Messaging System
Enable direct communication between buyers and sellers on your marketplace. Build trust and facilitate transactions.
Quick answer
Overview
The messaging system allows buyers and sellers to communicate directly about listings, orders, and services. Messages are organized by conversation and linked to specific listings.
- Pre-purchase inquiries: Buyers can ask questions before buying
- Order coordination: Discuss shipping, customization, or scheduling
- Support: Handle issues and build customer relationships
- Email notifications: Both parties receive email alerts for new messages
How Messaging Works
Starting a Conversation
Buyers can start a conversation from any listing page:
Buyer clicks "Contact Seller" or "Message" on a listing
They type their message and send it
A conversation is created, linked to that listing
The seller receives an email notification
Message Interface
John D.
Pottery Bowl
Sarah M.
Camera Lens
Pottery Bowl
Conversation with John D.
Is this bowl microwave safe?
Yes, completely microwave and dishwasher safe!
Interface Features
- Conversation list: All conversations organized by recency
- Unread badges: See how many unread messages per conversation
- Listing context: Each conversation shows the related listing
- Search: Find conversations by name or listing
- Real-time updates: Messages appear instantly
Custom Offers in Chat
Sellers can negotiate a price in the conversation and send a custom offer - a payable price the buyer accepts and pays in one click, right inside the thread. It's ideal for bespoke services, quotes, and special pricing that don't fit a fixed listing price.
Could you do 5,000 words by Friday?
Custom offer
Translation - 5,000 words EN→FR
$120.00
Listing price: $45.00
The seller sends the offer; the buyer taps Accept & Pay to check out.
A paid offer becomes a normal order with the usual payout, receipts, and emails.
Learn more about Custom OffersEmail Notifications
Both buyers and sellers receive email notifications for new messages:
Seller Notifications
When a buyer sends a message, the seller receives an email with:
- Sender name
- Message preview
- Link to reply
Buyer Notifications
When a seller replies, the buyer receives an email with:
- Seller/store name
- Message preview
- Link to view conversation
For Marketplace Owners
As the marketplace owner, you can monitor all conversations via the Moderation panel:
- View all buyer-seller conversations
- Search and filter messages
- Identify policy violations
- Mediate disputes when needed
- Auto-flag messages containing words you choose (e.g. payment apps) to catch off-platform attempts
Recommended Message Policies
Response Time Expectations
Set clear expectations for seller response times (e.g., within 24 hours). This helps maintain buyer satisfaction.
Keep Transactions On-Platform
Discourage sharing personal contact info or arranging off-platform payments. This protects both parties and ensures you earn commission. You can also turn on a prohibited-word filter to flag messages mentioning payment apps and remind the sender to keep the sale on the marketplace.
Prohibited Content
Prohibit harassment, spam, hate speech, and sharing of inappropriate content. Include this in your terms of service.
Common Use Cases
Product Inquiries
Custom Orders
Service Bookings
Order Support
Tips for Sellers
- Respond promptly to build trust and increase sales
- Be professional and friendly in all communications
- Add common Q&A to your listing description to reduce inquiries
- Check messages regularly or enable email notifications