HI, we are new to the site. If we want to have a video call with a potential sitter, is there a way to do it within the app or should we just exchange numbers and use WhatsApp?
thanks in advance
Elaine
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There’s nothing on the app to do this, I’ve always used WhatsApp, very simple, no links, no codes. Easy to install on a laptop for better sound and video.
Thank you - I thought so. Use WhatsApp all the time so will go that route.
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The other reason I like WhatsApp, rather than Zoom calls is because the Homeowner can give me a little guided tour around their home, and introduce me to their animals, and other family members. 
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You can do this via Zoom and a bunch of other apps as well. One key thing with WhatsApp is that you’ll also have their phone number.
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You can’t do video chats within the app. I sit and host and have found the app very limited as even with notification it’s more an email then a chat, and sometimes people don’t check it, so it’s always good to exchange phone numbers if you are at the point of doing a video chat and interested. Most people have WhatsApp so that’s great for video chats. In the rare case where a sitter doesn’t use WhatsApp there are lots of other free platforms, so you can ask what they do use. I usually use WhatsApp with sitters in my home while I’m away. As a sitter, I contact homeowners with WhatsApp or by regular text if that is their preference.
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Just an FYI that Skype (except Skype for Business) has been discontinued
Skype is retiring in May 2025: What you need to know - Microsoft Support.
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I like immediately moving across to WhatsApp to video chat but also I confirm arrival departure times and confirm what we’ve agreed in the chat- it’s like keeping an Audit trail. I also screenshot the contact details and address early on in case there’s no signal at the location and I’m unable to access the Welcome Guide..
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You can use your chat box - but everyone likes What’sApp because we can see each other for a talk!
We use WhatsApp.
We prefer whatsapp to video too, because then photo’s, & updates are naturally done via whatsapp too from there onwards too, it’s much easier.
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I used Skype for my teaching/coaching business. It was pretty great. The move to Teams was fairly seamless except it didnt resolve a longterm issue with my Skype account. The account was started using a non-microsoft email a long time ago. Although I changed the email on the account it still showed up when I lost my password and I had to sign in with a code. Many clients also had trouble with old Skype accounts if they couldn’t remember or no longer had the email they opened the account with. Unfortunately on my transfer Teams account this is still an issue. Otherwise, the Teams account works pretty well as a replacement for Skype and is at this point free.
WheniI have had calls they have normally been WhatsApp. When I first joined a few years back there were never any phone calls or WhatsApp and It was all agreed by messages. It seems to have only been since the forums started here that I have received any WhatsApp videos. But sometimes it is just phone calls or WhatsApp phone calls. There is still also the occasional sit that I agree with just messages though.