Starting a conversation with another user

Last updated: 13 February 2026

Referr's messaging system lets you communicate directly with other users. Here's how to start and manage conversations.


When to Message

As a Buyer

You might message sellers to:

  • Ask questions about a submitted lead
  • Request additional information
  • Provide feedback on lead quality
  • Build a relationship with reliable sellers

As a Seller

You might message buyers to:

  • Clarify lead request requirements
  • Ask about specific needs before submitting
  • Discuss lead quality feedback
  • Follow up on submissions

Starting a Conversation

From a Lead Request

  1. View a lead request
  2. Look for the Message or Contact Buyer button
  3. Click to open the message composer
  4. Write your message
  5. Click Send

From a User Profile

  1. Navigate to a user's profile
  2. Click the Message button
  3. Compose your message
  4. Click Send

From Inbound/Purchased Leads

  1. View a lead
  2. Find the seller information
  3. Click on their name or the Message button
  4. Start your conversation

Writing Effective Messages

Be Clear and Specific

Good message:

"Hi! I'm interested in your lead request for kitchen renovations in Manchester. Before submitting leads, I wanted to confirm: do you serve the whole Greater Manchester area, or just the city center?"

Less effective:

"Hi, do you want leads?"

Be Professional

  • Introduce yourself briefly
  • State your purpose clearly
  • Keep messages focused
  • Use proper grammar

Include Relevant Context

When referencing:

  • A specific lead request: Mention the title/category
  • A submitted lead: Reference date or details
  • Previous conversation: Summarize briefly

Message Guidelines

Do

✅ Be respectful and professional ✅ Ask specific questions ✅ Respond promptly to messages ✅ Keep communication on-platform

Don't

❌ Share personal contact details (initially) ❌ Send spam or promotional content ❌ Be aggressive or rude ❌ Send multiple messages without response


Receiving Messages

Notifications

You'll be notified of new messages via:

  • In-app notification (bell icon)
  • Email (if enabled in settings)
  • Push notification (if mobile app enabled)

Where to View

  1. Click Messages in the navigation
  2. Or click the notification
  3. View your conversation list

Message Tips by Situation

Buyer Asking About a Lead

"Hi [Seller], I received your lead submission for [category]. Before purchasing, can you tell me more about how you connected with this lead? What specifically are they looking for?"

Seller Clarifying Requirements

"Hi [Buyer], I'm interested in submitting leads to your [category] request. I wanted to confirm a few things: (1) Do you accept leads from [specific area]? (2) What's the ideal timeline for the leads' needs?"

Following Up

"Hi [Name], I wanted to follow up on my message from [date]. Have you had a chance to review? Let me know if you have any questions."

Providing Feedback

"Hi [Seller], I purchased your lead last week. Unfortunately, when I called, the number wasn't working. Could you verify the contact details you have?"


Response Expectations

Reasonable Response Times

  • Within 24-48 hours for business inquiries
  • Same day for urgent matters
  • Don't expect instant replies

If No Response

  • Wait at least 48 hours before following up
  • Send one polite follow-up
  • If still no response, the user may be inactive

Message Etiquette

Keep It Professional

Even for informal topics:

  • Professional tone
  • No aggressive language
  • Respect boundaries

One Thread Per Topic

  • Don't create multiple conversations for the same person
  • Keep related discussions in one thread
  • Makes finding history easier

Know When to Stop

If someone:

  • Doesn't respond after follow-up
  • Asks you to stop messaging
  • Is unresponsive

Respect their decision.



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