Starting a conversation with another user
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
- View a lead request
- Look for the Message or Contact Buyer button
- Click to open the message composer
- Write your message
- Click Send
From a User Profile
- Navigate to a user's profile
- Click the Message button
- Compose your message
- Click Send
From Inbound/Purchased Leads
- View a lead
- Find the seller information
- Click on their name or the Message button
- 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
- Click Messages in the navigation
- Or click the notification
- 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.