Gupshup launches conversational commerce app on ONDC via WhatsApp

Business messaging platform Gupshup has announced the launch of a WhatsApp chatbot for buyer apps on the government-backed Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). 

The chatbot aims to provide a seamless shopping experience using a conversational interface. Soon, Gupshup plans to extend this capability to its enterprise customers who wish to integrate conversational commerce into their existing chatbots. 

This new service allows users to discover, browse, and purchase products from sellers on the ONDC network directly through WhatsApp, eliminating the need to download any additional apps. 

“Delivering conversational experiences via the messaging app is the only way to reach everyone. Gupshup’s Buyer App on ONDC brings the vast commerce network to users nationwide, usable in any language, quickly and easily. This will truly transform digital commerce on a population scale in India," said Beerud Sheth, CEO, Gupshup. 

“This ONDC Buyer App is the perfect demonstration of the significant impact of conversational experiences and the unique ability of Gupshup’s platform to enable them," said Gaurav Kachhawa, Chief Product Officer at Gupshup.  

Currently in Beta, the Buyer App will initially have limited availability, allowing users to order food and beverages. Users can share their location over chat, browse local sellers, order food, and make payments directly through WhatsApp. Support for additional conversational channels such as Google RCS and Voice will be added soon. These features will help merchants and businesses looking to participate in the ONDC eCommerce ecosystem to leverage the Gupshup ONDC Commerce Platform and speed up their time to market, the company said.