Communicating Effectively: Best Practices for Senders and Travellers
On PlanePorter, you’re not just making a transaction; you’re building a connection with another member of our global community. Great communication is the lifeblood of these connections. It’s what turns a simple agreement into a smooth, positive, and five-star experience for everyone.
Whether you're a Sender or a Traveller, following these simple best practices will help you build trust, avoid misunderstandings, and earn a stellar reputation in the community.
Our Golden Rule: Keep Your Conversations in the App
This is the single most important rule for your safety and security. All communication related to your agreement - from the first question to the final "thank you", should happen within the PlanePorter messaging system.
Why is this so important?
- It Protects Your Privacy: Keeping conversations in the app means you never have to share your personal phone number or email address.
- It Creates a Clear Record: Having a single, official record of your conversation helps prevent misunderstandings about what was agreed upon.
- It Allows Us to Help You: If a dispute ever arises, our support team can review the in-app conversation to understand the situation and provide fair, effective support.
The 3 C's of Great Communication
Think of these as your simple checklist for every message you send.
1. Be Clear - Avoid confusion by being as specific as possible.
- Be Specific: Instead of "around noon," suggest "between 12:00 and 12:30 PM."
- Avoid Slang: Use clear, universally understood language, as you may be communicating with someone from a different country.
- Confirm Details: A quick message like, "Just to confirm, I'll meet you at the main entrance," can save a lot of hassle later.
2. Be Courteous - You’re interacting with a fellow community member. A little kindness goes a long way.
- A "Please" and "Thank You" Matter: Politeness is the foundation of respect.
- Assume Good Intent: Always start from a place of assuming the other person is being reasonable and respectful.
3. Be Consistent - Reliable communication is key to building trust and earning a great reputation.
- Respond Promptly: You don't need to reply instantly, but try to respond to messages within 1-2 hours.
- Proactively Share Updates: This is especially important for Travellers. Is your flight delayed? Has your arrival time changed?Let the Sender know as soon as you do. A quick update shows you are responsible and considerate.
Communicating Through Challenges
Sometimes, things don't go perfectly to plan. A flight gets delayed, or a meeting spot is unexpectedly crowded. This is where great communication matters most.
If a problem arises, don't go silent! The best thing you can do is communicate the issue immediately, honestly, and calmly. A proactive message about a delay is always better than an apology after the fact.
Great Communication Builds Great Reputations
Every message you send is a chance to build your reputation as a trusted member of the PlanePorter community. Clear, courteous, and reliable communication is the easiest way to ensure a smooth agreement, prevent problems, and earn those glowing five-star reviews.