> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.paintscout.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.paintscout.com/support/email-and-communication/email-settings/chat-overview.md).

# Chat Overview

Enable real-time chat communication with clients directly on estimates, with email notifications and conversation tracking built in.

The Chat feature in PaintScout lets you and your clients communicate directly on the estimate through real-time messaging, with all conversations tracked and recorded.

## Why use the chat feature?

Chat connects you with clients directly on the estimate. Clients can ask questions about their quotes, and you can respond to close the sale faster. All messages are tracked on the estimate regardless of whether replies happen via email or the chat system.

***

## How does the chat feature work?

A "Chat" button appears in the bottom right corner of the estimate your client receives. Clients click it to message you directly. You receive an email notification instantly, and the client gets an email notification when you reply.

You can reply via email or directly in PaintScout's chat system. Either way, the entire conversation is tracked and recorded on the estimate.

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hljUuoaPN8>" %}

***

## How do I use Chat?

1\. Send your estimate to a client.

2\. The client taps or clicks the chat button in the bottom right corner of their screen.

<figure><img src="https://231248629-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FPyUbJF1GXLjxdJqm89IQ%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-ce4d7d104392fcf5cff72bac951a4a2c46a1587b%2F1e4d1b8b0531586b6564ec33_Image_2020-09-28_at_11.51.00_AM.jpg_2024-01-22_at_3.58.07_PM.jpg?alt=media" alt="Screenshot showing the chat button in the bottom right corner of the customer estimate view"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3\. You receive an email notification and can respond through the email. Clients can also reply through their email notification.

<figure><img src="https://231248629-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FPyUbJF1GXLjxdJqm89IQ%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-dae6b178b53499b82247778158fcfb872e76a370%2F5fce5983c70e1ddca7c25362_Image_2020-09-28_at_12.04.10_PM.png?alt=media" alt="Screenshot showing the email notification received when a client sends a chat message"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4\. All responses appear in the chat box on the estimate. Clients can reply via email or directly in the chat box.

***

## How do I enable Chat Notifications?

1\. Click the person icon in the top right and go to **Your Profile** > **Notifications**.

2\. Select the checkbox for "When a new chat message is received".

<figure><img src="https://231248629-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FPyUbJF1GXLjxdJqm89IQ%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-36473e3707314c8f5469a850c6a49f71ec566467%2F1851193848_85080fb86eb87ae63033effd7655?alt=media" alt="Screenshot showing the Notifications settings with the chat message notification checkbox"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

## Setting an Away Status

1\. Click the person icon in the top right and go to your **Account Settings** > **Communications** > **Chat** section.

2\. Add your away status. If you would like your status to always show, toggle the switch on.

<figure><img src="https://231248629-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FPyUbJF1GXLjxdJqm89IQ%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-98cca3aed460bb8babc201b553a81a4f2481722b%2F0331d3d1e8de49a37a3069af_PaintScout_Settings_2024-01-22_at_3.54.16_PM.jpg?alt=media" alt="Screenshot showing the Chat away status settings with message field and always-show toggle"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## FAQ

### Why did my customer not receive a notification for all chat messages?

Chat message email notifications send with a 5-minute delay.

If two messages are sent to a customer within 5 minutes, the customer only receives an email notification for the first message.

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## Related articles

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Sending Estimates</strong></td><td>Send estimates to customers via email or text with customizable subject lines, body content, and follow-up settings.</td><td><a href="/support/estimating/sending-and-acceptance/sending-estimates.md">Sending Estimates</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Auto Follow-Ups</strong></td><td>Set up automated follow-up messages via email or text based on estimate status triggers to improve quote acceptance rates.</td><td><a href="/support/email-and-communication/email-settings/auto-follow-ups.md">Auto Follow-Ups</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


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