Reliance's JioMart goes live on WhatsApp: Details here

JioMart was launched earlier this year but is active only in three regions of Mumbai - Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Kalyan.

You can access the service only via the web at the moment, with an iOS and Android app set to debut at a later stage, presumably when the service expands to other parts of the country.

Now, given that the service is available in select regions, RIL is using WhatsApp, the key product of its new business partner, to offer access to JioMart.

The platform is used by as many as 400 million Indians, which is exactly what the Mukesh Ambani-led company is leveraging to make sure most of the people are able to order from JioMart where it's available.

In order to place a JioMart order via WhatsApp, a customer needs to send a text to 8850008000 - the number associated with the service's business account.

After you send the message, the account gives a link you can use to fill in your details, like phone number and address, and choose items from the company's catalog of products.

Once you place an order with the chosen products, the account shares location of the Kirana store processing your order.

It will send a notification when the order is packed and ready, post which you can head over to the store and pick up the items.

Notably, you can only pay in cash and there is no option to change/modify or cancel an order.

Eventually, Reliance hopes to expand JioMart to other parts of India by using the planned JioMart apps and WhatsApp's reach.

"JioMart and WhatsApp will empower nearly three crore small Indian kirana shops to digitally transact with every customer in their neighborhood," Mukesh Ambani stated. "This means all of you can order and get faster delivery of day-to-day items from nearby local shops."