Messaging between buyer and seller

Direct communication between buyers and sellers on Tradeit.co.zw is a key feature designed to build trust, resolve queries quickly, and improve the overall shopping experience. As a vendor, understanding how to professionally manage buyer messages can lead to more conversions, fewer disputes, and better reviews.

📍 Where Buyer-Seller Messaging Happens

Buyers can message you through:

1. Product Page Inquiry
   • Buyers click “Ask a Question” or “Product Inquiry” on your product page.
   • This message is sent to your Vendor Dashboard > Product Q & A or via Support Messages.
2. Order Notes (After Purchase)
   • During or after an order, buyers can leave notes or send questions tied to the specific order.
   • These appear in Dashboard > Orders > Specific Order > Order Notes tab.
3. Support Tickets
   • Some buyers submit support requests through Dashboard > Support (if enabled).
   • These appear in your Support Ticket system and may require detailed back-and-forth messaging.

🧭 How to Access and Respond to Messages

📬 Product Q & A Messages

1. Go to Dashboard > Product Q & A
2. You will see a list of customer questions tied to specific products
3. Click “View” to respond publicly
   • Your reply appears on the product page (visible to all customers)
   • Answer professionally, honestly, and clearly

🔍 Example:
Q: “Is this Herbal Tea suitable for diabetics?”
A: “Yes, this blend contains no added sugars and is safe for diabetics. Please consult a healthcare provider if unsure.”

📦 Order Notes (Post-Purchase Communication)

1. Go to Dashboard > Orders
2. Click on the specific Order ID
3. Scroll down to the Order Notes section
4. Click “Add Note”, type your message
5. Choose “Note to Customer” and click Add

📝 Example:
“Hello Tendai, your order has been packed and will be dispatched tomorrow morning via Swift. ETA: 2–3 business days.”

Order Notes can be used to:

• Confirm dispatch
• Clarify address issues
• Notify delays
• Answer follow-up questions

🎫 Support Messages

If Tradeit has the Support Module enabled:

1. Go to Dashboard > Support
2. View Open Tickets from customers
3. Click to open, read the message, and click Reply
4. You can upload files or screenshots for complex issues (e.g., damaged item photos)

Use the ticket status options to:

• Mark as In Progress, Resolved, or Escalated

✅ Best Practices for Messaging on Tradeit

📌 Sample Zimbabwean Scenario

You’re a vendor in Bulawayo selling handmade leather shoes. A buyer from Mutare sends a message:

Q: “Do you have size 9 in dark brown? And can you deliver before the 16th?”

Your Response:

“Thank you for your inquiry. Yes, we do have size 9 in stock. If you order today, we can dispatch with DHL Express and it should reach Mutare by the 15th. Let us know if you’d like us to reserve a pair.”

This builds trust and can lead to a quick conversion.

📱 Tips for Staying Responsive (Especially on Mobile)

• Turn on email and browser notifications for new messages
• Keep Tradeit bookmarked on your phone
• Use the Tradeit Support team if you need help handling complex queries
• Respond quickly even if just to say: “Thanks for your message. I’ll check and get back to you shortly.”

🔒 Privacy and Boundaries

• Never request or share personal contact info outside of Tradeit (e.g., WhatsApp numbers) unless Tradeit explicitly permits it.
• Keep all communication on-platform for protection in case of disputes.

🧠 Summary

📞 Need Help?

If you’re unsure how to respond or manage buyer messages, contact Tradeit support:

• 📧 Email: [email protected]
• 📱 WhatsApp: +263 77 984 2525