Kijiji Messages Not Getting Replies? The 2025 Playbook to Close Deals Fast

Posted July 30, 2020 5:01 pm • Updated September 22, 2025 12:15 am by Ellen Perez

No fluff. If you’re not getting responses on Kijiji, fix your message, offer precise pickup windows, and make communication dead simple. This guide gives you ready-to-send templates and a process that works for both buyers and sellers.

Who this is for

• Sellers who want faster, cleaner transactions with fewer no-shows
• Buyers who want quick yes/no answers and same-day pickups
• Anyone tired of “Is this available?” purgatory

Quick Diagnosis: 8 Common Reasons You Don’t Get Replies

1. Weak opener (vague, lowball, or “Is it available?”)
2. No pickup plan (no time window, no area, no payment method)
3. Seller swamped (dozens of messages; weak ones sink)
4. Notification issues (email filtered, app alerts off)
5. Hidden contact (no phone option; chat only)
6. Item sold/pending (seller forgot to update)
7. Low trust profile (brand-new account, zero history)
8. Bad timing (weekday mornings = slow; evenings/weekends = faster)

The RQS Message Score (Send Only If ≥ 8/10)

A 10-point pre-send rubric. Edit until your message hits 8+.

• R — Reason (1): Buying now or need 1 detail to buy
• Q — Price & quantity (2): Exact amount and units
• S — Specific pickup windows (3): Two concrete windows today/tomorrow
• Location anchor (2): Nearest intersection/area (no full address)
• Payment method (1): Cash/e-Transfer stated
• Politeness (1): One “please/thanks,” no slang/ALL CAPS

Messages ≤7/10 get ignored in busy categories.

Two-Window Anchor Tactic (Fewer Back-and-Forths)

Offer exactly two time windows. Two feels easy; three feels like work.

• Buyer: “I can pick up today 6–6:30 pm or tomorrow 9–9:30 am near [area]. Which works?”
• Seller: “Available. Pickup 5–6 pm or 8–9 am near [intersection]. First to confirm gets it.”

Buyer Templates That Get Replies

Straight buy at asking (best):
“Hi! I can do $[ask] and pick up today [time window] in [area]. Cash/e-Transfer is fine. Please confirm and I’ll be on time.”

Polite negotiate (no lowball):
“Interested. I can pick up [day/time] in [area]. Would $[fair offer] work if I come today? If not, I’m okay with your asking price.”

Hold until evening:
“Committed to buy. I can arrive today [time]. If you can hold it, I’ll confirm ‘on my way’ an hour before.”

One key detail before leaving:
“Looks good. Before I come [time window], can you confirm [single important detail]? If yes, I’ll head over.”

Follow-up (24–48 h):
“Quick check-in—still available? I can pick up today/tomorrow [time], cash in hand.”

Do NOT send: “Is this available?”, “Lowest?”, 10 questions with no pickup plan.

Seller Templates to Close Fast (and Filter Tire-Kickers)

Available + firm price:
“Available. Pickup [today/tomorrow time] near [intersection]. Price is firm. Cash or e-Transfer.”

Available + limited windows:
“Available. I’m free [time options]. Share your 30-min window and I’ll confirm.”

High interest (first-come):
“Lots of interest. First confirmed pickup [time window] gets it. Send your ETA to lock it.”

Pending / sold:
“Pending pickup. I’ll update if it falls through.” / “Sold—thanks for the interest.”

Answer one question + close:
“Yes, [answer]. If that works, pickup [time window] near [area].”

Anti-Flake Protocol (Sellers)

1. Soft hold: “I’ll hold for 45 min once you share ETA.”
2. T-60 confirm: “Please send ‘on my way’ an hour before your slot.”
3. Grace: “If you’re 10 min late, I message the next buyer.”
4. Fallback: “Missed you—still want it? I have [new slot] today.”

“Proof Pack” Photos (Trust Booster Most Ads Skip)

Upload four specific shots:

1. Serial/model close-up (legitimacy)
2. Condition truth photo (show the worst scratch)
3. Power-on/feature shot (functionality)
4. All-items-included layout (cables, manuals, etc.)

Add this line to your ad: “Proof Pack in photos 2–5.”

Deliverability + Notification Checklist (Do Once)

• Check Kijiji Messages (in-app & web) directly
• Enable email + push notifications; whitelist Kijiji
• Verify email/phone in your profile
• Keep messages short and on-platform until pickup is set
• Share phone once time/place is agreed

Seller Playbook (Win More, Faster)

1. Title that screens: brand/model/condition (“Like-new Dyson V11, full kit, receipt”)
2. Price right: market median or 5–10% under if you want speed
3. Photos: clean, well-lit, multiple angles + Proof Pack
4. One-line value prop: warranty/receipt, smoke-free, reason for sale
5. Pickup clarity: two windows today/tomorrow + nearest major intersection
6. Phone reveal (optional): enable if you can take calls
7. Respond fast: <30 min during live windows; <2 h otherwise
8. Status discipline: mark Pending with an ETA; mark Sold immediately

Buyer Playbook (Get Chosen Over Others)

1. Lead with price + two windows + area + payment
2. Be flexible; volunteer pickup
3. Don’t lowball when price is right
4. Confirm before leaving: “On my way, ETA [time]”
5. Be on time; if late, send a new ETA proactively

Bundle-to-Win (Seller Conversion Lift)

Offer up to 3 add-ons at small discounts for same-day pickup

• “Confirm today and add HDMI cable for $5 or wall mount for $10.”
• Include basic packaging (bubble wrap) to remove buyer friction.

The One-Question Rule (Buyers)

Ask one important question before pickup (battery cycles, DOT code, warranty transfer). Then move to a pickup window.

Safety (Non-Negotiable)

Meet in public/daylight (or police exchange spots). Count cash in view. For e-Transfer, hand over only after it’s received. For electronics, test power/ports quickly. Walk from red flags (deposits, overpays, rush).

When to Contact Kijiji Support

• No messages across multiple ads while others can message you
• Errors in Messages or a mistaken account limit
• Fraud/abuse issues

FAQ

How long should I wait for a reply?
Evenings/weekends: often hours. Otherwise, follow up once after 24–48 h.

Is “Is this available?” okay?
No. Lead with price + two windows + area + payment.

Should I share my phone number?
Optional. Share after agreeing on time/place; keep details in Kijiji Messages.

Do you hold items?
“Yes, 45 min after ETA. Longer holds may need a small refundable deposit.”

Testing allowed?
“Quick plug-in test at pickup; longer tests after purchase.”

How to Get a Reply in Under an Hour (Buyer)

1. Draft a message with RQS ≥ 8/10
2. Offer two pickup windows + area + payment
3. Ask one key question (if any)
4. Send; if no reply in 90 min during peak hours, follow up once
5. Move on; message the next good listing

Clean CTA (Optional)

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