New Message Format: how to send a message

[wastingtime101]

This really isn't a tech issue, but many people think it is so I'm posting here for lack of a more appropriate forum. A lot of people come here confused about how to send a message using the new message format rolled out in 2024.

Because this question comes up a lot, I put together a visual. Hope it helps.

At the bottom of the message window, the box that says 'send message' is where you need to click to start typing. I'm hoping eBay will update that 'send message' text to something more instructive in the near future, like 'compose message', and hopefully eliminate some of the confusion stemming from the crowd that is not familiar with text message / chat format.

The photo landscape icon on the left is for attaching photos. The paper airplane icon on the right is for sending the message.

FYI @comics-scifi-collectibles if you want to post this thread for the mentors they can link to it when this question comes up on the Ask A Mentor forum.

[stainlessenginecovers]

Good Job!! 

[comics-scifi-collectibles]

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@wastingtime101 wrote:

This really isn't a tech issue, but many people think it is so I'm posting here for lack of a more appropriate forum. A lot of people come here confused about how to send a message using the new message format rolled out in 2024.

Because this question comes up a lot, I put together a visual. Hope it helps

At the bottom of the message window, the box that says 'send message' is where you need to click to start typing. I'm hoping eBay will update that 'send message' text to something more instructive in the near future, like 'compose message', and hopefully eliminate some of the confusion stemming from the crowd that is not familiar with text message / chat format.

The photo landscape icon on the left is for attaching photos. The paper airplane icon on the right is for sending the message.

FYI @comics-scifi-collectibles if you want to post this thread for the mentors they can link to it when this question comes up on the Ask A Mentor forum.

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I'll share it thank you very much!   We do receive a LOT of questions about the message system.  

[mr_lincoln]

@wastingtime101 

Great post and yes, the new message flow is so confusing.  I had a Buyer complain about two things at a recent Local Pick up

-Auto-pay

-New message format

I had to help members with creating a screenshot too, just to point to where they are to type, mine is from an active message flow but on a new message it is just a big old blank WHITE SPACE, the new thing to "embrace" I was told in a recent meeting ... yeh, right!

Here's a comment you might like, another member described the blue "send" icon as "the paper airplane button!" ... I laughed my head off but how appropriate, huh?!? 

[wastingtime101]

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@comics-scifi-collectibles wrote:

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I'll share it thank you very much!   We do receive a LOT of questions about the message system.  

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No prob, I hope it helps. Hey kyle@ebay - I'm told this thread will be more helpful as a reference post if it's locked to replies. Does not matter to me either way so do as you please. Also - if you feel the need to delete all replies and just leave the OP as a stand-alone, that would not bother me, either.

[wastingtime101]

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@mr_lincoln wrote:

Great post and yes, the new message flow is so confusing.

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I guess I'm in the minority because I mostly like the new message system. 😁

It does need a few tweaks, like larger font, "sticky" copy to email setting, better search options, and a few other improvement requests I submitted to eBay.

Generally speaking though, I think the format is better with all communications with that buyer on one thread as opposed to scattered. Makes it a lot easier for me to follow a discussion.

I yell loudly and a lot about how much I hate eBay forcing app-like changes to the web, but this is the exception to that rule for me. haha

Anyway, glad the post is helpful as that was the point. Locked or not doesn't really matter to me.