M1 Limited (M1), one of Singapore’s leading mobile network operators, has teamed up with global financial infrastructure platform Stripe to offer a new service that allows corporate subscribers to reserve and place deposits on flagship phones via WhatsApp, starting this September. This move marks M1’s expansion into conversational commerce, streamlining the purchasing experience for its Corporate Individual (CORI) customers.

Expanding WhatsApp as a Sales Channel

M1 first introduced WhatsApp as a sales channel in August 2023, allowing customers to register their interest in popular smartphone models and receive updates on availability. Now, thanks to Stripe’s financial infrastructure, M1 CORI customers can not only stay informed but also secure new handsets by placing deposits directly through WhatsApp, adding a layer of convenience to the buying process.

“This is M1’s first foray into conversational commerce. WhatsApp is a popular and widely-used private messaging app in Singapore and we want to ensure we can meet our customers where they are at,” Mr Mustafa Kapasi, Chief Operating Officer of M1, shares. “Our customers have shared that they welcome a channel that feels closer to them. Currently, M1 CORI customers can access deals, product launches, and personalised updates in-real time via WhatsApp. We are continuously improving our retail and customer experience strategy and we are looking to build WhatsApp as a key channel to address our customers’ needs.”

Elevating Customer Experience Through Conversational Payments

Leveraging WhatsApp’s widespread use in Singapore, M1’s integration of Stripe’s payment infrastructure allows corporate customers to conduct transactions seamlessly within their conversations. This enhancement not only simplifies the customer journey but also aligns with the growing trend of conversational commerce in Singapore’s tech-savvy consumer base.

“Singapore consumers are quick adopters of the latest technology. With M1, they can now make payments with the convenience of a WhatsApp conversation. Transforming the payments experience into great customer experience delights consumers, while also improving conversion rates and brand loyalty for businesses like M1,” adds Ms Sarita Singh, Regional Head and Managing Director for Southeast Asia, India, and Greater China at Stripe.