HivePress Requests

For whoever builds a directory where the customer asks and the professional answers, not the other way round

In a classic directory the visitor browses listings, compares and writes to whoever convinces them. But some services people don't know how to search for: a custom renovation, a translator for an unusual document, a photographer for a specific event. There the customer prefers to explain what they need and wait for replies. HivePress Requests reverses the flow: the user posts a request and vendors answer with offers.

It suits you if you already work with HivePress and your sector runs on commissions or quotes. It doesn't suit you if your directory is a simple list of businesses to look up, or if you want a standalone plugin: it is a HivePress extension and needs that base plugin.

And one important warning: by default it is only a question-and-answer system. Bidding and budgets don't come out of the box, you need the Marketplace extension.

What happens from the moment someone posts a request

The user describes what they are looking for and vendors reply with offers. So the form collects what really matters in your sector, you can add custom fields to the request (deadline, area, type of job, whatever you need to ask).

• Expiration: you define how long each request stays active and open, so forgotten requests don't pile up in the listing.
• Personal requests: the user can address a request to a specific vendor and ask for their services.
• Attachments on offers: the vendor can show examples of their work alongside their proposal, very useful when the customer decides by portfolio and not only by price.

Moderate before publishing: the control that avoids a board full of noise

A site where anyone can ask and anyone can offer quickly fills up with vague or duplicate requests, or ones with contact details slipped in. The extension lets you review and approve each request before it goes live, and also review vendors' offers before the user sees them.

It is more work for you, especially at the start, but it protects quality on both sides. If you expect high volume, decide how much time you will spend moderating before enabling it everywhere.

With Marketplace, HivePress Requests becomes a bidding platform

Combined with Marketplace, vendors can bid on requests, the user sets a budget and accepts an offer. You can charge for paid requests and set a commission: a default rate or a different one for each vendor.

It also integrates with Memberships, the paid plans extension.

There are also email alerts: vendors are notified when requests matching their services appear. That way you don't depend on them checking the site every day.

What to decide before installing HivePress Requests

• If you only want questions and answers, HivePress and this extension are enough.
• If you want to charge for paid requests or set commissions, add Marketplace.

Check in the demo how the full request and offer flow looks, and whether it fits the way your customers ask for quotes.

Frequently asked questions

Does it work without HivePress?

No. It is an extension of the HivePress plugin and depends on it.

Can I charge users for their requests?

Yes, but only combined with Marketplace, which enables paid requests and commissions.

Can vendors show previous work?

Yes, offers accept file attachments with examples.

Can I approve offers before the customer sees them?

Yes, there is moderation for both requests and offers.

Can a service be requested from a specific vendor?

Yes, with personal requests.