What is Messages?
Messages is a safer way for buyers and sellers to communicate after a purchase or sale. It helps keep personal contact details private while making it easier to arrange payment, pickup, delivery or ask follow-up questions, all in one place.
Keeping communication on Ricardo also gives our customer support team better context to help if something goes wrong.
Why did Ricardo introduce Messages?
With Messages, there’s less need to share personal contact details such as email addresses or phone numbers. Most questions can be resolved directly on Ricardo, without switching to email, phone or other messaging apps. This helps reduce the risk of phishing and other scams.
Can I choose not to use Messages?
No. When Messages is available, it’s the standard way for both parties to communicate about their purchase or sale.
Why don’t I see Messages for every purchase or sale?
We’re introducing Messages gradually to make sure it works well for everyone.
For now, you may see Messages for some purchases and sales, but not others. When Messages is available, both parties communicate through Messages instead of using contact details. Otherwise, contact details remain available for a limited time.
What can I share in Messages?
Messages has a few rules about the information that can be shared. These rules help reduce the risk of phishing and other scams.
You can share:
- Payment instructions (IBAN)
- Pickup details, including dates, times and addresses
- Parcel tracking numbers
Use extra caution when sharing:
- Phone numbers
- Requests to continue the conversation on WhatsApp, Telegram or SMS
We recommend keeping your conversation in Messages whenever possible.
You can’t share:
- Email addresses
- Obfuscated email addresses
- Web links (including URL shorteners such as bit.ly)
- Links to websites, including Ricardo
- Debit or credit card information
Why was my message blocked?
To help keep communication on Ricardo safe and reliable, everyone using Messages must follow the messaging rules, described in the section above. Messages that don’t follow these rules will be blocked and won’t be delivered.
Review the messaging rules and try sending your message again.
What happens when I block a conversation?
Blocking a conversation prevents both parties from sending new messages in that conversation. The conversation remains visible and can still be read.
Only the person who blocked the conversation can unblock it. Once it’s unblocked, both parties can send messages again.
Blocking a conversation only affects that conversation. It doesn’t block the other user or affect future purchases or sales with the same person.
What should I do if I receive a suspicious message
If you think a message is suspicious or makes you uncomfortable, you can block the conversation to stop further messages.
If you believe the other user is attempting fraud or breaking Ricardo’s rules, please contact our customer support.
Why can’t I contact the other party anymore?
Messages and contact details are available for 60 days after a purchase or sale. After that, it’s no longer possible to contact the other party.
If a conversation already exists, you’ll still be able to read previous messages, but you won’t be able to send new ones. However, if no conversation was started before then, you won’t be able to start one later.
Can I send photos or documents?
Not yet. Messages currently supports text only. We’re working on adding photo and document sharing in the future.
Can I edit or delete messages?
Not yet. Editing and deleting messages will be available in a future update. For now, messages can’t be changed or removed after they’re sent.
How will I know when I receive a new message?
We’ll send you an email whenever someone sends you a new message. Use the link in the email to open the conversation directly.
Push notifications will also be available in the future, so you’ll know as soon as a new message arrives.
How can I share feedback?
You can share feedback through the survey available in Messages. We also encourage you to leave comments as they help us understand your experience and improve Messages.