Splacebar - Your Extra Space, Their Perfect Solution

How to message a space owner

Splacebar's in-app messaging system makes it easy to communicate with space owners before, during, and after your booking.

Before booking

1. Browse available storage spaces in the app
2. Open the listing you're interested in
3. Tap "Contact Owner" or "Message" button
4. Ask your questions about the space
5. Wait for the owner's response (usually within 24 hours)

Tip: Ask all important questions before booking to ensure the space meets your needs.

After booking

1. Go to "My Bookings" or "Dashboard" in the app
2. Select your active booking
3. Tap the "Message Owner" or chat icon
4. Send your message or question
5. Check back for the owner's reply

Tip: You'll receive push notifications when the owner responds, so enable notifications in your device settings.

What to discuss with space owners

Use in-app messaging to coordinate logistics, clarify details, and maintain a good relationship with your space owner:

Before booking - Questions to ask

• Space details: "Can you confirm the exact dimensions available?"
• Access: "What are the access hours? Is it 24/7 or restricted?"
• Security: "What security features does the space have?"
• Climate: "Is the space climate-controlled or temperature-regulated?"
• Restrictions: "Are there any items I cannot store here?"
• Parking: "Is there parking available for drop-off and pick-up?"
• Photos: "Could you share additional photos of the space?"

Coordinating drop-off and access

• Appointment scheduling: "I'd like to schedule my drop-off for [date/time]. Does that work?"
• Access instructions: "What's the best entrance to use? Any gate codes or parking instructions?"
• Meet-up details: "Where should I meet you when I arrive?"
• Time estimates: "How long should I expect the drop-off to take?"
• Delays: "I'm running 15 minutes late. Is that okay?"
• Rescheduling: "Can we reschedule to [new date/time]?"

During your storage period

• Access visits: "I need to access my items on [date]. What times work best?"
• Adding items: "Can I add a few more boxes to my storage?"
• Issues: "I noticed [concern]. Could you help me with this?"
• Space condition: "How are my items doing? Any issues I should know about?"
• Contract changes: "I'd like to extend my storage. Is that possible?"

Planning pick-up

• Pick-up scheduling: "My storage ends on [date]. Can we schedule a pick-up time?"
• Early retrieval: "I need to collect my items earlier than planned. Is [date] available?"
• Moving logistics: "Will there be vehicle access for loading?"
• Condition check: "Should I expect to inspect my items before removal?"

Sample message templates

Use these templates to start your conversations with space owners:

Initial inquiry about a space

"Hi! I'm interested in your storage space for [duration]. I have [description of items]. Could you tell me more about [specific question]? Also, what are the access hours? Thanks!"

Confirming drop-off appointment

"Hi [Name], I'm confirming our drop-off appointment on [Date] at [Time]. I'll be arriving with [vehicle type/number of items]. Please let me know if this time still works for you. Looking forward to meeting you!"

Requesting access instructions

"Hi! I have my drop-off scheduled for [Date]. Could you provide details about parking, entrance instructions, and any gate codes I might need? Also, where should I meet you when I arrive? Thank you!"

Running late notification

"Hi [Name], I'm really sorry but I'm running about [X minutes] late due to [brief reason]. I should arrive around [new time]. Please let me know if this causes any issues. Apologies for the inconvenience!"

Requesting mid-storage access

"Hi [Name], I need to access my stored items on [Date] to [brief reason]. Would [Time] work for you? I should only need about [X minutes]. Please let me know if another time is better. Thanks!"

Scheduling pick-up

"Hi [Name], my storage period is ending on [Date] and I'd like to schedule pick-up. Are you available on [Date] at [Time]? I'll bring [vehicle type] to collect my items. Please let me know what works best for you. Thank you!"

Communication best practices

Follow these guidelines for smooth communication with space owners:

Good practices

✓ Be polite and respectful in all messages
✓ Provide clear details about your needs
✓ Respond promptly to owner's messages
✓ Confirm important details in writing
✓ Give advance notice for schedule changes
✓ Thank owners for their help and cooperation
✓ Be understanding if they need to reschedule
✓ Keep messages focused and relevant

Things to avoid

✗ Sharing phone numbers or email addresses
✗ Agreeing to meet outside the platform
✗ Making cash payments directly to owners
✗ Sending excessive or demanding messages
✗ Using rude or aggressive language
✗ Making last-minute changes without notice
✗ Ignoring owner's requests or boundaries
✗ Sharing unnecessary personal information

Response expectations

Space owners typically respond within 24 hours, but response times may vary:

• Most owners reply within a few hours during business days
• Weekend or evening messages may take longer
• For urgent matters, clearly mark your message as time-sensitive
• If you don't hear back in 48 hours, send a polite follow-up
• Contact Splacebar support if an owner becomes unresponsive

Managing notifications

Stay updated on owner responses with push notifications:

Enable push notifications

To receive instant alerts when space owners message you:

1. Open your device Settings (iPhone or Android)
2. Find and select the Splacebar app
3. Tap "Notifications"
4. Enable "Allow Notifications"
5. Choose your preferred alert style (banner, sound, badge)
6. Ensure "Lock Screen" notifications are enabled

You'll be notified about:

• New messages from space owners
• Booking confirmations and updates
• Appointment reminders
• Important announcements from owners

Safety and privacy guidelines

Protect yourself by following these important safety rules:

Keep communication on-platform

Never share personal contact information:

• Phone numbers or WhatsApp
• Personal email addresses
• Social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
• Home address (beyond what's needed for drop-off)
• Financial or payment information

Why this matters: Communicating through the app protects your privacy, keeps a record of all conversations, and allows Splacebar to help if disputes arise.

Warning signs - Report immediately

Contact Splacebar support if a space owner:

• Asks you to communicate outside the app
• Requests payment through cash, Venmo, or other methods
• Makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe
• Asks for excessive personal information
• Pressures you to leave a positive review
• Suggests storing prohibited or illegal items
• Becomes aggressive, rude, or threatening

Stay safe

• All legitimate business happens through the Splacebar app
• Document all agreements and arrangements in chat
• Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, contact support
• Report suspicious behavior immediately
• Consider bringing someone with you for drop-off/pick-up

Troubleshooting messaging issues

Common problems and how to fix them:

Can't send messages

• Check your internet connection (WiFi or cellular data)
• Update the Splacebar app to the latest version
• Force close and reopen the app
• Restart your device if issues persist

Not receiving notifications

• Verify notifications are enabled in device settings
• Check app notification preferences
• Make sure "Do Not Disturb" mode is off
• Ensure the app has permission to send notifications

Owner not responding

• Wait 24-48 hours before following up
• Send a polite reminder message
• Check if your message was actually sent (look for delivery confirmation)
• Contact Splacebar support if no response after 48 hours

Can't find conversation

• Go to "My Bookings" and select the booking
• Use the search function to find owner's name
• Check if the booking is still active
• Look in archived or past bookings if storage has ended

When to contact Splacebar support

Reach out to our support team if:

•An owner is unresponsive for more than 48 hours
•You experience harassment or inappropriate behavior
•An owner requests off-platform communication or payment
•There's a dispute about access, items, or space condition
•Technical issues prevent you from messaging
•You feel unsafe or uncomfortable with the arrangement
•Owner violates Splacebar's terms or policies

Questions about messaging space owners?

If you need help with the messaging system or have concerns about communication with a space owner, our support team is ready to assist.

Getting started with storage →Help with a booking →Scheduling appointments →Contact support →

Contacting space owners

Safe Communication Through the App