Table of contents

Is this guide for me? #

If you know the value of and want WhatsApp Business Platform/API for your business but the information out there is overwhelming, this is for you.

What do I need to use WhatsApp Business Platform/API? #

In this order:

1. A verified Meta Business Manager account (WhatsApp is owned by Facebook/Meta)
2. A WhatsApp Business Platform/API account
3. A platform like Rasayel. Watch: What is Rasayel? (2 min video)

How do I get a WhatsApp Business Platform/API account? #

You can get one from 360dialog (a 3rd party provider) or directly from Meta (know as Cloud API).

Follow this guide to get an account with 360dialog.
Follow this guide to create an account with Meta Cloud API.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. A clean phone number (It can be mobile or landline)
2. A verified Facebook Business Manager account. How do I verify my account?
3. A credit card for payment

How long does it take? #

If your Facebook Business Manager account is verified, it takes about 15-30 minutes to create a WhatsApp Business Platform/API account.

Please account for unexpected set-up issues, as those can take days to resolve.

If your Facebook Business Manager account is not verified, it can take anywhere from 1 week to 1 month, depending on how well you follow the verification guidelines and how long it takes for Meta to verify your account.

Connecting your WhatsApp account to Rasayel takes only 3 minutes. You can then take your time to configure the platform to fit your needs. This can take 1 hour up to a few weeks, depending on how quick you are 😉

How much does it cost? #

You’ll be paying for two things:

1. Rasayel as a platform. This will cost you anywhere from $200 to a few thousand dollars per month, depending on the size of your company and your exact needs.
2. WhatsApp conversation fees. Meta charges you for talking to customers. This will either be paid to 360dialog or to Meta, depending on who you create your account with. 360dialog will charge you an extra $15/month on top of WhatsApp’s conversation fees.

What are WhatsApp conversation fees? #

WhatsApp gives you 1000 free inbound conversations per month. All outbound conversations are charged depending on their type.

One conversation is any period of 24 hours (1 day). The number of messages sent or received during each conversation is unlimited and not charged.

For example, if you send me a message and we speak for 24 hours, I will be charged for 1 conversation. If we speak for 2 days, I will be charged for 2 conversations.

Each country has a fixed rate. Here are some:

Egypt
Marketing: $0.1073
Utility: $0.0687
Authentication/OTP: $0.0618
Service: $0.0644

Saudi Arabia
Marketing: $0.0406
Utility: $0.0252
Authentication/OTP: $0.0226
Service: $0.0195

United Arab Emirates
Marketing: $0.0340
Utility: $0.0198
Authentication/OTP: $0.0178
Service: $0.0190

Rest of Middle East
Marketing: $0.0341
Utility: $0.0198
Authentication/OTP: $0.0178
Service: $0.0218

Here are WhatsApp’s official rate cards from their website.

What are WhatsApp Business Platform’s limitations? #

1. No WhatsApp groups
2. No voice calls or video calls (voice notes and media files are fine)
3. 24-hour customer service window for freeform messages. Outside this window, message templates are required.

For more information on templates, talk to us on WhatsApp or read this detailed guide.

You can also book a free consultation with our team:
For the Middle East, Africa, and Europe
For North and South America

FAQ #

Why do I need Rasayel? #

WhatsApp Business Platform/API doesn’t come with an app or an interface. You need a platform like Rasayel to make use of it, and to do everything you see in this video.

Why would I consider 360dialog if I can get an account with Meta? #

This is purely a business decision. 360dialog offers you their own customer support team, which is important to some companies. Meta also has a support team, but their response time will be slower than 360dialog.

Both options offer the same features on Rasayel.

Are the WhatsApp conversation fees based on my location or my customer’s location? #

Conversation fees are based on the phone number you’re sending a message to. If you are in Egypt and your customer is in Jordan, you will be charged the fee for Jordan.

Why are there fees for Marketing, Utility, Authentication, and Service? #

A conversation is classified by the type of message that begins it.

Notice that Utility, Authentication, and Service conversations have nearly the same cost, whereas Marketing conversations are more expensive.

You can simplify the pricing for yourself by thinking of them as Marketing and Non-Marketing conversation fees.

OK, what is a Marketing conversation? #

A Marketing conversation is any conversation that begins with a promotional template message, usually part of an outbound marketing campaign.

I’m still confused/I have more questions. Can you help me? #

YES! We offer free consultations to walk you through everything. You’ll be in good hands.

Talk to us on WhatsApp or book a meeting with our team here:
For the Middle East, Africa, and Europe
For North and South America