Messaging with customers

Two-way messaging inbox for conversations with your customers.

Quick answer: Open Messages in the business sidebar to view and reply to customer conversations. Each thread is tied to a customer profile.

Incomplete guide2 min readFor Business, Staff, CustomerReviewed 9 June 2026

Overview

The messaging inbox lets you and your team have two-way conversations with customers. Messages are organised by customer, with unread indicators and quick access from bookings and the customer directory.

  • Reply from the business app or staff accounts
  • Customers read and reply from their Sway account or email notifications
  • Blocked customers cannot send new messages
  • Message history stays with the customer profile
Messages is in the business sidebar.

Before you start

Open Messages in Sway

Note

Staff members with access to Messages can reply on behalf of the business. They cannot access billing or settings.

Step-by-step

  1. Open Messages

    Look for: Messages

  2. Select a conversation

    Click a thread to read the full history. Unread threads are highlighted.

    Start from the inbox or open messaging from a booking.
  3. Reply to the customer

    Type your message and send. The customer is notified by email if they're offline.

    Replies appear in the customer's message history.

Starting new conversations

You can message a customer from their profile in the customer directory or from a booking detail panel. Customers can also initiate conversations after booking with your business.

Customer directoryRead →

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Customers can read and reply from their Sway account. Email notifications alert them to new messages.