Communication is the key for all relationships. In yester years, we used to communicate with brands through representatives present physically in stores, which now has changed to online shopping where we need someone to help us with any bloopers that happens with the orders or delivery, the sizing helps, etc., now requires a communication platform to chat with brands. We are spoilt for choice today. Every other day, there is a new store, a new restaurant, cafe, quick eatery store, a new saloon or parlor that has opened and offers great deals. We cannot be looking out for these new ones every time, and that is where a platform that keeps us updated is required.
How does messaging play a key role?
Messaging is asynchronous and non intrusive compared to calling. The user can send and receive information when it is convenient for them. Once you have a data plan or access to Wi-Fi on your mobile, Messaging is essentially free, helping the user get rid of call and SMS charge, how much long the communication might be. How would it be if we say you can chat with businesses and brands for Free from your mobile phone?
Genesis of Yellow Messenger
With Yellow Messenger you can chat with the Business and Brand of your choice. You can message to get the information you need on products and services and can also place orders – All with free, simple messaging.
For Raghu Kumar, founder of Yellow Messenger, It all started when he was looking to buy an apartment and was evaluating multiple options. He found calling the properties and getting the information, availability, options and pricing on the projects cumbersome. Firstly, some of the contact numbers were not updated and if he was able to reach the number, he had to wait on hold or go through the maze of IVR options.
Even after this, if he reaches the concerned person, he would not have all the information at hand and had to connect with a different person or come back with information. All this was arduous. At the same time one of the property marketers was communicating with him on WhatsApp updating him of the details of the project and answering his queries when needed and also scheduled a site visit. He found this very effective. This led Raghu to wonder if Messaging can be enabled with all the Businesses and make this communication simple and effective.
Raghu founded Yellow Messenger along with his Tech co-founder Kishore and they released the App in Sep 2014. At this point of time the App has over 2000 users across India, Singapore and the USA. The app has been extensively used for booking Taxis, booking travel packages, getting latest offers from ecommerce Marketplaces, for ordering food, booking tables at restaurants among several other cases.
The edge
The niche area of bringing together various domains and categories that help make life easier through instant messaging has been played around by a few key players in the market such as LookUp, Gingr and more. The edge that Yellow Messenger has here is the integration of ecommerce platform into the application that makes all the brands available to you in one application. Also, Yellow Messenger has gone into the minute details of making everything available to you in terms of food, travel, automobile, services, taxis, and entertainment- anything you name, we have it!
The revenue model of Yellow Messenger is premium subscriptions for businesses, where businesses register with Yellow Messenger to have a better visibility through 24×7 agent support and also a platform where business promotions are sent through Yellow Messenger to the customers. Another source is commission for transactions that are conducted across Yellow Messenger’s affiliate ecommerce platforms such as Flipkart, Myntra, Snapdeal, Amazon, Jabong, Print Venue, Groupon etc., that are directed through Yellow Messenger.
With a strong validation and Business Model in place, Yellow Messenger team is working to market the product and add additional services including Legal, Education etc through the Messenger.
