QUOTE(xpole @ May 23 2021, 09:44 PM)
What happened to Wechat pay?
Last time I can see many merchants can accept it. Nowadays I can see most of the merchants are focusing on using Maybank qr pay, boost, touch n go or grab pay only
In Kuching, what I can see is the other way round. More merchants are accepting Wechat Pay MY. Previously I can hardly see any Wechat Pay MY accepted except in KK Supermart, Starbucks, Petron, Boulevard supermarket, Tealive and llhaolhao. Now more accepting it, like at Nando's, Parkson, Mr DIY, Pizza Hut, Sakae Sushi, Harvey Norman...
However, need to note that these merchants accept Wechat Pay MY not because they specifically apply for it (I think la). In fact Wechat Pay MY is included as a "package" when the merchants apply with GHL, a payment service provider for cashless payment. So along with other more active players like Grab Pay, TNG, Boost, Alipay, then plus one Wechat Pay MY at the back of the package list offerd by GHL. If you ask which shop has Wechat Pay MY as a standalone sticker pasted on their payment counter, I cannot recall much. I am really curious if anyone is really using Wechat Pay MY to pay - I mean, it is no doubt a good convenient cashless method because users no need to download additional app (if they already have Wechat), but since other players are offering points and cashbacks, they are much more attractive.
Second reason why Wechat Pay MY is leaving behind would be due to the government initiative to choose TNG, Grab and Boost as the official e-wallets to give away money. Of course these three wallets enjoy higher status and popularity both between the merchants and consumers.
Third reason is the way Wechat Pay MY advertise itself. A lot of people do not even know Wechat Pay MY has been launched and can be used in Malaysia. Some shops have "微信支付", which means only Wechat Pay China wallet is available. Only when it is displayed in English as "Wechat Pay MY", then it means Malaysian wallet can be used. Don't you think this will only create confusions among the users?
Anyway, as what I have been saying, the main reason would be Malaysian Wechat Pay team not performing, to put it simple. You see, under the current covid situation, everybody is going towards online ordering, be it service or food, yet Wechat Pay Malaysian team just sits there doing nothing, such a waste to lose its privilege (as in the successful experience obtained by Wechat Pay in China) and its potential customers. Wechat Pay MY has an office in Mid Valley, but I really wonder what do their staff do everyday?
On their Facebook page, for the past 1 year they rather spent time and effort posting promotional posters on all kinds of festive greetings, but no other practical promotions or useful tips to help users learn more about Wechat Pay MY. It is just so... pathetic.
This post has been edited by kclamtarc: May 24 2021, 06:25 PM