Once you are verified you will be able to send outbound messages to any of your customers. This article walks you through how to enable messaging on the dashboard, manage your text conversations, setup notifications and some bonus ideas on ways you can use sms in your business.

1. Enable SMS Messaging

This feature will be enabled by default. You can enable or disable this feature at any time by selecting the "Numbers" category from the column on the left of your 800.com account and clicking the SMS toggle on or off for a specific number. Make sure your number is Verified before attempting to send any text messages.

2. View and Send your Text/SMS Messages

You will see all of your inbound and outbound texts messages in your "Inbox" tab. (Second tab down on the left menu of your dashboard)

To send messages from your 800.com Dashboard go to the "Inbox" tab and select "Start a Conversation". A text box will appear and you can select the number you want to send From and where you want it to send to. Then just type your message and hit "Send SMS".

Reminder: You can send messages through the 800.com mobile app anytime! Download it HERE.

**SMS messages are limited to 160 characters, per message. If a message exceeds 160 characters, it will be sent as multiple messages. Toll Free MMS messages are limited to 525 kb and Local MMS messages are limited to 3.5 MB. 

3. Setup Notifications to get alerted when you receive a text.

Make sure your notifications are setup in your Number Settings, if you would like to get notified via text or email to your forwarded phone number and/or email. If you have the app, you will automatically be alerted via in-app notification as well.

Our plans also include the ability to configure Mass Texting/Campaigns which include specific number of credits according to the plan for which you are enrolled (50 for Personal, 500 for Unlimited, and 1000 for Pro). All additional credits are charged at a rate of $0.06 a piece.

Bonus Tip:

You can also make a call or send a message anytime in the "Shortcuts" area using the icons.

💡Need some ideas? Use Texting To:

✅ Confirm appointments and reduce no-shows
“Hi Lisa! Your haircut is scheduled for 2:30PM today. Text back to reschedule.”

☎️ Follow up with leads right after a call or quote
“Thanks for calling! Let us know if you have any other questions.”

📈 Run quick promotions to boost traffic
“Flash sale! 20% off for the next 3 hours. Click here: [link]”

🧠 Stay top-of-mind with simple check-ins
“Hi John — need help with your next project? We're here when you’re ready.”

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Additional SMS Regulations and Guidelines:

SMS Usage Limitation Notice

SMS is a highly regulated channel, subject to stringent rules, regulations, and carrier requirements. Prohibited content in SMS and MMS messages can result in rejection by wireless carriers. 

Your business should be aware of the following prohibited content categories, and SMS may not be the appropriate channel for certain use cases.

SMS Usage Limitation Notice/ SHAFT

• High-risk financial services:
  • Examples: Payday loans, short-term high-interest loans, third-party auto loans, cryptocurrency.
  • Note: Messages featuring financial investment advice, tips, or links to donation sites are prohibited.
• Third-party lead generation services:
  • Companies buying, selling, or sharing consumer information are strictly prohibited. "Cold" outreach is also not allowed.
• Debt collection or forgiveness:
  • Examples: Third-party debt collection, debt consolidation, credit repair programs.
  • Note: Debt consolidation and forgiveness efforts are generally prohibited, but businesses owed the debt can send payment reminders.
• "Get rich quick" schemes or Multi-level marketing:
  • Examples: Work-from-home programs, risk investment opportunities, multi-level marketing.
  • Note: Multi-level marketing products, services, or content associated with spam are prohibited.
• Illegal substances:
  • Examples: Marijuana/cannabis, CBD/THC, prescription drugs, vaping.
  • Note: Cannabis businesses cannot use SMS/MMS messaging in the US, and messaging related to CBD may be restricted.
• Gambling:
  • Examples: Casino apps, gambling websites.
  • Note: Gambling traffic is prohibited on Toll-Free but allowed on Short Code or Long Code with age gating procedures.
• S.H.A.F.T. use cases:
  • Sexually inappropriate content, hate speech or profanity, alcohol, firearms, tobacco (including vaping).
  • Note: Firearms and alcohol are allowed on Toll-Free, Short Code, and Long Code with age gating procedures.

SHAFT is an acronym highlighting forbidden or specially regulated content:

• S: Sexually inappropriate content
• H: Hate speech or profanity
• A: Alcohol
• F: Firearms and depictions or endorsements of violence
• T: Tobacco (including vaping) or endorsement of illegal or illicit drugs, including marijuana and cannabis

Note: This information is not legal advice. Consult with legal counsel to ensure SMS programs comply with applicable laws.