The BilaFundi Inbox
All registered users have access to a private inbox at /messages. Conversations on BilaFundi are direct and private — only the two parties in a conversation can see the messages.
Starting a Conversation — Clients
To contact a provider, visit their service listing or public profile and click Contact Provider. This opens a message thread directly with that provider. Describe your project requirements, location, timeline, and budget in your first message to get the most useful response.
If you have already messaged a provider before, clicking Contact Provider opens the existing conversation rather than creating a duplicate.
Responding to Enquiries — Providers
When a client contacts you, you receive a notification and the conversation appears in your inbox at /messages. Click the conversation to open it and reply. Respond promptly — clients who do not hear back within 24 hours often move on to the next provider.
Using the Inbox
- The inbox shows all your conversations, sorted by most recent message.
- Unread conversations are highlighted with a dot indicator in the sidebar.
- Click any conversation in the list to open the full message thread on the right.
- Type your message in the input field at the bottom and press Enter or click Send.
Best Practices
- Clients: Be specific in your first message. Include the type of work, location, approximate size of the project, and your preferred timeline. The more detail you give, the more accurate the provider's response will be.
- Providers: Acknowledge every enquiry even if you cannot take the project. A quick "Thank you for your enquiry — I am currently fully booked until [date]" maintains your professional reputation on the platform.
- Move to a site visit or formal quotation once the scope has been established via messaging.
- Keep early negotiations on-platform so both parties have a clear record of what was agreed.
Report and Block
If you receive inappropriate messages, use the report function within the conversation. BilaFundi's moderation team reviews all reports. Abusive or spammy accounts are suspended.