Q: Do my contacts pay to receive text messages?

Every carrier offers different text messaging packages but most consumers either have unlimited messaging plans or plans that include large numbers of messages per month.

Q: How many characters may I include in a text message?

A standard text message is limited to 160 characters. Characters means letters, numbers, spaces, symbols and punctuation.

Q: How long does it take to deliver a text message?

Text messages are usually delivered to mobile phones in a few seconds to a few minutes. During peak hours, there could be a short delay. Please note that additional delays may occur if recipient's phone is turned off or out of the coverage area. When this happens a carrier will attempt to deliver your message for up to 72 hours.

Q: What is a Short Code?

A Short Code is a special 5 or 6 digit phone number. It is a unique number to send text messages to. All major carriers recognize our short code, which is 88202. Short codes are at the heart of SMS Marketing. More on that in a moment.

Q: Can you guarantee delivery of every text message that I send?

No. As text messaging is a store-and-forward technology dependent on carriers and their networks, it is impossible to guarantee delivery of a text message.

Q: Can I change the number or set a name that you send my text messages from?

Unfortunately it isn't possible to send a message from a name as phone calls and text messages always come from a phone number. There are two different kinds of phone numbers: a regular ten digit number like the one you have on your cell phone and a short code, which is a special five or six digit number like ours. For a message to appear from a name it must be stored on your phone’s address book. If you notice when you get a text message or call from a person who is not in your phone book it shows up from their ten digit number and not a name since it is not stored on your phone; the same applies to a short code.

Q: What is the advantage of using text messaging?

Text messages are a brief, effective, inexpensive means of communication. Over 95% of text messages are opened within minutes of delivery! Most people carry their cellular phones with them wherever they go, so unlike email, text messages can reach people when they are away from their desks.

Q: How much do text messages cost to send using TellMyCell?

Our prices start at 5 cents per outgoing text message. Incoming messages are always free. If you go on a monthly plan we discount the price of your outgoing messages. If you purchase additional message credits in bulk we also offer discounts. Please see our Pricing page for complete details.

Q: Do you charge any fees? Am I required to sign a monthly contract?

TellMyCell will never charge you any fees, or require you to sign a contract. When you open a TellMyCell account it is set to Pay & Go. Once you use up the free credits in your account, you can purchase credits to pay for the texts you wish to send.

In addition to our Pay & Go plan, we also offer monthly plans, which include discounted messages and free Keywords. You may upgrade, downgrade or cancel your plan at anytime. Please see our Pricing page for complete details.

Q: How long may I save my purchased Credits?

Purchased credits never expire. If you are on a monthly plan, your credits reset at the end of each billing period.

Q: How much do incoming text messages cost?

We do not charge for incoming messages.

Q: Can you forward incoming texts to my email address for free?

Yes! Unlike many of our competitors, we do not charge you anything to forward your incoming text messages to your email address.

Q: Can you forward incoming texts to my personal mobile phone?

Yes! Forwarded messages to your cellular phone cost 1 credit per message forwarded.

Q: Can I receive replies to the group text messages that I send?

Yes. They will be delivered to your TellMyCell inbox as long as the reply is received within six hours of your original text. If you like, you can have us forward your replies to your cell phone or your email address.

Q: Can I send a single text message?

Yes. Instead of selecting a group of contacts, enter a single telephone number when you compose your message.

Q: How do I purchase Credits?

If you are logged in to the website, all you need to do to purchase credits is click on the link labeled "Buy More Credits." You will be asked to fill out a short form. Your payment will be processed and the credits will be added to your account instantaneously. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

Q: Does TellMyCell limit me to a certain number of text messages?

No. As long as you do not violate our Anti-Spam Policy you may send as many text messages as you pay for.

Q: How come some of my contacts didn't receive a text that I sent them?

First, please make sure that the recipient has text messaging enabled with his/her carrier. If your recipient uses a pre-paid mobile phone service, his/her balance may be too low (assuming he/she pays for incoming text messages). Other reasons that a recipient may not receive a text message include (but are not limited to): memory full, out of network, and a number typed incorrectly.

Q: Do I pay for text messages that my recipients do not receive?

Yes. We charge you one credit every time our system sends a text message on your behalf, as we are charged every time we pass your message through our SMS Gateway.

Q: What is a Keyword?

A Keyword is a short word (which may include numbers) that customers send as a text message to a short code. Tie short codes and Keywords together and you have the basis of an SMS Marketing campaign. A typical call to action would be: 'Text SAVER to 88202 to sign up for our VIP sale alert list.'

Q: How do Keywords work?

You purchase the Keyword Example from us, which we will setup on our short code. Your customers and group members can then send a message containing the Keyword Example to our short code to automatically join your Group Messaging list. Our software will respond to them for you, with a customizable message, confirming that they have joined (Opted-In) to your Group SMS list.

Q: Can I have any Keyword I want? Are there any limitations?

As long as the Keyword you want is available, you can register it through your account panel. You can use any combination of letters and numbers.

Q: Are there rules for how I can promote my Keyword online or in print?

According to carrier guidelines you must include the following:

• Msg&data rates may apply
• Frequency (ex: Max 2 messages per week)
• Opt out instructions (ex: To unsubscribe Reply STOP {KEYWORD})
• Carriers supported: Alltel, AT&T, Boost Mobile, Cellular One, Cellular South, Cincinnati Bell, Cricket, MetroPCS, Nextel, Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular, Verizon Wireless, Virgin

Q: Where Does TellMyCell Work?

TellMyCell works in the United States. See full carrier coverage here.

Q: I own a website and I would like to provide text messaging services.

TellMyCell offers customized solutions to all of your text messaging needs through our API.

Q: Where is my data stored? How do you protect my data?

When you create a TellMyCell account we store your information on our secure database server. No one has access to your data (personal information and your contacts). If you would like to share the data in your account with someone else, you may choose to provide them with your login information.

Our database server is co-located at a data center that is secured via multiple perimeter access systems and fire-proof heavy-duty doors. The data center is equipped with 24x7x365 live video surveillance and multiple level independent fire-suppression systems. The data center is staffed 24x7x365.

Q: Who owns my data?

You own your data. We will never contact the people on your lists, nor will we do anything else with your data without your consent.

Q: Will you send advertisements via text message to my contacts?

No. We will never send messages (including advertising) to your contacts.

Q: Is my list of contacts secure? How do you protect my privacy?

Your contacts are kept in strict confidentiality. We do not share, rent, or sell the contacts belonging to our clients with any third parties. Data (including contacts) that you enter in your account belongs to you, and you alone.

Q: Why do you ask me for my phone number when I register?

We require this information for security reasons. It is necessary for us to confirm that you are who you say you are, and that the number you provide is in fact your own.

Q: How long does it take to get started?

Register now, and you'll be texting in less than five minutes. We provide you with ten credits (text messages) to try out the software. There are no up-front fees, and you are not required to provide a credit card until you decide to purchase credits.

Q: What do I need to use TellMyCell?

All you need is a computer and an internet connect. Our software is completely web-based, so there is nothing to download. You can use a PC, a Mac, or any other computer--TellMyCell will work on any system.

Q: Do I need to know the carrier of my contacts?

No. All you need to do is add them to your list by entering them manually or by uploading a list (see our Guide).

Q: Can I collect numbers on my website?

Yes. We provide you with an HTML signup widget that you can place on your website, Facebook page, and Email Blasts.

Q: How do I upload my contacts?

There are two ways to upload your contacts: As a CSV file, or by pasting the numbers into our upload contacts form. See the guide for step-by-step instructions.