Section 6 of the market portal model. Neutral example content: replace with market-specific messages when instantiating.

Follow-up messages

What this section holds

Message templates for before, during and after the contract. A deal is a permanent negotiation: terms evolve, plans change, amendments happen. These templates exist to stimulate creativity in that negotiation, not to replace it. Every template can and should be personalized; the value is in the structure: name the fact, name the feeling if useful, always offer a next step.

Before the contract

M1. First contact

"Hello [Name], I found your profile on the [Market] portal. I am looking for [need], around [date/place]. Would that fit? No commitment yet, I would just like to know if we should talk."

M2. Proposal

"Here is what I propose: [main terms in two lines]. I have prepared a draft on the platform so you can see every clause. Change anything that does not fit; the draft is a starting point, not an ultimatum."

M3. Saying no, kindly

"Thank you for thinking of me. I cannot take this on [reason optional]. I would rather say a clear no now than a bad yes that lets you down later. Maybe [alternative person / other option] could help?"

During the contract

M4. Confirmation

"Confirmed: [obligation] on [date] as agreed. Everything is in the contract record. Looking forward to it."

M5. Check-in

"Quick check: is everything going as planned on your side for [milestone]? If anything has changed, better to adjust now than to improvise on the day."

M6. Gentle reminder

"Hello [Name], a small reminder: [obligation] was due on [date]. I imagine things got busy. Can you tell me where it stands? If the date no longer works, let us reschedule properly with an amendment."

M7. Formal reminder

"Hello [Name], second reminder for [obligation], due [date], now [X days] late. I need an answer by [date]. Options: complete it by [date], or propose a new schedule via amendment. If I hear nothing, the contract's next step applies (clause [n]). I would much prefer the first two."

M8. Proposing an alternative

"I see that [original plan] is difficult. What about one of these instead: [option 1], [option 2], or a partial step now with the rest [later date]? Pick one, mix them, or counter-propose: any of these works better for me than silence."

M9. Proposing an amendment

"I would like to change one thing in our agreement: [current term] would become [new term], because [reason]. I sent the amendment through the platform; accept, decline or counter-propose. Everything else stays as agreed."

After the contract

M10. Completion and thanks

"Done: [obligation] is complete and the closing record is ready to sign. Thank you, this went [honest assessment]. I left my evaluation; when you sign and evaluate, we are both released."

M11. Evaluation nudge

"Small favor: could you complete your evaluation? It takes a minute and it is the way this market rewards people who keep their word."

M12. Follow-on

"Our contract closed well, so here is a thought: would you be interested in [next deal idea]? I can draft it from the same template with what we learned this time."

Tone rules

Facts and dates first; feelings allowed, accusations not.
Every reminder offers renegotiation before consequences.
Escalation is gradual and private: friendly, then formal, then the contract's own next step. Nothing public, ever.
Silence is the enemy: every template ends with an easy way to answer.

Markets/en/Portal:Model/Follow-Up-Messages:Model