Messaging System

Communicate with suppliers, buyers, and sales reps

Overview

ChefOrdering's messaging system allows direct communication between buyers, suppliers, and sales representatives. Use messages for general inquiries, relationship building, and non-order-specific communication.

📱 Access Messages: Click the Messages icon in your dashboard sidebar to view all conversations.

Messages vs Order Chat

Messages

General communication between you and your business partners.

Use for:

  • • General inquiries
  • • Product availability questions
  • • Business discussions
  • • Relationship building
  • • Pricing negotiations

Order Chat

Specific communication about a particular order.

Use for:

  • • Order-specific questions
  • • Delivery instructions
  • • Order modifications
  • • Delivery issues
  • • Order status updates

How to Use Messages

1

Access Messages

Path: Dashboard → Messages (click the message icon in the sidebar)

2

View Conversations

You'll see a list of all your conversations. Each conversation shows:

  • • Contact name (buyer, supplier, or sales rep)
  • • Last message preview
  • • Unread message indicator
  • • Time of last message

🔔 Unread Badge: Conversations with unread messages show a badge with the count.

3

Start a New Conversation

Click "New Message" button and select a contact from your list:

For Buyers:

  • • Message your connected suppliers
  • • Message sales reps assigned to you

For Suppliers:

  • • Message your buyers
  • • Message your sales reps

For Sales Reps:

  • • Message your assigned buyers
  • • Message your supplier
4

Send Messages

Click on a conversation to open it. Type your message in the text box at the bottom and click Send or press Enter.

Real-time Delivery: Messages are delivered instantly. The recipient will receive a notification if they're not currently viewing the conversation.

5

Receive Notifications

When someone sends you a message, you'll receive a notification:

  • Bell icon shows notification count
  • Messages icon shows unread message count
  • Click notification to go directly to the conversation

Message Features

Message History

All messages are saved and searchable. Scroll up in any conversation to view message history.

Read Receipts

Messages show when they've been delivered and read by the recipient.

Real-time Updates

Messages appear instantly in open conversations. No need to refresh the page.

Best Practices

✓ Be Professional

Messages are business communication. Keep them professional, clear, and courteous.

✓ Respond Promptly

Quick responses build trust and improve business relationships. Try to reply within a few hours.

✓ Use Order Chat for Order Issues

If the conversation is about a specific order, use Order Chat instead. It keeps order-related communication organized.

✓ Be Clear and Specific

Provide all necessary details in your messages to avoid back-and-forth clarifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I message anyone on ChefOrdering?

No, you can only message people you're connected with. Buyers can message their suppliers and assigned sales reps. Suppliers can message their buyers and sales reps.

How do I know if someone read my message?

Messages show read status indicators. You'll see when a message has been delivered and read.

Can I delete messages?

Currently, messages cannot be deleted. Be thoughtful about what you send, as it becomes part of the permanent conversation history.

What's the difference between Messages and Order Chat?

Messages are for general communication. Order Chat is specifically for discussing a particular order and is accessed from the order details page.

Need Help with Messaging?

Contact our support team for assistance