Facebook has started testing a new feature that allows merchants to sell items via live streaming. So when a seller demonstrates items in their flow, then customers can see a screenshot button that allows them to take pictures of the items they want to buy and send a message directly to the merchant. The seller can then send payment requests via Messenger to expedite the process.
The feature began testing in Thailand, where a community of independent sellers took products to Facebook Live to market. Sellers have scheduled regular streams to showcase new products and showcase them to potential buyers. Additionally, the idea is to offer special incentives for free items if users share their live streams on their news feeds.
"Thailand is one of our most active Marketplace communities" Mayak Yadav, Facebook Marketplace Product Manager, told TechCrunch.
Sellers these days often use a very manual way to record sales, or even call individual buyers in the flow to send messages containing payment information. The new feature would make it less confusing for buyers and sellers alike, as a stream can be passed on quickly, all as sellers move from one product to another.
Facebook, for now, is testing the novelty in Thailand and we still don't know if it will reach the rest of the planet.
Source: The Verge
