Shift Marketplace Applications Guide

Learn how to apply for trade-only listings, manage your applications, accept or reject applications on your listings, and understand the application workflow in the Shift Marketplace.

Overview

Applications are how employees request to trade shifts with listing owners in the Shift Marketplace. This guide covers submitting applications, managing applications you’ve received, and tracking the status of your trade requests.

Who this is for: All employees using Shift Marketplace
Time needed: 5-10 minutes per application
Prerequisites: Access to Shift Marketplace and assigned shifts

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🎯 What You’ll Learn

• How to apply for trade-only listings
• How to view and manage your applications
• How to accept or reject applications on your listings
• How to withdraw pending applications
• Understanding application status and workflow

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📝 Applying for Trade-Only Listings

Step 1: Find a Trade Listing

1. Go to Shift Marketplace → Listings
2. Filter by Trade Only listing type
3. Browse available trade listings
4. Click on a listing that interests you

Step 2: Review Listing Details

Before applying, check:

• Shift Details: Date, time, location, duration
• Owner’s Preferences: What they’re looking for in a trade
• Notes: Any special requirements or information
• Your Availability: Ensure you can work the shift if trade is accepted

Step 3: Select Your Shift to Trade

1. Click Apply button on the listing
2. You’ll see a list of your available shifts
3. Select which shift you’re offering in exchange
4. Review the trade comparison:
   • Their Shift: What you’ll receive
   • Your Shift: What you’re offering

Step 4: Add Application Notes

Provide helpful information:

• Why you want this trade
• Confirmation you understand the trade terms
• Any relevant details about your offered shift
• Your contact information (optional)

Tip: Clear, friendly notes increase your chances of acceptance.

Step 5: Submit Application

1. Review all information
2. Verify trade details are correct
3. Click Submit Application
4. You’ll receive a confirmation
5. The listing owner is notified

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📊 Viewing Your Applications

Accessing My Applications

1. Go to Shift Marketplace
2. Click My Applications (visible in navigation with pending count badge)
3. See all applications you’ve submitted

Application List View

The list shows:

• Listing Details: Shift you applied for
• Your Offer: Shift you’re offering
• Status: Current application status
• Date Applied: When you submitted
• Actions: View details or withdraw (if pending)

Filtering Applications

Filter by status:

• All: See all applications
• Pending: Waiting for response
• Accepted: Trade was approved
• Rejected: Application was declined
• Withdrawn: You cancelled the application

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✅ Managing Applications on Your Listings

Viewing Applications

When others apply to your trade-only listings:

1. Go to My Listings
2. Click on a listing with applications
3. View the Applications section
4. See all applications with details

Application Details

Each application shows:

• Applicant Name: Who applied
• Offered Shift: What they’re offering in trade
• Application Notes: Their message
• Applied Date: When they submitted
• Status: Current status
• Actions: Accept or Reject buttons

Accepting an Application

1. Review the application carefully
2. Check the offered shift details
3. Ensure the trade meets your needs
4. Click Accept button
5. Confirm the trade details
6. Trade is completed automatically:
   • Shifts are swapped
   • Schedules are updated
   • Both parties notified
   • Other applications automatically rejected

Important: Once accepted, trades cannot be reversed. Review carefully before accepting.

Rejecting an Application

1. Click Reject button
2. Optionally add a reason (helpful for the applicant)
3. Confirm rejection
4. Applicant is notified
5. Your listing remains open for other applications

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❌ Withdrawing Applications

When to Withdraw

You may want to withdraw if:

• Your plans changed
• You found another trade
• You no longer need the shift
• You realized the trade doesn’t work for you

How to Withdraw

1. Go to My Applications
2. Find your pending application
3. Click Withdraw button
4. Confirm withdrawal
5. Listing owner is notified
6. Application status changes to “Withdrawn”

Note: You can only withdraw pending applications. Accepted trades cannot be reversed.

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📈 Application Status

Understanding Statuses

• Pending 🟡: Waiting for listing owner to respond
  • You can withdraw
  • Owner can accept or reject
  • Other applications may be submitted
• Accepted 🟢: Trade was approved and completed
  • Shifts have been swapped
  • Schedules are updated
  • Cannot be reversed
  • Other applications were rejected
• Rejected 🔴: Listing owner declined your application
  • You can apply to other listings
  • Owner may have chosen different trade
  • No action needed
• Withdrawn ⚪: You cancelled the application
  • You removed your application
  • Listing remains open
  • Can apply again if needed

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🔔 Notifications

Application Notifications

You’ll receive notifications for:

• Application Submitted: Confirmation when you apply
• Application Accepted: When your application is accepted
• Application Rejected: When your application is declined
• New Application: When someone applies to your listing
• Application Withdrawn: When an applicant withdraws

Managing Notifications

• Check notification center for updates
• Email notifications (if enabled)
• In-app notifications for real-time updates

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💡 Best Practices

When Applying

• Apply Early: First good application often gets accepted
• Be Clear: Provide helpful notes about your trade offer
• Offer Good Trades: Offer desirable shifts to increase acceptance
• Review Carefully: Ensure trade works for you before applying
• Be Patient: Wait for response before applying to multiple listings

When Managing Applications

• Respond Promptly: Review and respond to applications quickly
• Be Fair: Consider all applications before deciding
• Communicate: Add notes when rejecting to help applicants
• Review Details: Verify trade details before accepting
• One at a Time: Accept one application per listing

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🔧 Common Issues & Solutions

Issue: “Can’t apply - no shifts available”

Symptoms: System says you have no shifts to offer
Solution: Ensure you have assigned shifts that don’t conflict with trade dates
Prevention: Review your schedule before browsing trade listings

Issue: “Application pending for a long time”

Symptoms: Application has been pending without response
Solution:

• Be patient - listing owner may be reviewing options
• Consider applying to other listings as backup
• You can withdraw and apply elsewhere if needed
  Prevention: Apply early when listings are first posted

Issue: “Application was rejected”

Symptoms: Your application shows rejected status
Solution:

• Don’t take it personally - owner may have chosen different trade
• Apply to other listings
• Consider improving your trade offer
  Prevention: Offer competitive trades and apply early

Issue: “Can’t withdraw accepted application”

Symptoms: Want to cancel but trade is already accepted
Solution: Accepted trades cannot be reversed. Contact your manager if there’s an emergency
Prevention: Review trade details carefully before applying

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📚 Related Topics

• Trade-Only Listings Guide: How to create trade-only listings
• Shift Swapping: General shift swapping overview
• Posting Shifts: How to post shifts to marketplace

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❓ Need More Help?

• Can’t see My Applications? Check navigation menu - it should show with a badge count
• Application not submitting? Verify you have shifts available to trade
• Questions about status? Check the application details page for current status
• Need to cancel accepted trade? Contact your manager - system trades cannot be reversed

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This guide covers managing applications in the Shift Marketplace. For information about creating listings, see the Trade-Only Listings Guide.