Bubble has a messaging function to safely connect members of our community to each other to arrange bookings and get feedback from others.
In addition to written chat functionality, customers are able to see when the other person was last on the app, click through to profiles conveniently and sitters and parents with an upcoming booking together are also able to call each other through the app once a booking has been confirmed. There are also instant notifications on Bubble when you get a new message, as long as both parties have notifications switched on.
There should be no need to take the conversation off Bubble. You also get each others details emailed after a booking is confirmed in case of emergencies.
Clear expectations
Good communication is critical to a successful sit.
We strongly recommend parents speak to sitters they are interested in confirming or have confirmed to set out their expectations for the booking. Be clear on:
what you expect the sitter to do
important routines
details of any medical or additional needs your family have
how you like to be kept up to date
any family rules you want them to follow
That's not to say that sitters can't adapt to changing plans. Just be clear ahead of time when they need to.
The booking is then far more likely to go well, and Bubble is able to support if either sitter or parent needs.
Keep communication on Bubble
We strongly encourage keeping communication about bookings on the app. This is for several reasons:
Customer safety
Keeping communication on the app prior to a booking ensures your personal contact details remain private. If you share those details, someone may message you off-platform in a way where you are not protected by the Bubble Terms of Service.
Be aware that many people also prefer to keep a professional relationship off their personal communication channels, and it makes people uncomfortable asking to communicate off-app.
Bubble Support
If all communications are kept on the platform it makes means Bubble can investigate and provide support if there are any issues or disputes between customers. We usually cannot investigate off-app disputes.
Efficient communication
Bubble ensures there is a single record of what has been agreed before each booking. We also can guarantee delivery of messages between customers, including notifications. There are various features that help our customers to remain responsive and professional, so neither side has to chase up.
There are also faster ways to check people's availability on Bubble than messaging them off app. If it's agreed off app, it's likely to be forgotten about.
Read more about keeping your bookings on the app here.