Messages
35 docs
Product Messages
Last Updated: 7 March, 2024You can contact a seller about a product through the website using Messages. This is assuming the seller has messages enabled in their settings. With every product a sellers adds, there’s an ‘Ask A Question’ button for customers. This allows any interested customers to message a seller directly about the product in question. The seller...
Is it possible to message other members privately?
Last Updated: 31 May, 2025Yes, private messaging is available once you’ve been active in the community for a short time. This helps prevent spam and keeps the experience safe. You’ll see a message icon on a member’s profile when private messaging is available.
Is my data secure when messages are translated?
Last Updated: 6 April, 2026Messages are processed securely during translation, and your privacy is respected throughout the process. Your messages are stored within the Light Ideas platform so conversations can be accessed and managed (for example, for support or moderation purposes). Translation providers process messages securely and do not retain them after translation.
Are translations always accurate?
Last Updated: 6 April, 2026Translations are powered by advanced AI and are generally very accurate, but they may occasionally vary depending on context, tone, or industry-specific terms. If something doesn’t seem quite right, you can always refer to the original message or ask the sender for clarification.
Do I need to do anything to enable translations?
Last Updated: 6 April, 2026No setup is required beyond choosing your preferred language. Once your language is set, translations will happen automatically in your conversations. If you haven’t selected a language yet, you may see messages in their original form until your preference is chosen.
How do message translations work?
Last Updated: 6 April, 2026Message translation happens automatically once you’ve selected your preferred language in your account or chat settings. When a message is sent, it is instantly translated into the recipient’s language. You’ll also have the option to view the original message if needed, giving you full control and clarity during conversations.
Can I message someone who speaks a different language?
Last Updated: 6 April, 2026Yes, you can. Our messaging system now includes automatic AI translation, allowing you to chat with other users in your preferred language. When you send or receive a message, it is automatically translated so both you and the other person can understand each other. This makes it easy to communicate with buyers and sellers from...
Can I share order updates through messages?
Last Updated: 7 December, 2025Buyers and sellers can use messages to discuss delivery status, tracking details, and any changes to the order. However, official updates such as tracking numbers should also be entered into the order system for proper record-keeping.
Is messaging available on mobile devices?
Last Updated: 7 December, 2025Yes — the messaging system is fully responsive, so you can view and send messages on mobile devices just as easily as on a desktop. Notification badges and counters are also visible on mobile menus where supported.
What should I do if I receive spam or unwanted offers?
Last Updated: 7 December, 2025Use the reporting feature within the conversation to notify the moderation team. You can also block the user to prevent further messages. Staff will review the report and take any necessary action to maintain a safe environment.
Can messages be used to negotiate payments outside the website?
Last Updated: 7 December, 2025No — messaging must not be used to arrange off-platform payments, as this removes buyer protection and violates marketplace rules. All purchases must be completed through the platform’s checkout for security and accountability.
Why can’t I message a seller without logging in?
Last Updated: 7 December, 2025To keep communication secure, the system requires users to be logged in before sending or receiving messages. This protects privacy, reduces spam, and ensures conversations stay linked to the correct user account.
Can staff message me directly?
Last Updated: 7 December, 2025Yes — marketplace staff can contact you through the messaging system for support, account-related matters, dispute resolution, or important updates. These messages are clearly identified as coming from the administration team. Staff will never ask for your password, full banking details, or payment credentials through messages, and any request of this nature should be reported...
Can sellers disable messaging entirely?
Last Updated: 7 December, 2025Sellers cannot disable shop-level messaging, as buyers must always have a way to contact them. They can, however, disable product-level messaging, which removes the message button from product pages while keeping the shop contact option available.
Can I turn off all messages to my account?
Last Updated: 7 December, 2025Messages cannot be globally disabled for buyers, as communication is essential for managing orders and enquiries. However, you may mute individual threads to stop receiving alerts while still being able to access the conversation.
What should I do if a seller is not responding?
Last Updated: 7 December, 2025If you have not received a reply after a reasonable time, you can follow up with a polite reminder. If the seller still does not respond, you may contact support so staff can investigate or help progress your enquiry.
Can buyers leave their contact details in messages?
Last Updated: 7 December, 2025For safety, buyers should keep all communication within the messaging system rather than sharing personal email addresses or phone numbers. Keeping conversations on-platform ensures you remain protected and allows staff to help if an issue arises.
Can I mute notifications for a particular conversation?
Last Updated: 7 December, 2025Yes — you can mute individual conversation threads if you no longer wish to receive alerts from them. The conversation will remain in your inbox, but you won’t receive notification badges or emails for that specific thread.
Why do I see multiple conversations with the same seller?
Last Updated: 7 December, 2025Separate threads appear for shop-level enquiries, product questions, and order discussions. This prevents confusion and helps both you and the seller organise conversations logically based on the topic.
Can I archive conversations to tidy my inbox?
Last Updated: 7 December, 2025Yes — instead of deleting messages, you can archive older threads to keep your inbox clean. Archived threads remain accessible at any time from the archive section of your messaging dashboard.
Are conversations linked to products or orders automatically?
Last Updated: 7 December, 2025If you message a seller from an order or product page where messaging is enabled, the system automatically labels the conversation with that item. This helps keep discussions organised and easy to follow.
Can sellers contact buyers after an order is placed?
Last Updated: 7 December, 2025Yes — sellers can message buyers through their order tools, allowing them to request additional information, provide updates, or confirm delivery details. These conversations stay linked to the relevant order for clarity.
Can I send images or files in messages?
Last Updated: 7 December, 2025The messaging system supports attachments such as images or documents where appropriate. This is useful for sharing photos, confirming product issues, or providing information relating to an order. If an attachment type is not permitted, the system will inform you.
Are messages encrypted and secure?
Last Updated: 7 December, 2025All messaging data is handled securely and transmitted using encrypted connections. Conversations remain private between you and the other user, with access only available to administrators for safety and support reasons.
What happens to my messages if I delete my account?
Last Updated: 7 December, 2025If you delete your account, your messages will remain in the system for 90 days to support any outstanding transactions or disputes. After this retention period, all your messages are permanently removed from the platform.
Can users delete their messages?
Last Updated: 7 December, 2025No — messages cannot be deleted by users. This protects the integrity of conversations and ensures there is a complete history for support or moderation if needed. You may, however, archive old conversations for easier inbox management.
Can marketplace staff see my private messages?
Last Updated: 7 December, 2025Yes — administrators can view all private messages for safety, moderation, and dispute resolution. This ensures that any issues between buyers and sellers can be resolved quickly with full context.
How do I report a message or user?
Last Updated: 7 December, 2025If a message breaks community rules or feels abusive, you can report it directly from the conversation menu. Reports are sent to the moderation team, who can review the message history, take action against the sender, and follow up where needed.
Can I block another user from messaging me?
Last Updated: 16 August, 2026Yes — you can block another user if you no longer want them to contact you. Blocking prevents that user from starting or continuing direct messages with you. You can unblock them later if you change your mind.
How do I know when I’ve received a new message?
Last Updated: 7 December, 2025Unread message notifications appear across the website, including your account menu, the community navigation, and the site footer. Depending on your settings, you may also receive an email alert whenever someone sends you a new message.
Can I message a seller before making a purchase?
Last Updated: 7 December, 2025Yes — you can send a message from the seller’s shop page, which is ideal for asking about stock availability, product details, custom orders, or general enquiries before deciding to place an order.
What happens if a seller disables product messaging?
Last Updated: 16 August, 2026If a seller has disabled product messaging, the product or shop messaging option may not be available for that seller. You can still use any other contact options the seller has made available. Sellers can also block individual users where necessary.
Can I message a seller directly from their shop page?
Last Updated: 7 December, 2025Yes — each seller’s shop page includes a permanent “Send Message” button that allows you to contact the seller directly as long as you are logged in. This ensures buyers always have a reliable way to communicate, even when product-level messaging is disabled.
Where can I find my messages after logging in?
Last Updated: 7 December, 2025Once you are logged in, you will see a Messages link within your account menu, and unread message counters will also appear in the website footer and community areas. These shortcuts take you straight to all your conversations, allowing you to pick up discussions exactly where you left off.
What is the messaging system and how does it work?
Last Updated: 7 December, 2025The messaging system is an internal communication tool that lets buyers and sellers talk directly while staying logged into their accounts. All conversations happen inside your dashboard, with unread message counts shown across multiple areas of the site for quick access. Messages are private, secure, and remain attached to your user profile unless your account...