View Messages with Provider
Communicate directly with the incentive provider about your request
Overview
The Messages page allows you to have a direct conversation with the business provider about your incentive request. This is where you discuss details, provide information, negotiate terms, and track the progress of your request.
How to Access
- Go to Incentive Requests page
- Find your request in the table
- Click the action menu (⋮)
- Select "View Messages With Provider"
Note: This option is not available for requests in "Draft" status.
Understanding the Messages Page
Page Header
- Back Button - Return to Incentive Requests list
- Message Count - Total number of messages in the conversation
- Refresh Button - Reload the conversation
- Take Tour - Interactive guide for the page
Message Display
Messages are displayed in a chat-style format:
- Your messages (Referent) - Displayed on the left with blue styling
- Provider messages (Vendor) - Displayed on the right with orange styling
- System messages - Yellow styling with notifications
Each message shows:
- Sender name and avatar
- Message content
- Timestamp
- Status badge
Sending Messages
Who Can Reply
Only users with the Creator role can reply to the conversation. If you're a group member (not the creator), you'll see a notification explaining this.
How to Send a Message
-
Select a Status (Required)
- Choose from available next statuses
- This determines the next state of your request
-
Write Your Message
- Type in the text area
- Maximum 1024 characters
-
Attach Files (Optional)
- Click Attach to add files
- Supported: documents, images, etc.
- Maximum 3 files, 10MB each
-
Send
- Click Send Reply
- Or press Enter (Shift+Enter for new line)
Status Transitions
When replying, you must select a status. Available statuses depend on the current state:
| Current Status | Possible Next Statuses |
|---|---|
| Requested | Acknowledged, Under Review, etc. |
| Under Review | Needs Info, Approved, Rejected, etc. |
| Needs Info | Info Provided |
| And more... | Based on workflow |
Status Descriptions:
- Hover over a status badge to see a description of what it means
Message Types
Text Messages
Regular text communication with the provider.
File Messages
Share documents, PDFs, spreadsheets, etc.
- Click the file name to download
- File size displayed
Image Messages
Share images and screenshots.
- Click to view full size
- Supports common image formats
System Messages
Automated notifications about status changes and system events.
Editing and Deleting Messages
Edit Window
You can edit your messages within 15 minutes of sending.
How to Edit
- Click the menu (⋮) on your message
- Select Edit
- Modify your message
- Click Save or press Ctrl+Enter
How to Delete
- Click the menu (⋮) on your message
- Select Delete
- Message will be marked as deleted
Note: You can only edit/delete your own messages within the 15-minute window.
Acknowledgement Confirmation
For Group Members
If you're a group member (not the creator) and the status is "Acknowledged":
- You'll see a special Acknowledgement Confirmation section
- Write your confirmation message
- Click Submit Confirmation
- This verifies your participation in the group request
After Submission
- You'll see a success message
- Your confirmation is recorded
- Other members can view acknowledgement replies
Loading Previous Messages
For conversations with many messages:
- Click "Load previous messages" at the top
- Older messages will be added above
- Repeat to load more history
Best Practices
Effective Communication
✅ Do:
- Be clear and professional
- Respond promptly to messages
- Provide requested information quickly
- Use appropriate status transitions
- Attach relevant documents when needed
❌ Don't:
- Send multiple rapid messages (combine into one)
- Ignore requests for information
- Use inappropriate language
- Share sensitive personal information
Tracking Your Request
- Monitor status changes in message badges
- Check for provider responses regularly
- Use the refresh button for latest updates
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Can't send message | Check if you're the Creator |
| Status dropdown empty | Refresh the page |
| Files won't upload | Check file size (max 10MB) |
| Message not appearing | Click refresh button |