Communicating with space seekers

Communicating with space seekers

Learn how to effectively communicate with your space seekers using Splacebar's in-app chat system to coordinate access, answer questions, and manage your storage space.

All Communication Through the App

For your safety and security, all communication with space seekers should happen through Splacebar's in-app messaging system. Never share personal contact information like phone numbers or email addresses outside the platform.

Using the in-app chat system

Splacebar's built-in messaging system allows you to communicate directly with your space seeker in a safe, secure, and convenient way. All conversations are stored in the app so you can reference them anytime.

Benefits of in-app chat

  • Security: Your personal contact info stays private
  • Record keeping: All messages are saved and searchable
  • Notifications: Get alerted when space seeker message you
  • Multiple Space Seeker: Manage all conversations in one place
  • Support access: Splacebar can help resolve disputes
  • Built-in context: See booking details alongside chats

How to access chat

  1. 1. Open the Splacebar app on your device
  2. 2. Go to your "Bookings" or "Dashboard" section
  3. 3. Select the active booking you want to message about
  4. 4. Tap the "Message" or chat icon
  5. 5. Type your message and send

Tip: You can also access messages from the notifications panel when a space seeker sends you a message.

When to communicate with space seekers

Use the in-app chat system for these common scenarios:

Coordinating access times

Schedule drop-off and pick-up times with your space seekers:

  • • Confirm initial drop-off appointment time
  • • Arrange access for additional item storage
  • • Schedule pick-up appointments when storage ends
  • • Notify about any changes to your availability

Sharing space details

Provide important information about your space:

  • • Access instructions (gate codes, parking, etc.)
  • • Specific location details within your property
  • • Rules about accessing the space
  • • Any special requirements or restrictions

Handling issues or concerns

Address problems quickly and professionally:

  • • Answer questions about your space or policies
  • • Address concerns about stored items
  • • Report any issues with the space
  • • Discuss changes to the storage arrangement

Building good relationships

Create positive experiences for long-term success:

  • • Welcome new space seeker and introduce yourself
  • • Check in periodically to ensure satisfaction
  • • Be responsive to questions and concerns
  • • Thank space seeker for taking care of your space

Communication best practices

Follow these guidelines for effective and professional communication:

Do's - Best practices

  • ✓ Respond to messages within 24 hours
  • ✓ Be clear and specific in your instructions
  • ✓ Use polite and professional language
  • ✓ Confirm important details in writing
  • ✓ Keep messages focused and relevant
  • ✓ Document any agreements or changes
  • ✓ Use proper grammar and spelling
  • ✓ Be patient and understanding

Don'ts - Things to avoid

  • ✗ Share phone numbers or personal email
  • ✗ Ask space seekers to communicate off-platform
  • ✗ Use aggressive or rude language
  • ✗ Ignore messages for extended periods
  • ✗ Make verbal-only agreements
  • ✗ Share unnecessary personal information
  • ✗ Discuss payment outside the app
  • ✗ Send excessive or spam messages

Response time matters

Quick responses lead to better space seeker experiences and higher ratings. Aim to:

  • • Reply within 24 hours for non-urgent messages
  • • Respond within 2-4 hours for time-sensitive requests
  • • Set up notifications so you don't miss messages
  • • Let space seekers know if you'll be unavailable for a period

Sample message templates

Use these templates as starting points for common situations:

Welcome message

"Hi [Name], welcome to my storage space! I'm looking forward to hosting your items. Let me know if you have any questions about access or the space. Looking forward to meeting you at drop-off on [Date]."

Access instructions

"Here are the access details for drop-off: [Address]. Parking is available at [location]. When you arrive, [specific instructions]. I'll meet you at [time] to show you the space. Please let me know if you need any clarification."

Appointment confirmation

"Thanks for scheduling your drop-off appointment for [Date] at [Time]. I've confirmed this time and will be ready to meet you. Please arrive on time, and feel free to message if you're running late or need to reschedule."

Addressing concerns

"I understand your concern about [issue]. Let me clarify: [explanation]. If this doesn't resolve your concern, please let me know and we can discuss further or contact Splacebar support together for assistance."

Schedule change notification

"Hi [Name], I need to let you know about a change to [details]. I apologize for any inconvenience. Would [alternative suggestion] work for you? Please let me know as soon as possible so we can coordinate."

Managing notifications

Stay on top of space seeker communications with smart notification settings:

Enable push notifications

Make sure you have notifications enabled so you don't miss important messages from your space seekers:

  1. 1. Go to your device Settings
  2. 2. Find the Splacebar app
  3. 3. Enable "Allow Notifications"
  4. 4. Choose notification style (banner, sound, badge)
  5. 5. Ensure "Messages" notifications are enabled in the app settings

Notification types you'll receive:

  • • New message from a space seeker
  • • Booking request or confirmation
  • • Appointment scheduling updates
  • • Important system announcements

Security and privacy guidelines

Protect yourself and your space seekers by following these safety rules:

Never share outside the platform

Do not share:

  • • Personal phone numbers
  • • Email addresses
  • • Social media profiles
  • • Other messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.)
  • • Financial account information

Why this matters: Keeping communication in-app protects both parties, maintains records for dispute resolution, and prevents scams or fraud.

Red flags to watch for

Report to Splacebar immediately if a space seeker:

  • • Pressures you to communicate off-platform
  • • Requests payment outside the app
  • • Makes inappropriate or harassing comments
  • • Asks for excessive personal information
  • • Suggests violating Splacebar policies
  • • Threatens negative reviews for favors

Safe communication practices

  • • Keep all communication professional and respectful
  • • Document important agreements in chat
  • • Report suspicious behavior to Splacebar support
  • • Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, reach out to support
  • • Never meet space seekers alone if you feel uncomfortable

Managing multiple space seeker conversations

If you host multiple storage spaces or have several space seeker, stay organized with these tips:

Organization strategies

  • • Check your messages at set times daily
  • • Prioritize urgent messages first
  • • Use the app's booking details to remember context
  • • Keep notes about each space seeker's preferences
  • • Set reminders for scheduled appointments

Time-saving tips

  • • Create saved message templates for common questions
  • • Respond to similar questions in batches
  • • Update your space description to prevent repeat questions
  • • Schedule specific times for longer conversations
  • • Use clear, detailed messages to avoid back-and-forth

Troubleshooting chat issues

Common problems and solutions:

Messages not sending

  • • Check your internet connection
  • • Update the Splacebar app to the latest version
  • • Close and restart the app
  • • Clear app cache if problems persist

Not receiving notifications

  • • Verify notifications are enabled in device settings
  • • Check in-app notification preferences
  • • Ensure "Do Not Disturb" mode is off
  • • Reinstall the app if necessary

Can't find a conversation

  • • Search by space seeker name or booking number
  • • Check if the booking is still active
  • • Look in archived or past bookings section
  • • Contact support if conversation disappeared unexpectedly

Need help with space seeker communication?

If you're experiencing issues with the messaging system or need help handling a difficult situation with a space seeker, our support team is here to assist.

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