsApp.
How much does it cost to use WhatsApp in Messaging hub?
Any fees that apply to messages will be invoiced directly by WhatsApp. SiteMinder does not charge any additional fees for WhatsApp.
Service conversations are free, which allows you to reply to guest initiated messages within a 24-hour customer service window.
Once the 24-hour window has passed, a template message (business-initiated conversation) is needed, and a small charge will apply. The current rate is approximately USD 0.01 - 0.04 per conversation, however it depends on the conversation category, and on the country where your recipient is located. Check pricing here.
Are there different fees for different conversation categories?
There are different fees for each conversation category (service conversations, and business-initiated conversations using marketing and utility templates).
Service conversations:
Service conversations are free, which allows you to reply to guest initiated messages within a 24-hour customer service window.
Business-initiated conversations:
Using templates, outside of the 24 hour service window (marketing or utility template messages).
WhatsApp charges a small fee. The current rate is approximately USD 0.01 - 0.04 per conversation, however it depends on the conversation category, and on the country where your recipient is located.
Is there a monthly fee for using WhatsApp?
No, SiteMinder does not charge any monthly or commission fees for using WhatsApp in Messaging hub. You only pay WhatsApp's conversation fees that will be charged by WhatsApp directly.
Why do I need to provide my credit card details when connecting WhatsApp?
You are required to enter your credit card details when connecting your WhatsApp Business account with Messaging hub. This is a requirement from WhatsApp, as any fees will be billed by WhatsApp directly.
How does WhatsApp bill any conversation fees?
You will be charged by WhatsApp directly for any conversations fees. To view a summary of messaging and charges, in your WhatsApp Business account, go to the Insights tab of your WhatsApp manager.
Can I check the cost of a message (conversation) before I send it?
You can use WhatsApp's pricing calculator here to estimate costs based on the conversation category, recipient’s location, and message type.
Are any WhatsApp messages free?
Service conversations are free, which allows you to reply to guest initiated messages within a 24-hour customer service window.
Why has my free tier been reduced?
If you notice your free tier of service conversations has been reduced, it could be due to WhatsApp’s quality rating. If you get a certain number of complaints from guests/recipients, then your quality score will be lowered by WhatsApp, and therefore your free tier limits will be reduced.