It is easy to confuse GCare with Messenger chatbots (ManyChat, Chatfuel). This short post explains the core difference so you can pick the right tool.
Messenger chatbot — runs through Facebook API
A Messenger chatbot runs on their server and connects to your fanpage via the Messenger Platform API. You authorize the app to reply to fanpage DMs on your behalf.
Pros:
- Runs 24/7 — your computer does not need to be on
- Supports buttons, carousels, quick replies (native Messenger UI)
- Lots of pre-built flows available
Limits:
- Only works inside fanpage Messenger — cannot touch post comments or groups
- Requires a business fanpage — no personal accounts or groups
- Facebook restricts messages outside the 24-hour window — only replies within 24 hours of the customer messaging
GCare — runs inside your browser
GCare is a Chrome extension that runs inside the Facebook tab you have open. It does not call the Facebook API and does not need a business fanpage. It runs on the personal account logged into Chrome, and works in groups too. It does not run on fanpages.
Pros:
- Finds people asking to buy and comments on their posts and in groups, joins groups, and posts to your wall and groups
- No business fanpage needed, personal selling accounts are fine
- Built-in daily limits with three speed levels
Limits:
- Your computer must be on with Chrome open
- Does not reply to inbox messages, fanpage inbox included, so there are no Messenger buttons/carousels either
When to use which
Use a Messenger chatbot if your shop already has a business fanpage, you do not sell through groups, and you want polished Messenger UI.
Use GCare if you sell through groups or a personal account, and you want to cover post comments too (which Messenger bots cannot do).
You can run both side by side: a Messenger chatbot for fanpage DMs, GCare for commenting and groups on your personal account. The two do not conflict.