---
article_id: KB0399093
article_type: FAQ
component_ids:
  - SBN-AN-MSG
component_descriptions:
  - SAP Business Network for Procurement & Supply Chain > SBN in-app Messaging tool between buyers and suppliers
products:
  - SAP Business Network for Procurement and SAP Business Network for Supply Chain
personas:
  - Supplier
language: en
created: 2026-09-29
updated: 2026-09-29
source: Knowledge Base
url: https://support.ariba.com/item/view/KB0399093
connect_url: https://support.ariba.com/item/view/KB0399093?min=1
sap_for_me_url: https://me.sap.com/notes/KB0399093
---

# How can I send instant messages to my buyer?

## Symptom

How can I communicate with my customer through the SAP Business Network using instant messages?

## Environment

SAP Business Network

## Cause

I need to communicate with my customer through the SAP Business Network.

## Resolution

You can send two types of instant messages to your customer:

Context-free instant message (independent of a transaction document):

1. Click the **Messages** tab at the top of the home page.
2. Click the **pencil icon** above the **Search** bar to start a new conversation.
3. Select a customer from the list by clicking the **+** icon or use the search function to search for a specific customer.
4. Provide a subject in the **Subject** text box and type your message in the **Write a message** text box at the bottom. Click the **paper clip** icon if you would like to add an attachment (maximum file size 10 MB).
5. Click **Send**.

In-context instant message (regarding a specific transaction document like invoice or purchase order):

1. Open a document and click the **Messages** panel at the lower-right of the page. This will link the message to the document.
2. Provide a subject in the **Subject** text box and type your message in the **Write a message** text box at the bottom. Click the **paper clip** icon if you would like to add an attachment (maximum file size 10 MB).
3. Click **Send**.

When your customer replies, you will receive an email notification. You can reply to a message via the email notification or in the **Messages** tab.

## See Also

The feature is available on Standard and Enterprise accounts.

To send an instant message to your customer, they must have the messaging feature turned on. If they do not, you can contact them by the contact information they have provided. Check [How do I contact my buyer?](https://support.ariba.com/item/view/KB0392552).

For directions on how to set your messaging notification preferences, please refer to [How do I configure my email notification preferences?](https://support.ariba.com/item/view/KB0399923).