Introducing Clinch: South Africa’s First WhatsApp Business Directory & Marketplace
Save the date: South Africa has just marked a significant milestone in the evolution of e-commerce. Today, we’re proud to announce the launch of Clinch – the world’s first and proudly South African WhatsApp-based Business Directory and Marketplace.
When E-Commerce Meets ChatCom: A Revolution in the Making
For years, traditional e-commerce has dominated online shopping. Websites and apps have served as the primary channels for online sales. But something fascinating has been happening under our noses: the rise of conversational commerce – or as we like to call it, “ChatCom.”
The numbers tell a compelling story. With over 2.7 billion WhatsApp users globally and approximately 94% of internet users in South Africa (24.4 million people) using WhatsApp daily, the platform has quietly become the digital backbone of our daily communication. Yet businesses have struggled to effectively harness this massive user base – until now.
The Birth of Clinch: South Africa’s E-Commerce Innovation
Developed by The Messenger Network, Clinch represents a fundamental shift in how businesses connect with consumers. It bridges the gap between traditional e-commerce and the messaging platforms where people already spend their time.
“WhatsApp. Search. Shop.” This simple phrase encapsulates the revolutionary simplicity of Clinch. Instead of asking consumers to download yet another app or navigate to another website, Clinch brings the entire shopping experience to WhatsApp – the app that’s already on virtually every South African’s phone.
Why WhatsApp Is the Future of E-Commerce
The shift toward WhatsApp commerce isn’t just convenient – it’s backed by compelling data:
- 78% of consumers are more likely to buy from businesses that offer personalised experiences through messaging apps
- WhatsApp messages get seen, opened, and responded to faster than emails (20% email open rate versus 98% WhatsApp open rate)
- 72% of customers prefer to chat with a business on WhatsApp
- 70% of businesses already use WhatsApp in some capacity
But perhaps the most convincing argument comes from a simple question: Which platform do you use every day? For the overwhelming majority of South Africans, the answer is WhatsApp.
How Clinch Works: Simplicity Meets Functionality
Clinch transforms WhatsApp into a comprehensive business platform with two core components:
- Business Directory: A searchable database by keywords where customers can find businesses categorised by product, service, and region. Each listing includes essential information like business description and services, contact details, trading hours, and location.
- Marketplace: A full-featured shopping environment where customers can browse products, make inquiries, place orders, and complete transactions – all without leaving WhatsApp.
For businesses, Clinch offers a robust backend dashboard with tools to manage listings, track performance, and analyze customer engagement. The platform empowers everything from small neighbourhood shops to large national retailers.
The Features That Make Clinch a Game-Changer
- Complete Buying Cycle: From discovery to payment, the entire transaction happens within WhatsApp
- Effortless Business Management: A user-friendly dashboard for managing products, services, and orders
- Guided Order Fulfillment: Clinch integrates the Bob Go Smart Shipping System that guides businesses through each step of ordering with a fully automated process, including providing your customers with tracking notifications sent via WhatsApp.
- Automated Customer Updates: Keep clients informed with automated messaging at every stage
- Comprehensive Analytics: Detailed reports on revenue, product performance, and customer behaviour
- Affordable Excellence: Subscription plans designed to be accessible for businesses of all sizes
2025: The Year Conversational Commerce Takes Centre Stage
As we look ahead, it’s clear that 2025 marks a turning point in how commerce happens online. The distinction between messaging and shopping is blurring, creating new opportunities for businesses that adapt quickly.
Clinch isn’t just riding this wave – it’s helping to create it. By making WhatsApp a viable commercial platform, Clinch empowers South African businesses to connect with consumers in the digital spaces they already inhabit.
Join the WhatsApp Revolution
The question is no longer whether your business should be on WhatsApp – it’s how effectively you’re utilising this essential platform. With Clinch, The Messenger Network has created a turnkey solution that transforms WhatsApp from a simple messaging app into a powerful sales channel.
In a world where getting noticed online becomes increasingly difficult, Clinch offers a refreshingly direct approach: connect with customers where they already are. No additional downloads, no complex websites to navigate – just the familiar interface of WhatsApp, enhanced with powerful business capabilities.
The future of e-commerce isn’t just another website or app. It’s the platform that’s already in your customer’s pocket. It’s WhatsApp. It’s Clinch.
Get Clinched today and signup for a business listing at www.whatsappmarketplace.co.za
About The Messenger Network: The Messenger Network is a leading provider of WhatsApp Business API solutions, empowering businesses across Africa to leverage messaging platforms for growth and customer engagement. As the developer of Clinch, TMN continues to pioneer innovations in conversational commerce.