Abstract: A commerce-messaging medium over which consumers interact and transact with vendors is disclosed. The messaging medium is enabled by a platform that includes a back-end system, mobile applications, and browser-based or desktop applications. Consumers engage directly with vendor owners, employees, or representatives to communicate and conduct transactions. Consumers further engage with intermediary vendors who facilitate transactions with peer vendors or external vendors. The platform provides programmatic interfaces for vendors to integrate automated business operations, such as customer outreach, marketing, and sales operations, into the commerce-messaging medium. Messaging associated with automated business operations is transmitted over the medium to consumers.