Marketplace users can message each other directly through their inbox, whether they're discussing an active transaction or making an inquiry before one starts.
Alongside text, users can also attach files to their messages handy for sharing, such as documents, images, contracts, or anything else relevant to the transaction and conversation.
Sending files via message can be useful across different marketplace types:
In a service marketplace, a provider can deliver work directly through the message by sending finished logo files, or a writer attaching a completed draft.
In a rental marketplace, either party can document an item's condition, such as a renter photographing equipment on return to show it came back undamaged.
In a product marketplace, a seller can share documentation about an item, like a warranty, certificate of authenticity, or care instructions for a handmade product.
How to attach files to messages
The ability to attach files to messages is only available when it is enabled in the Listing type settings. In Console, go to Listings → Listing types → Open a Listing type’s settings → enable the “Allow file attachments” in Messaging.
Once this setting is enabled, users can attach files in their messages on the marketplace.
If the ability to attach files is disabled from the listing type settings after being enabled earlier, and files have already been sent, those files will continue to be available for download, unless the ability to upload and download any files is toggled off from access control settings.
How file uploads to messages work
Below are some key details about how file uploads to messages work.
Files can only be uploaded one at a time. Up to 10 files per message can be uploaded.
Files are limited to a maximum size of 1 GB per upload.
Most common file types are supported, though some (such as executables and scripts) are blocked for security reasons.
After uploading, all files are automatically scanned for malware in the background to ensure security and integrity. The recipient won't see the message until scanning is complete, so there may be a short delay between sending and delivery of the message.
The browser tab needs to stay open while the files are uploading and after the files have finished uploading if they're not yet sent. Leaving the tab before they're done will interrupt the process. If the user tries to navigate away with attachments on an unsent message, they’ll get a warning. The Send message button stays greyed out until the message has content and all uploads have finished, so they can't send before the files are ready.
Before sending the message, marketplace users can download any file they've attached to double-check they uploaded the right one. Users can also remove an attachment at any point before sending. Once the message has been sent, the user can no longer remove a file themselves.
If a file attachment needs to be removed, the marketplace operator can do this in the Manage transactions page.
Why a file may fail to upload
If a file doesn't upload, the user will see a message explaining why and what to do. The most common reasons are:
The file is too large. Each file can be up to 1 GB, the user should try sending a smaller file.
The file type isn't supported. Some types, such as executables and scripts, are blocked for security. The file needs to be sent in a different format.
The file failed a security scan. The user should try or contact support if this happens.
A network or system error occurred. The user should try again, and contact support if the problem persists.
If any upload fails, the Send message button stays disabled until the user removes the failed uploads, this makes sure they've seen the error before sending.