Frequently Asked
Questions
If you can’t find what you’re looking for we’re available on live chat
to answer your questions
If you can’t find what you’re looking for we’re available on live chat
to answer your questions
How do people reply to my messages?
If you want 2-way messaging, you would need to activate your Virtual Mobile Number or rent a keyword on our shortcode.
Can I send international texts?
International texts can be sent out through 123-txt. Some destinations may cost more than one message credit.
How long can a single message be?
1 message can be up to 160 characters long. It is however possible to concatenate multiple messages for a single long message.
Can I track whether messages have been received?
Yes, you can. Within the system you have a Reports function which shows you what messages have been sent, to whom, when and the status of the message.
Can I send the same message to more than one person?
Yes, you can. 123-txt has the ability to send out the same message to an unlimited number of recipients. You can also personalise each message in a process similar to that of a “mail merge” operation.
How do I schedule messages to go out?
By default, the message will be sent immediately. To schedule a message, click ‘Settings: Advanced’ in the New Message screen – select a time and date, press Enter and then click Send. You can also use Campaigns to schedule the sending of large numbers of messages.
Where do inbound messages go?
Inbound messages will come into your inbox within the 123-txt system. You can get these messages forwarded to an email address or mobile phone number (when using that number to send outbound messages through 123-txt).
How many messages can be sent at any one time?
There is no limit, you can send as many messages as you like at any one time and they are usually delivered within 10 seconds.
Can the messages be seen to be coming from my company name?
You have the option to use an Alphanumeric Sender ID – this can be up to 11 alpha-numeric characters long.
Can I use email to send messages to mobile phone numbers?
Using our Email to SMS gateway you can send text messages to any phone from within any email client.
What are the setup costs?
There is no cost associated to a basic account set up. Basic account creation comes with a shared long number. AlphaID’s are requested through your account settings. To start sending and receiving SMS messages all you need is to buy SMS credits.
However, there are costs if you require a dedicated long number or a short code, these numbers are annually subscribed to and can be requested by calling ProcessFlows Sales on 01962 835000 to discuss your requirement or emailing sales@processflows.co.uk.
Is there a time limit to using text credits?
The credits do not have an expiry date and will stay on your account indefinitely.
Do you offer a trial of the system?
It is free to sign up for an account and you’ll receive 20 free credits to try out our service. There’s no credit card required so you’ll never be charged unless you decide to purchase more credits.
How do I top-up / buy more credits?
We offer pre-paid credit top up (with a purchase order) or post pay accounts, subject to credit checks, a post pay account is invoiced on the 1st day of every calendar month.
To top up with a purchase order or PayPal call ProcessFlows Sales on 01962 835000 or email sales@processflows.co.uk
How much does 1 message cost?
Each message to a UK mobile number will use 1 text credit. Some international messages may cost more than 1 credit but this will be made clear in your account. The more texts you purchase the cheaper they will be – to receive a tailored quote please call ProcessFlows Sales on 01962 835000 or email sales@processflows.co.uk.
Will messages still be sent if I run out of credits?
If you have opted to ‘pay as you go’, once your credits have run out, no more messages can be sent until you top up – to stop this from happening you can set a credit reminder level to prompt you by email when credits are getting low.
Alternatively, if you are subscribed to our post-pay billing, your account will have a daily buffer of at least 10,000 messages so you’ll never be caught out without credits.
What happens if a message is undeliverable?
If your message is undeliverable you will still be charged for this – our networks will try and send the message every 10 seconds for up to 24 hours.
Where do I find out how many credits I have left?
When logging into your account, in the centre at the top of your screen you’ll find a live credit count for your account.
How much does it cost to receive a message?
It doesn’t cost you to receive messages and charges the sender their standard network rate to send.
What software do I need in order to use the system?
No software is needed. 123-txt is a web-based application that works through your browser.
How do I get inbound messages to my mobile phone?
You can forward messages to a mobile phone number by configuring your Sender ID to be the mobile number associated with the handset you wish to receive messages to.
How quickly will my messages be delivered?
123-txt has a 99.9% guarantee that messages will be delivered within 10 seconds. In reality virtually all messages arrive in about 6 seconds.
Is there a way of seeing how many messages have been sent in the last week / month?
You can run reports from within your account for any time period and broken down by sub-user. These can also be exported in a variety of formats.
We currently have our own POS/back-office system - can 123-txt integrate with this?
We can provide you with our API which details everything you need in order to be able to integrate our system with yours. For more detail and sample code please speak to our advisers on 01962 835001 or visit our API page for sample code.
How many people can log into the system at any one time?
Any number of people can access the system at any one time.
Is there a way of creating templates for messages?
You can create templates for your messages – simply go to Settings -> Message Templates -> Create Template.
Can I access the system from different computers?
As long as you have internet access you can login to the system from anywhere in the world.
Do I need to be connected to the internet to access the system?
Yes, an internet connection is needed in order to access the system.
Can I set up sub-users in my account?
Yes, you’re able to add an unlimited number of sub users at no extra cost. You can buy message credits in bulk and allocate them between the sub users and see reports on usage for each one.
How secure is the system?
123-txt resides in MS Azure and as such benefits from Microsoft’s EU Code of Conduct for Data Centres, Microsoft’s data centers adhere to this Code of Conduct. See http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2011/apr11/04-19GreenDatacenters.mspx
While Microsoft supports the spirit of the Uptime Institute’s Availability classifications, which are prescriptive-based for easy adoption by the industry as a whole, they have chosen to use a more performance-based approach that uses science to match the SLAs to the customer need. Microsoft’s data centers are engineered to provide 99.999% availability.
The Web Client (app) is SSL encrypted and communication between this and our Services is also over an SSL encrypted connection. Therefore, we offer an end-to-end SSL secured web SMS communications platform. Our SMS API and SMPP server connectivity is also SSL encrypted. The Email to SMS gateway provides SSL encrypted from the receipt of the message on our servers until the transmission to the network providers. For more information please request our Service Definition document from Sales@Processflows.co.uk or call 01962 835000
Is Opt Out Supported for both Dedicated and Shared VMNs?
Opt Out is supported for both Virtual Dedicated and Shared numbers. When someone replies to a Shared Number with an Opt Out request then this is only opting them out of receiving future SMS from this VMN from this particular 123-TXT client, if the other client(s) who share the same shared VMN send this same recipient an SMS it will be delivered, so each SMS Client and Number has their own Block Cache Table.
Opt In
Recipients can also Opt In using any of the following OPTIN – OPT IN or OPT-IN permutations. These ‘Opt Out’ key words can also be lower case or mix of.
Opt In inbound messages are used to initiate SMS Surveys.
– Note: Same applies regarding the potential 3 hour delay in updating the cache table prior to this taking effect.
Opt Out Status Code
There is a status code for the Opt Out, so users can report on the who has opted out.
‘STOP’ is a word specifically used for Short Codes so it cannot be used for general virtual mobile numbers.
How much does it cost to send 1 SMS message?
123-txt is a credit based messaging system whereby 1 credit = a single 160 character SMS message. Credit costs vary depending on the quantity you are purchasing. To discuss pricing, please call 01962 835000.
To send to a UK mobile will cost 1 credit. With the exception of a Channel Island number where some providers will see this as an INT message. However, sending to non-UK numbers will cost more than 1 credit.
Are there any minimum purchase or monthly usage requirements?
Our only minimum purchase is 100 credits at 4.5p/credit coming to just £4.50.
Every user also gets the chance to try before they buy as each account comes with 20 free credits.
Will the purchased credits or SMS messages expire after a set period of time?
123-txt credits have a limitless shelf life – they will sit in your account until used.
How good is the SMS gateway provider’s network coverage?
Our network covers more than xxx mobile networks in over xxx countries. We’re always working with operators to add to our network so call us to find out the latest list.
Is the SMS gateway provider’s API well documented and easy to use? Is there any sample code provided?
123-txt provides comprehensive API documentation as well as sample code to anyone who requires it, free of charge.
What payment options does the SMS gateway provider offer?
Is it easy to manage your account? Is it possible to check the number of SMS credits you have remaining on your account?
The 123-txt web based messaging interface enables you to easily manage all aspects of your account.
You can set low credit reminders and top up your account online.
All accounts have the ability to create sub-users and distribute credits to individual users and ‘credit pools’. You can also generate reports on general and individual usage.
Does the SMS gateway provider provide any free credits for testing?
Every account starts with 20 free credits for testing (no payment details required). All you need to do is sign up online for free.
Does 123-txt support 2-way messaging?
Most users find 2 way messaging essential but there is no obligation to set up inbound messaging features.
However, all you need to enable two-way messaging is a Virtual Mobile Number (VMN); one VMN is provided free of charge with each account (Shared).
Messages come direct to your inbox and can be also forwarded to an email address or mobile phone.
What if I need help & support?
We’re here to help you whenever you have a question. We offer live chat and email support. Alternatively, you can talk with our helpful advisers on 01962 835053 during UK business hours.
Where can I find my login details and password?
You can login using the email address you signed up with and your password can be recovered using the forgotten password link or by contacting us on 01962 835001.
Do you have a partner programme?
Yes we have a channel partner programme for all of our solutions. To request our partner pack please call our marketing team on; 01962 835000.
Do you have a support team? What is the number?
To contact a member of the 123-txt team please talk to us on live chat, email support@processflows.co.uk or call 01962 835001
What is GDPR?
GDPR is the EU General Data Protection Regulation which will replace the Data Protection Act (DPA) 1998 in the UK and the equivalent legislation across the EU Member States.
Is 123-txt GDPR compliant?
We are compliant with all the requirements of GDPR. In terms of security, 123-txt only operate via Direct UK Network connections. No overseas or ‘grey’ routes are used. So all your info and messages are completely safe within 123-txt.
Are mobile marketing messages GDPR compliant?
Yes, you can still send mobile marketing messages to your customers. They either have to be your existing customers or have explicitly opted in to receive your marketing messages. You have to have a legitimate reason for sending your message but sending mobile marketing messages is completely fine.
How do I make sure my business is GDPR compliant?
To ensure you comply with the GDPR ensure that all personal data you keep on customers is in a safe and secure location. The best thing to do is have a read of the document created by the ICO – 12 steps on preparing for GDPR.
Try out all these features today with a free trial. Sign up now and we’ll throw in 20 credits to get started.