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

# How to message vendors

> Send updates to all vendors or DM one vendor directly

## Two ways to message vendors

### 1. Send an update (broadcast to all)

Use this for announcements that go to every vendor in a market.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the market">
    **Web:** Go to your market's management page.
    **App:** Open the market from the Schedule tab.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Send Update / Send Notification">
    **Web:** Click **Send Update**.
    **App:** Tap **Send notification**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Write and send">
    Enter a title and message. Hit send. Every vendor in the market gets an email and the message appears in their portal and app.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Good for: weather alerts, schedule changes, setup instructions, reminders, policy updates.

### 2. Direct message (DM) one vendor

Use this for private one-on-one conversations with a specific vendor. Every DM also sends an email notification to the vendor, and you'll receive an email when they reply.

**From the vendor table:**

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to the vendor table">
    Open the market's management page and scroll to the vendor table.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click the message icon">
    Click the **message icon** on the vendor's row. A small dropdown appears with **Email vendor** and **Message vendor**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Message vendor">
    Click **Message vendor**. You're taken directly to a DM thread for that vendor.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Chat">
    Type and send. The vendor sees it in their portal, the mobile app, and receives an email notification.
  </Step>
</Steps>

**From the Messages page:**

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Messages">
    Click **Messages** in the left sidebar.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Compose">
    Click the **pen icon** at the top of the thread list.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Find the vendor and send">
    Search for the vendor, select them, and type your message.
  </Step>
</Steps>

Good for: asking about applications, booth requirements, special requests, quick questions.

<Note>
  **Email vendor** (from the dropdown) sends a standalone email through your connected email integration. **Message vendor** opens the in-app DM thread. Use DMs for ongoing conversations so the full history stays in one place.
</Note>

## Where to find all conversations

* **Web → Messages page:** All your DM threads across all markets. A blue dot in the sidebar or on the mobile menu icon means you have unread messages.
* **App → Messages tab:** Same threads, available on mobile.

Messages are organized **per market** so conversations stay in context.

## Email notifications

Every message sent through the DM feature triggers an email notification to the recipient. You don't need to do anything extra — it's automatic.

## Quick reference

| Need to…                                   | Use…                    |
| ------------------------------------------ | ----------------------- |
| Tell all vendors about a schedule change   | Send Update (broadcast) |
| Ask one vendor about their application     | DM (direct message)     |
| Share setup instructions before market day | Send Update             |
| Coordinate a special booth request         | DM                      |

For a full overview of the web messaging feature, see [Direct Messaging](/essentials/messaging).
For broadcast updates, see [Send Vendor Updates](/essentials/send-update).