Message sellers in bulk
When to use bulk messaging
Use bulk messaging when you need to contact multiple sellers about the same operational update, such as:
- payout delays
- missing bank details for payout processing
- intake or processing delays
- item exceptions that affect multiple sellers
- status-related updates on sold items
This workflow is best for day-to-day store operations where the same message applies to many sellers at once.
Bulk messaging is intended for operational communication. Keep messages focused on item status, payout timing, intake progress, or exceptions—not marketing.
Before you start
Make sure you:
- know which items or sellers should receive the message
- choose filters carefully so you only contact the right sellers
- confirm the message applies to every selected item
- have any key details ready, such as the payout timing, missing information needed, or next step for the seller
Send a bulk message to sellers
1. Open the product list
Go to:
- Products
- All Products
This view includes your full catalog, including sold items, so you can filter down to the right group.
2. Filter to the right items
Click Filter, then apply the criteria that match your workflow.
Common examples include:
- Sold Date for a recent payout batch
- Sold - Seller to Be Paid to follow up on payout-ready items
- a custom date range
- any other item filters needed to isolate the affected group
Use filters to narrow the list to only the items connected to the sellers you want to contact.
3. Review the filtered results
Before selecting anything, confirm that:
- the items are part of the same operational issue
- the sellers should all receive the same update
- the item statuses match the reason for the message
This is especially important for one-of-a-kind items, where each item is tied to a specific seller and status history.
4. Select the items
Use the Select All checkbox to select all items in the filtered view.
Only do this after confirming the filtered list is correct.
5. Open the bulk message action
Click:
- Bulk Edit or Bulk Action
- Message Sellers of selected Items or Message vendors of selected items
The wording may vary slightly depending on where you start, but the action is the same: message the sellers linked to the selected items.
6. Write and send the message
Enter a clear, polite message that explains:
- what happened
- which workflow it affects
- what the seller should expect next
- whether you need any action from them
Keep the message short and operational.
Example operational scenarios
Payout follow-up
Use bulk messaging when items are in Sold Seller To Be Paid and you need to:
- request missing bank details
- explain a payout delay
- confirm that payout processing is underway
Example:
Hi, we’re preparing your seller payout for recently sold items. Before we can complete payment, we need your current bank details. Please reply with the requested information so we can proceed.
Intake or processing delay
Use this when intake volume, authentication, pricing, or listing work is taking longer than expected.
Example:
Hi, we wanted to let you know that intake and processing are taking longer than usual. Your item is still in progress, and we’ll update you as soon as the next step is complete. Thank you for your patience.
Exception workflow
Use this when multiple items need the same exception-related update, such as a hold, missing information, or another issue affecting normal processing.
Example:
Hi, we’re reaching out about an item that needs additional review before we can continue processing. Our team is working through the exception and will follow up with the next step as soon as possible.
Save time with templates
If you expect to send the same type of message again, save it as a template.
Templates are useful for repeat workflows such as:
- payout detail requests
- payout delay notices
- intake backlog updates
- exception notifications
Message-writing tips
Keep the message operational
Focus on the workflow and next step. Good seller messages are:
- kind
- clear
- specific
- easy to act on
Include the next step
Whenever possible, tell the seller exactly what happens next, for example:
- no action needed from the seller
- reply with bank details
- wait for the next status update
- expect a follow-up after review
Avoid unclear bulk sends
Do not send a bulk message if:
- the selected items have different issues
- different sellers need different instructions
- the filter includes items outside the affected date range or status group
Related status guidance for payout workflows
Bulk messaging often supports payout work tied to sold-item statuses.
| Status | When to use messaging |
|---|---|
| Sold Return Period Open | Send updates if timing depends on return windows or order completion |
| Sold Seller To Be Paid | Request bank details, explain payout timing, or confirm payout prep |
| Sold Seller Paid | Usually no bulk message is needed unless a follow-up is required |
For online sales, make sure your store follows the correct return-period handling before moving items forward in the payout workflow. For in-store sales, timing may be different depending on your store policy.
Best practices
- Start from All Products or the relevant product view
- Filter carefully before using Select All
- Make sure the selected items belong to the same workflow
- Use seller-friendly language
- Save reusable templates for recurring operational messages
- Update item statuses separately if the workflow also requires status changes
Troubleshooting
I’m not sure which sellers will be contacted
Review the filtered items before selecting all. The message will go to the sellers linked to the selected items.
The items don’t all need the same message
Refine your filters and send separate bulk messages for each scenario.
I need bank details before payout
Filter payout-ready items, select the relevant group, and use the bulk message action to request payment details before sending funds.
The issue affects both in-store and online sold items
Check whether the items are at the same stage in the workflow before sending one message. Online and in-store sold items may follow different timing depending on return handling and store policy.
Next steps
After sending the message, continue the operational workflow:
- for payout issues, confirm seller payment details and complete the bank transfer
- for intake delays, continue processing and send follow-up updates if needed
- for exception cases, resolve the issue and update the item or seller when the next action is clear
- if needed, update the item status after the operational step is complete
Bulk messaging does not replace status management. If the workflow also requires moving items between statuses, make sure those updates are completed separately.