SMS Policy

We make sure all SMS sent are to consenting parties and follow applicable laws, industry standards, and guidelines.

Updated: September 13, 2024

We all expect that the messages we want to receive will reach us, unhindered by filtering or other blockers. To make that expectation a reality is to prevent and eliminate unwanted messages from sending.

1. Consent (“opt-in”):

  • SMS should only be sent to contacts who have explicitly opted in to receive messages.
  • Consent revocation must be facilitated by including the language "Reply STOP to unsubscribe" in the initial message.

2. Revocation of Consent (“opt-out”):

  • Initial messages must include the instruction to reply with "STOP" or equivalent to unsubscribe.
  • Individuals should have the ability to revoke consent at any time by opting out.

3. Sender Identification:

  • Every initial message must clearly identify the sender, except in follow-up messages of an ongoing conversation.

4. Filtering Evasion:

  • Content designed to evade detection by messaging prevention mechanisms is prohibited.
  • Snowshoeing (spreading similar or identical messages across many numbers) is not allowed.

Handling Violations:

  • Violations will be addressed in good faith, but suspension or account removal may occur for serious breaches.
  • Compliance is necessary to ensure continued access to messaging services.

Ramp-Up Model:

  • Every new account will be limited on the number of SMS that can be sent daily.
  • Limits increase daily for the first seven days, reaching 5000 SMS/day thereafter.

Spam Message Handling:

  • Undelivered messages with specific error codes will prompt actions like enabling temporary or permanent Do Not Disturb (DND) at the contact level.

Opt-Out Language Addition:

  • Opt-out language, such as "Reply STOP to unsubscribe," must be included in initial messages.

Sender Information Addition:

  • Sender information, such as "Thanks, <Location Name>," must be included in initial messages.

Error and Opt-out Rate Monitoring:

  • Email notifications are sent for error rates of 8% and opt-out rates of 1%.
  • Temporary suspension occurs at error rates of 12.5% and opt-out rates of 2.5%.

FAQs:

  • SMS limits refresh every 24 hours.
  • Daily limits affect all messaging activities.
  • DND cannot be undone in bulk.
  • Auto-append features apply to bulk SMS only.

This policy aims to ensure compliance with messaging regulations, maintain delivery rates, and protect messaging capabilities for all users of Vintory.