Social Networking Features

Custom Cap BD's social networking system enables you to build professional relationships, communicate directly with business partners, and collaborate efficiently.

Overview

The social networking system provides three main features:

1. Direct Messaging - Real-time text and file sharing
2. Connections - Build your professional network
3. Presence - See who's online and available

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Direct Messaging

Starting a Conversation

1. Navigate to Messages from the header navigation
2. Click "New Message" button
3. Search for the user you want to message
4. Type your message and press Enter to send

Message Features

✅ Text Messages

• Send unlimited text messages
• Press Enter to send
• Press Shift+Enter for new line

✅ File Sharing

• Drag and drop files onto the message input
• Or click the paperclip icon to browse files
• Supported files: Images, PDFs, Word docs, text files
• Max file size: 10MB per file

✅ Product Sharing

• Share product details directly in messages
• Recipients can view product images and pricing
• Quick link to product page

✅ Order Sharing

• Share order information with suppliers
• View order status and details within chat
• Direct link to full order details

Message Features

Read Receipts:

• ✓ Single check mark: Message sent
• ✓✓ Double check mark: Message read

Typing Indicators:

• See when the other person is typing
• "User is typing..." appears at the bottom of the chat

Search Conversations:

• Use the search bar in the sidebar to find conversations quickly

Pin Important Conversations:

• Pin frequently used conversations to the top (coming soon)

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Building Your Network

Sending Connection Requests

1. Go to Connections from the header navigation
2. Click the Find People tab
3. Search for users by name or company
4. Click Send Request
5. Optionally add a personal message

Managing Connection Requests

Received Requests:

1. Go to Connections → Requests tab
2. View who wants to connect with you
3. Click Accept to become connections
4. Click Reject to decline

Sent Requests:

• View requests you've sent in the Requests tab
• See pending status
• Requests expire after 30 days if not accepted

Your Connections

View All Connections:

• Go to Connections → My Connections tab
• See all users you're connected with
• Search connections by name or company

Connection Actions:

• Message: Start a conversation instantly
• Remove: End the connection (both users lose access)

Relationship Types:

• Supplier
• Buyer
• Partner
• Colleague
• Other

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Online Presence

Your Status

Status Options:

• 🟢 Online - Available for messaging
• 🟡 Away - Temporarily unavailable
• 🔴 Busy - Do not disturb
• ⚪ Offline - Not available

Custom Status:

• Set a custom message (e.g., "In a meeting until 3 PM")
• Visible to all your connections

Privacy Controls

Show Online Status:

• Toggle on/off in Settings → Privacy
• When off, you always appear offline to others
• You can still see others' status

Show Last Seen:

• Toggle on/off in Settings → Privacy
• When off, others cannot see your "Last seen" timestamp

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Notifications

In-App Notifications

You'll receive notifications for:

• 💬 New messages
• 🤝 Connection requests
• ✅ Accepted connections
• 📦 Shared products/orders

View Notifications:

• Click the bell icon in the header
• Notifications auto-expire after 30 days

Discord Notifications (Admin Only)

Administrators receive Discord alerts for:

• New connection activity
• User blocking events (moderation)
• System events

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Blocking Users

If you need to block someone:

1. Go to their profile or connection page
2. Click the menu (⋮) icon
3. Select Block User
4. Choose a reason (optional)

What Happens When You Block:

• Existing connection is removed (both directions)
• Pending connection requests are canceled
• They cannot send you messages or connection requests
• You cannot see each other's online status

To Unblock:

1. Go to Settings → Blocked Users
2. Find the user
3. Click Unblock

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Best Practices

Professional Communication

✅ Do:

• Be professional and courteous
• Respond to messages within 24 hours
• Use connection requests to expand your network
• Share relevant products and orders

❌ Don't:

• Spam users with unsolicited messages
• Send offensive or inappropriate content
• Block users without cause
• Share sensitive company information

Building Quality Connections

Connect With:

• Suppliers you work with regularly
• Wholesalers in your region
• Industry partners and colleagues
• Potential business collaborators

Add Personal Messages:

• When sending connection requests, add a note
• Explain how you know them or why you want to connect
• Be specific: "We met at the trade show in Dhaka"

File Sharing Etiquette

Before Sending Files:

• Check file size (max 10MB)
• Use descriptive file names
• Compress large images if possible
• Only send work-related files

Supported File Types:

• Images: JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP
• Documents: PDF, DOC, DOCX, TXT
• Limit: 10MB per file

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Mobile Access (Coming Soon)

The social networking system is fully responsive and works on:

• Desktop browsers
• Tablets
• Mobile phones (iOS and Android)

Mobile App (Future):

• Native iOS and Android apps
• Push notifications for messages
• Offline message drafts
• Voice and video calling

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Troubleshooting

Messages Not Sending

Possible Causes:

1. Poor internet connection
2. File too large (>10MB)
3. User has blocked you
4. Browser cache issues

Solutions:

• Check your internet connection
• Reduce file size
• Refresh the page
• Try a different browser

Connection Request Failed

Possible Causes:

1. You're already connected
2. User has blocked you
3. Pending request already exists

Solutions:

• Check My Connections tab
• Check Sent Requests tab
• Contact support if issue persists

Can't See Online Status

Possible Causes:

1. User has privacy settings enabled
2. You're not connected with them
3. Real-time updates disabled

Solutions:

• Only connections can see online status
• User may have "Show Online Status" turned off
• Refresh the page

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FAQ

Can I message someone without being connected?

No. You must send a connection request and have it accepted before you can send messages.

How long do connection requests last?

Connection requests expire after 30 days if not accepted or rejected.

Can I see who viewed my profile?

Profile view tracking is not currently available but is planned for a future release.

Are my messages encrypted?

Messages are secured with SSL/TLS during transmission. End-to-end encryption is planned for a future release.

Can I delete sent messages?

You can soft-delete messages from your view, but they remain visible to the recipient. Full message deletion for both users is planned.

How many connections can I have?

There is no limit to the number of connections you can have.

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Support

Need Help?

• Visit the Contact Page
• Email: support@customcapbd.com
• Discord: Join our server (coming soon)

Report Issues:

• Use the "Report" button on profiles
• Contact support for technical issues
• For urgent matters, email support directly

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Updates and Roadmap

Recently Added

• ✅ Direct messaging with file sharing (v1.0.0)
• ✅ Connection system (v1.0.0)
• ✅ Online presence tracking (v1.0.0)
• ✅ Blocking system (v1.0.0)

Coming Soon

• Group messaging
• Voice and video calls
• Message reactions
• Rich text formatting
• Link previews
• Mobile apps

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Last updated: November 2, 2025