1. 800.com Support Center
  2. Text Messaging
  3. Texting/SMS Messaging

Texting basics

Our currently offered plans include the ability to send and receive messages through your toll free number or local number with 800.com.

 

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. 

 

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*Older plans that are no longer offered do not include SMS functionality. If your plan does not include this feature, there is an additional monthly charge of $10 for this feature on this number. If this is the case, a window will open to confirm you would like to enable this feature when you toggle it on. 

 

Guidelines have recently changed within the telecommunications industry, which require a questionnaire and an image of the opt-in to be submitted by any party who wishes to utilize SMS Messaging/Texting or Mass Texting/Campaign services. The purpose of these required steps is to ensure that only recipients that requested contact from your toll free number or organization are contacted. You can find the instructions on how to submit your request by reviewing our Texting (SMS) and Campaigns Registration article.

 

Notifications:

We recommend configuring your notification settings for every number you wish to receive text responses to. For SMS or voicemail notifications, you will need to select the “Numbers” category from the column on the left of your browser window.

 

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From here, you can either click on the number for which you wish to edit your preferences or you can hover over the 3 dots on the right and select “Manage” from the options that appear.

 

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You will then need to scroll down to the “Notifications” category. From here, you can then enter where your SMS and voicemail notifications are to be sent. 

 

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Sending Messages:

To send messages you will need to select the "Inbox" category from the column on the left of your 800.com account.

 

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From this page, you will see a button on the upper right of the page, that looks like a pencil on paper.

 

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When clicked, you will see a drop-down to choose which number you will be sending a message from. To the right of the drop-down there will be a box for you to enter the recipient's telephone number and underneath you will find the box where you will enter the body of the message. When finished, you can click "Send SMS" from the bottom right of the SMS box. 

 

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**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. 

 

Receiving Messages:

 

You will also see your received messages in the "Inbox."

 

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.

 

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 Prohibited Content:

  • 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.

 

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