New at Michi: In-App Messaging — Why We No Longer Hand Out Contact Info Right Away
Michi just launched in-app messaging: members and shoppers now chat inside Michi instead of exchanging WhatsApp/LINE the moment you unlock a profile. Here's why, and how to use it.
TL;DR
- ✓ Chat with a shopper directly on Michi — no third-party app needed
- ✓ Auto-translated between Chinese/English/Japanese
- ✓ Conversations are kept for 6 months, so disputes have a record to refer to
- ✓ You don't have to hand over your real phone number just to say hello
- ✓ Michi Members can now see a shopper's commission rate, minimum order and service rates more clearly
You may have noticed: hitting "Start Chat" on a shopper's profile no longer shows their WhatsApp or LINE right away — it opens a chat window hosted on Michi instead. This isn't a feature being taken away — it's a layer of protection we added so both members and shoppers can talk with more confidence.
Why the change?
Previously, unlocking a shopper meant immediately handing over your own private phone number, WhatsApp or LINE just to say the first word. Several members told us that felt abrupt — and shoppers felt the same way, worried that a stranger adding them on WhatsApp might be spam or harassment.
In-app messaging solves this: you can first discuss what you need, pricing and timeline, and only decide to exchange further contact details once you're both comfortable continuing — entirely your choice, never forced by Michi.
What's better about it
- Auto-translation: members and shoppers don't always share a language. If you type in Chinese and they're reading the English site, the system translates automatically — no need to open Google Translate yourself.
- A record if there's ever a dispute: if a transaction goes wrong, the conversation Michi keeps on file can help establish what was actually agreed.
- Privacy: you don't have to give out your real phone number for a first contact — talk it through first, then decide whether to exchange more details.
- Clearer shopper info: Michi Members can now see a shopper's commission rate, minimum order amount, and actual rates for livestream/photo/queueing/shipping services, to help you decide.
How to use it
Buyers: go to any shopper's profile page and hit "💬 Start Chat" (free members can start one chat; starting chats with more shoppers requires a Michi Member subscription). All your open conversations are listed under "Messages" on My Michi.
Shoppers: request an edit link at your profile editor, then use the "💬 View Messages" link there to read and reply to members.
How long conversations are kept, who provides translation, and what data is stored is all covered in the Privacy Policy, sections 1.10 and 7.