> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.resquash.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Chat With Local Merchants Directly on Resquash

> Message local merchants in real time through Resquash to ask questions, get pricing, check availability, and move straight to purchase.

Resquash gives you a direct line to every merchant on the platform through built-in chat. Instead of searching for a phone number or waiting on hold, you can ask questions, request a quote, and confirm details all in one place — and then complete your purchase without ever leaving the conversation.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Tap on a Business">
    From the search results or your home feed, tap a business listing to open its profile. Review the products, services, and real-time availability shown on the profile before reaching out.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Tap Message">
    On the business profile page, tap the **Message** button. This opens a new chat thread with the merchant directly. If you've chatted with this merchant before, the conversation picks up exactly where you left off.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Ask Your Question">
    Type your message in the chat input field and hit **Send**. You can ask about:

    * Specific products or services and their current pricing
    * Availability for a particular date or time slot
    * Custom requests or special instructions
    * Anything else you'd want to confirm before ordering

    You can also **attach photos** to your message — for example, to show a merchant the item you need repaired or the style you're looking for.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Receive a Response">
    The merchant receives your message instantly and can reply in real time. Responses often include:

    * **Up-to-date pricing** pulled directly from the merchant's live catalog
    * **Availability confirmations** for services or delivery windows
    * **Product recommendations** tailored to your request

    You'll receive a push notification as soon as the merchant replies so you never miss a message.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Once a merchant confirms pricing or availability in the chat, you can proceed directly to purchase without leaving the conversation. Tap **Buy** or **Book** right inside the chat thread to complete your order seamlessly.
</Note>

<Tip>
  For time-sensitive requests, send your message during the merchant's listed business hours to get the fastest response. You can check a merchant's hours on their profile page before starting a chat.
</Tip>

## Frequently Asked Questions

<Accordion title="How quickly do merchants respond?">
  Most merchants on Resquash respond within a few minutes during their listed business hours. Response times can vary depending on how busy the merchant is, but you'll always receive a push notification the moment they reply. For urgent needs, check the merchant's availability indicator on their profile — a green dot signals they're currently active.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Can I send photos in the chat?">
  Yes. Tap the **attachment icon** (paperclip) in the chat input bar to attach one or more images from your camera roll or take a new photo on the spot. Sending photos is especially useful for Home Services requests — for example, uploading a picture of a leaky faucet or a room that needs painting helps the merchant give you a more accurate quote upfront.
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Is chat history saved?">
  Yes. Your full conversation history with every merchant is saved automatically in the app. Open the **Messages** tab at any time to revisit past chats, check order details that were discussed, or follow up on a previous request. Chat history is preserved even after an order is completed, so you always have a record of what was agreed upon.
</Accordion>