{"componentChunkName":"component---src-templates-articles-index-jsx","path":"/short-code-texting/asdasd/","result":{"data":{"props":{"adsense":true,"adsenseMobile":false,"byLine":"","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/short-code-texting/asdasd/","content":"\n

Businesses use SMS messaging, one of the oldest and most popular methods of texting, to communicate with customers and market their products and services. Short code texting enables businesses to scale their texting efforts and reach more customers at the same time with less effort.

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Best Pick Cards
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What is a short code?

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A short code is a five- or six-digit phone number. The number is shorter than a typical phone number, which makes it easier to remember. Short codes are most commonly used for sending high-volume, high-throughput SMS and MMS messages to groups of customers.

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What is the purpose of short code text messages?

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Short code text messaging is similar to SMS or MMS messaging. The main difference is that short codes enable a business to quickly send or receive a high number of text messages (100 to 500 messages per second) that will not usually be filtered out as spam. Wireless text message carriers will approve short code numbers for sending more messages than a long code phone number within the given time period.

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Businesses can use short codes for marketing campaigns to send text blasts and promotional messages, such as these:

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\"FYI\"FYI: Short code text messaging is similar to SMS marketing but allows you to send a text blast at scale, which is perfect for quick communications to your audience.

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Short code SMS messages have the same text limits as regular SMS messages (160 plain text characters). Short code MMS messages allow up to 1,600 characters (depending on the service provider) and multimedia (e.g., pictures, GIFs and videos). You must set up a short code as MMS if you want to send MMS messages.

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Subscribing and unsubscribing

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For someone to subscribe to a short code message or receive text messages, the person must text a keyword to a specific short code or sign up using a web form. In other words, they must give express written consent to receive messages through short code messaging. When the person texts the keyword to the short code number, their message is sent via SMS through the text message marketing software, which validates the code and responds with the programmed response (e.g., a confirmation message or special offer).

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Companies do not need to receive a keyword or consent to send some types of transactional messages (i.e., the customer has requested additional information). The information must be deemed necessary to use your product or service to qualify as a transactional message, and a person who consents to receive a transactional message does not consent by default to receive a promotional message. These are some examples of transactional messages:

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To opt out of all future messages from an SMS short code, the person can reply to a text message with the word \"STOP.\" This obligates the business to cease sending text-based communications to that person.

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Types of SMS short codes

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There are two types of SMS short codes: shared and dedicated.

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Shared short codes

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Shared short codes are any SMS short code that different businesses or brands can use. They cost less than dedicated short codes. Companies use shared short codes because they do not want to pay for dedicated short codes or are new to SMS marketing.

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Many short code services have used shared short codes for all clients. However, effective June 2021, cellular carriers are banning the use of shared short codes; the details are provided in their updated messaging guidelines. The goal is to identify and eliminate spam. To continue sending text messages, companies that have been using shared short codes will have to either lease a dedicated short code or purchase a 10-digit phone number for texting purposes.

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Dedicated short codes

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Dedicated short codes can only be used by one business or brand. Large companies, or companies with a sufficient budget, typically lease a dedicated short code. Companies that need access to any and all possible keywords will also lease a dedicated short code.

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Companies with a dedicated short code have complete control over the types of text messages that they can send using this number. They do not have to depend on a short code service provider to ensure that a third party's text program complies with the requisite laws and regulations.

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There are two types of dedicated short codes: random and vanity short codes.

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Geographic restrictions of short codes

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You cannot use one short code to send messages across the world, as every country has its own governing body for short codes. For example, the CSCA governs short codes in the United States, while the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association governs short codes in Canada.

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Since short codes do not work universally, you must acquire a short code in the country where you plan to send or receive messages. You can lease the same short code in multiple countries if that number is available, but you are responsible for the cost of the code in each country.

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How to get an SMS short code

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Getting an SMS short code can take eight to 12 weeks. You'll need to follow this process:

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Short code compliance

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Companies that engage in short code messaging must follow short code rules and best practices. In the U.S., two sets of rules apply to short code text messaging.

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Restrictions on applications

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Most businesses are permitted to get a dedicated short code. However, cellular carriers have rules on what message content is allowed. Text messaging programs that promote content related to sex, hate, alcohol, firearms and tobacco might be prohibited. If a cellular carrier denies your application, you can discuss your options with your SMS short code service.

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Short code audit

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A cellular carrier or an auditing agency working on behalf of a carrier can conduct a short code audit, which is when it decides to test your short code that does not meet one or more of its basic requirements. The consequences of an audit have varying levels of severity, from the requirement to fix the wording of your call to action to suspension of your short code messaging.

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Most short code audits are relatively minor and the issues easy to fix. The severity of the short code audit depends on the issue. A minor issue could be forgetting to include opt-out instructions after someone opts in to receive your text messages. A more major issue would be sending content that violates your carrier's guidelines.

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What do SMS short codes cost?

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When you lease an SMS short code, you pay for the right to use the short code for the given time period. Fees are typically paid on a quarterly basis.

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Some SMS service providers include the cost of a dedicated code in their monthly service fee. They might charge a setup fee or a higher cost per message to cover the connectivity fee.

\n","docType":"article","guid":"articles_d42d8485a0956d8d821ed7c0389ddeb7","lastModified":"2021-03-26T11:30:00.000Z","published":"2021-03-26T11:30:00.000Z","structuredData":null,"subtitle":"Short code texting offers businesses a way to send mass text messages to a wide audience.","template":"v1","title":"What Is Short Code Texting?","type":"article","author":{"avatar":"https://staging.business.com/images/author/5f2/315ff5a215e2e768b4567/100-100","bio":"David Gargaro is a content writer and copy editor with more than 20 years of experience in multiple industries, including publishing, advertising, marketing, finance, and small business. He has written on B2B-focused topics covering business technology, sales, marketing, and insurance. David has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Actuarial Science from the University of Toronto. He served as the managing editor of a small publishing company, and self-published a book called How to Run Your Company… Into the Ground.","name":"David Gargaro","image":null,"slug":null,"social":{"facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":null,"website":"http://www.davidgargaro.com"},"status":"enabled","title":null,"type":"Contributing Writer","user":{"imagePath":"https://staging.business.com/images/undefined","profile":{"company":"VerdaWorks","jobTitle":"Web Development / Project Management","website":"http://verdaworks.com/"}}},"breadcrumbs":{"primary":{"name":"Short Code Texting","slug":"short-code-texting"},"sub":null},"channels":{"primary":{"name":"Marketing","slug":"marketing"},"sub":{"name":"Marketing Solutions","slug":"marketing-solutions"}},"meta":{"robots":"index, follow","description":"Learn how short code texting enables your business to send mass text messages to a widespread audience with ease – and the rules you need to follow.","title":"What Is Short Code Texting? - business.com"},"parsedContent":{"toc":[{"id":"what-is-a-short-code","title":"What is a short code?"},{"id":"what-is-the-purpose-of-short-code-text-messages","title":"What is the purpose of short code text messages?"},{"id":"types-of-sms-short-codes","title":"Types of SMS short codes"},{"id":"how-to-get-an-sms-short-code","title":"How to get an SMS short code"},{"id":"what-do-sms-short-codes-cost","title":"What do SMS short codes cost?"}],"json":[{"component":"p","children":["Businesses use ",{"component":"Link","props":{"href":"https://www.business.com/articles/sms-for-business/"},"children":["SMS messaging"]},", one of the oldest and most popular methods of texting, to communicate with customers and market their products and services. Short code texting enables businesses to scale their texting efforts and ",{"component":"Link","props":{"href":"https://www.business.com/articles/text-message-marketing-annoying-or-brilliant/"},"children":["reach more customers"]}," at the same time with less effort."]},{"component":"BestPicks","props":{"id":"BestPicksPlaceHolder","className":"widget-best-picks placeholder","data-mce-contenteditable":"false"},"children":["Best Pick Cards"]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"what-is-a-short-code"},"children":["What is a short code?"]},{"component":"p","children":["A short code is a five- or six-digit phone number. The number is shorter than a typical phone number, which makes it easier to remember. Short codes are most commonly used for sending high-volume, high-throughput SMS and ",{"component":"Link","props":{"href":"https://www.business.com/articles/mms-vs-sms-text-message-marketing/"},"children":["MMS messages"]}," to groups of customers."]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"what-is-the-purpose-of-short-code-text-messages"},"children":["What is the purpose of short code text messages?"]},{"component":"p","children":["Short code text messaging is similar to ",{"component":"Link","props":{"href":"https://www.business.com/articles/mms-vs-sms-text-message-marketing/"},"children":["SMS or MMS messaging"]},". The main difference is that short codes enable a business to quickly send or receive a high number of text messages (100 to 500 messages per second) that will not usually be filtered out as spam. Wireless text message carriers will approve short code numbers for sending more messages than a long code phone number within the given time period."]},{"component":"p","children":["Businesses can ",{"component":"Link","props":{"href":"https://www.business.com/articles/how-to-use-sms-polling/"},"children":["use short codes for marketing campaigns"]}," to send text blasts and promotional messages, such as these:"]},{"component":"ul","children":[{"component":"li","children":["Product discounts for subscribers"]},{"component":"li","children":["New product announcements"]},{"component":"li","children":["Voting links for viewers of TV programs"]},{"component":"li","children":["Text-to-win contests, sweepstakes and giveaways"]},{"component":"li","children":["Text-to-vote ",{"component":"Link","props":{"href":"https://www.business.com/articles/build-a-better-survey/"},"children":["surveys for collecting feedback"]}]},{"component":"li","children":["Fundraising requests"]}]},{"component":"p","props":{"style":{"border":"3px solid #003B5C","minHeight":"90px"}},"children":[{"component":"img","props":{"style":{"width":"auto"},"src":"https://www.business.com/images/content/605/102ad9c658add338b4567/75-75-","alt":"FYI","width":"75","height":"75","align":"left","data-content-img-id":"605102ad9c658add338b4567"}},{"component":"strong","children":["FYI:"]}," Short code text messaging is similar to SMS marketing but allows you to send a text blast at scale, which is perfect for quick communications to your audience."]},{"component":"p","children":["Short code SMS messages have the same text limits as regular SMS messages (160 plain text characters). Short code MMS messages allow up to 1,600 characters (depending on the service provider) and multimedia (e.g., pictures, GIFs and videos). You must set up a short code as MMS if you want to send MMS messages."]},{"component":"h3","children":["Subscribing and unsubscribing"]},{"component":"p","children":["For someone to subscribe to a short code message or receive text messages, the person must text a keyword to a specific short code or sign up using a web form. In other words, they must give express written consent to receive messages through short code messaging. When the person texts the keyword to the short code number, their message is sent via SMS through the ",{"component":"Link","props":{"href":"https://www.business.com/categories/best-text-message-marketing-services/"},"children":["text message marketing software"]},", which validates the code and responds with the programmed response (e.g., a confirmation message or special offer)."]},{"component":"p","children":["Companies do not need to receive a keyword or consent to send some types of transactional messages (i.e., the customer has requested additional information). The information must be deemed necessary to use your product or service to qualify as a transactional message, and a person who consents to receive a transactional message does not consent by default to receive a promotional message. These are some examples of transactional messages: ",{"component":"strong"}]},{"component":"ul","children":[{"component":"li","children":["Password reset request"]},{"component":"li","children":["Order confirmation with tracking number"]},{"component":"li","children":["Two-factor authentication"]},{"component":"li","children":["Reservation confirmation"]}]},{"component":"p","children":["To opt out of all future messages from an SMS short code, the person can reply to a text message with the word \"STOP.\" This obligates the business to cease sending text-based communications to that person."]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"types-of-sms-short-codes"},"children":["Types of SMS short codes"]},{"component":"p","children":["There are two types of SMS short codes: shared and dedicated."]},{"component":"h3","children":["Shared short codes"]},{"component":"p","children":["Shared short codes are any SMS short code that different businesses or brands can use. They cost less than dedicated short codes. Companies use shared short codes because they do not want to pay for dedicated short codes or are new to SMS marketing."]},{"component":"p","children":["Many short code services have used shared short codes for all clients. However, effective June 2021, ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.morningbrew.com/marketing/stories/2021/03/01/att-tmobile-ban-short-code-messaging-means-sms-marketers","target":"_blank","rel":"noopener"},"children":["cellular carriers are banning the use of shared short codes"]},"; the details are provided in their updated messaging guidelines. The goal is to identify and eliminate spam. To continue sending text messages, companies that have been using shared short codes will have to either lease a dedicated short code or purchase a 10-digit phone number for texting purposes."]},{"component":"h3","children":["Dedicated short codes"]},{"component":"p","children":["Dedicated short codes can only be used by one business or brand. Large companies, or companies with a sufficient budget, typically lease a dedicated short code. Companies that need access to any and all possible keywords will also lease a dedicated short code."]},{"component":"p","children":["Companies with a dedicated short code have complete control over the types of text messages that they can send using this number. They do not have to depend on a short code service provider to ensure that a third party's text program complies with the requisite ",{"component":"Link","props":{"href":"https://www.business.com/articles/text-message-laws/"},"children":["laws and regulations"]},"."]},{"component":"p","children":["There are two types of dedicated short codes: random and vanity short codes."]},{"component":"ul","children":[{"component":"li","children":[{"component":"strong","children":["Random short codes:"]}," These five- or six-digit numbers are randomly assigned when you apply for the dedicated short code.",{"component":"br"},{"component":"br"}]},{"component":"li","children":[{"component":"strong","children":["Vanity short codes:"]}," These codes are similar to vanity license plates. You can choose a specific five- or six-digit number when applying for a dedicated short code. The governing body, such as the Common Short Code Administration (CSCA), charges a premium if you choose to maintain a specific dedicated short code, as they tend to be more memorable than random short codes."]}]},{"component":"h3","children":["Geographic restrictions of short codes"]},{"component":"p","children":["You cannot use one short code to send messages across the world, as every country has its own governing body for short codes. For example, the CSCA governs short codes in the United States, while the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association governs short codes in Canada."]},{"component":"p","children":["Since short codes do not work universally, you must acquire a short code in the country where you plan to send or receive messages. You can lease the same short code in multiple countries if that number is available, but you are responsible for the cost of the code in each country."]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"how-to-get-an-sms-short-code"},"children":["How to get an SMS short code"]},{"component":"p","children":["Getting an SMS short code can take eight to 12 weeks. You'll need to follow this process:"]},{"component":"ul","children":[{"component":"li","children":["Determine whether you want a random or vanity short code."]},{"component":"li","children":["Lease a short code from the appropriate short code provider (e.g., CSCA in the U.S.). Codes can only be leased, not purchased."]},{"component":"li","children":["Choose an SMS service provider."]},{"component":"li","children":["Submit short code applications to all individual cellular carriers to request activation of your short code."]},{"component":"li","children":["Wait for every cellular carrier to review and approve your application."]},{"component":"li","children":["Connect the short code to your SMS service and activate your account."]}]},{"component":"h3","children":["Short code compliance"]},{"component":"p","children":["Companies that engage in short code messaging must follow short code rules and best practices. In the U.S., two sets of rules apply to short code text messaging."]},{"component":"ul","children":[{"component":"li","children":[{"component":"strong","children":["CTIA short code compliance:"]}," The Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association is a nonprofit trade association that represents wireless carriers. It develops, maintains, and enforces best practices related to short code text messaging. The CTIA audits SMS short code programs to ensure U.S. companies follow the rules and to protect consumers. It verifies that people have properly opted in to receive messages, that SMS marketing programs use the correct compliance terminology, and that short codes do not violate its guidelines when sending content."]}]},{"component":"ul","children":[{"component":"li","children":[{"component":"strong","children":["TCPA short code compliance:"]}," The Telephone Consumer Protection Act is a set of laws that governs all text messaging in the U.S., including SMS short codes. It focuses on preventing people from receiving spam texts and unwanted phone calls. Companies that fail to comply with these laws can receive severe penalties, including losing their short codes."]}]},{"component":"h3","children":["Restrictions on applications"]},{"component":"p","children":["Most businesses are permitted to get a dedicated short code. However, cellular carriers have rules on what message content is allowed. Text messaging programs that promote content related to sex, hate, alcohol, firearms and tobacco might be prohibited. If a cellular carrier denies your application, you can discuss your options with your SMS short code service."]},{"component":"h3","children":["Short code audit"]},{"component":"p","children":["A cellular carrier or an auditing agency working on behalf of a carrier can conduct a short code audit, which is when it decides to test your short code that does not meet one or more of its basic requirements. The consequences of an audit have varying levels of severity, from the requirement to fix the wording of your call to action to suspension of your short code messaging."]},{"component":"p","children":["Most short code audits are relatively minor and the issues easy to fix. The severity of the short code audit depends on the issue. A minor issue could be forgetting to include opt-out instructions after someone opts in to receive your text messages. A more major issue would be sending content that violates your carrier's guidelines."]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"what-do-sms-short-codes-cost"},"children":["What do SMS short codes cost?"]},{"component":"p","children":["When you lease an SMS short code, you pay for the right to use the short code for the given time period. Fees are typically paid on a quarterly basis."]},{"component":"ul","children":[{"component":"li","children":["Random short codes cost at least $500 per month, while vanity short codes cost at least $1,000 per month (CSCA fee)."]},{"component":"li","children":["You must also pay a connectivity fee to the cellular provider, which is the cost to keep the short code connected; this can range from $50 to $100 per month."]}]},{"component":"p","children":["Some SMS service providers include the cost of a dedicated code in their monthly service fee. They might charge a setup fee or a higher cost per message to cover the connectivity fee."]}]},"resource":null,"sponsorship":{"sponsorType":"no-sponsor","name":null,"thumbnail":null,"bio":null,"slug":null,"status":null,"social":{"website":null,"linkedin":null,"twitter":null,"facebook":null}},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/content/605/cddfe7b43743e348b4567/1500-0-","caption":"whyframestudio / Getty Images","isBlurred":false},"bestPicks":{"title":"The Best Answering Services of 2021","widgetSection":{"__typename":"SectionWidget","widget":{"widgetId":"10094"}},"bestPicksSection":{"__typename":"SectionBestPicks","bestpicks":[{"fullTitle":"Best Overall ","bullets":["Eight pricing plans","Second-to-second billing","14-day free trial"],"isFeaturedBestPick":false,"isJumpLink":true,"tabTitle":"Best Overall","review":{"isReview":true,"adsense":false,"canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/specialty-answering-service/","review":{"fullReview":"

Specialty Answering Service (SAS) is our pick for the best overall answering service. It offers several flexible pricing plans and all of the features we looked for in an answering service as well as inbound and outbound call center services, making it a scalable service that can grow with your company. All calls are answered in its California-based contact center.

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For all of our answering service recommendations, visit our best picks page.

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Pricing

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SAS has eight different pricing plans designed to suit the budgets of small and large businesses. Its rates are competitive for its high-volume packages and somewhat more expensive for its lower-volume plans (but not cost-prohibitive). It offers a pay-as-you-go plan for very low-volume businesses. A 14-day, no-obligation free trial is available for businesses to try before making a buying decision.

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Specialty Answering Service's pricing plans are as follows:

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Service is on a month-to-month basis, with no long-term contracts required. You can change plans on a monthly basis if you expect a spike or dip in call volume. There is a $50 setup fee, but SAS typically waives it if you become a client following the 14-day free trial.

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SAS bills in one-second increments, meaning that you are only charged for the time you use. Many call centers and answering services round up to the nearest six or 12 seconds, and some even round up to the nearest minute. SAS does not round up time and only bills for the time that agents are engaged with your callers on the phone.

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Call Center Features

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When it comes to call center services, Specialty Answering Service met all of our requirements and expectations that we specifically look for. The company offers some useful services that can improve a business's internal processes as well.

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These are some of the most important call center services SAS offers:

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To see all of our call center service recommendations, visit our best picks page.

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Answering Service Features

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SAS provides everything we looked for in an answering service, including around-the-clock live operator phone answering and advanced functions like appointment scheduling. Bilingual support is also available.

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Here's more about the key features SAS offers businesses:

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You can create a custom script that SAS agents use when speaking with your customers. This script can be submitted through the client portal, which is available on any web browser and through the SAS mobile app. The SAS customer service department will help you write the script if you like, and if you need to change the script at any time, the service will work with you to develop an updated script. You can add or remove services through the client portal as well, and all changes display in real time for SAS agents.

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The client portal is also where you can find several reports, allowing you to drill down into your usage and glean important insights about callers. As a client of SAS, you can get detailed reports on data like call volume by geography, which can provide valuable insights into your business. General overviews can be emailed to you at the end of each day. Reports are updated on a call-by-call basis in real time, so you always have access to the most recent data.

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Limitations

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We found few drawbacks with SAS, save for the high cost of its low-volume plans. While the company offers several flexible plans suitable for low-volume businesses, including a pay-as-you-go plan, the plans all cost roughly $1 per minute or more. It's not until the 2,500-minute plan that its per-minute usage rate becomes more competitive with other call centers and answering services we evaluated.

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Customer Service

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The customer service from SAS was among the best we experienced in our review process. We spent a lot of time on the phone with its representatives, who gave us a thorough explanation of the company's services, pricing plans and the onboarding process. They provided several scenarios where a company might benefit from certain services SAS offers, such as third-party verification or dealer-locate services.

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We expressed early in our calls to customer service representatives that we were not ready to make a buying decision. They remained fully engaged and attentive. We never felt pressured to make a purchasing decision or that representatives were disinterested in the questions we had about the company.

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Editor's Note: Is your business looking for a call center service? Fill out the below questionnaire to have our vendor partners contact you about your needs.

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"},"url":"http://www.specialtyansweringservice.net","docType":"service","title":"Specialty Answering Service","thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rev/prod/Specialty_Answering_Service_logo.jpg"},"pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":false,"selected":"widget","widgetId":"10094","widget":{"id":"10094","cta":"Compare Quotes","isExclusive":false},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"http://www.specialtyansweringservice.net","name":""}}}},{"fullTitle":"Best for Small Business","bullets":["Six pricing plans","6-second incremental billing","14-day free trial"],"isFeaturedBestPick":false,"isJumpLink":true,"tabTitle":"Best for Small Business","review":{"isReview":true,"adsense":false,"canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/patlive/","review":{"fullReview":"

PATLive is our pick as the best answering service for small businesses. It checks all the major boxes when it comes to the features we look for in an answering service. The company, based in Tallahassee, Florida, works with clients to tailor its services to meet clients' unique needs. PATLive has a client portal on its website through which customers can view their billing details and call volume. Customers of PATLive can also customize their call script.

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For all of our answering service recommendations, visit our best picks page.

\r\n

Answering Service Features

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PATLive offers all the key features we look for in an answering service, plus, as a client, you have the ability (and flexibility) to customize your script through the client portal.

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Here's more about PATLive's key features:

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Pricing

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PATLive offers a full-featured, 14-day free trial so potential clients can test the service. There is no transfer time or agent work time charged; clients are billed only for the time that PATLive agents are on the phone and engaged with callers. Features and services vary based on the subscription plan you choose. PATLive's pricing plans are as follows:

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PATLive's pricing is posted here. Its per-minute usage rates were among the highest of the answering services we evaluated, ranging from nearly $1 per minute (with its plan that offers the highest number of live answer minutes) to nearly $2 per minute for its plan with the lower number of minutes. The average cost we ascertained, based on the answering services we evaluated, ranged from about 80 cents per minute to $1 per minute. All PATLive plans are billed month-to-month, and there is no penalty for cancellation.

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PATLive bills only for the time its agents spend talking on the phone with your customers. It does not charge for post-call work. After the first minute of each call, PATLive bills in 6-second increments. So, for example, a 1-minute and 6-second call would appear on your bill as \"1.1 minutes.\" Billing in 6-second increments is a common practice in the industry; several other services we evaluated bill in this manner too.

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Limitations

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PATLive's biggest limitation is its high per-minute usage rates, which range from $1 per minute to $2 per minute. Most of the other answering services we looked at featured plans with a per-minute usage rate that was less than $1 per minute, with some as affordable as 79 cents per minute or lower. PATLive's high per-minute usage rates could make it prohibitive to smaller businesses on a tight budget.

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Another limitation of the service is that while PATLive offers all the major features we like to see in an answering service, some features are not available at lower-priced subscription levels. PATLive only allows some features, such as appointment scheduling, order processing and a dedicated account manager, to their higher-priced packages.

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The Standard plan should be enough to accommodate most small businesses' needs, but certain features, like a dedicated account manager, are not available until clients subscribe to the Pro plan.

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Customer Service

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Our customer service experience with PATLive was characterized by extremely friendly conversation and a thorough explanation of PATLive's services, pricing model, and policies. The representative we spoke with was knowledgeable and forthcoming about PATLive and followed up after the call with additional information. We explained to the agent that we were not prepared to make a buying decision; the PATLive representative we spoke with remained fully engaged during the call and never once pushed us to make a purchasing decision.

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Editor's note: Looking for an answering service? We can help you choose the one that's right for you. Use the Compare Quotes button below to have our vendor partners contact you about your needs.

"},"url":"https://www.patlive.com/","docType":"service","title":"PATLive","thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5cd468875a215ec6188b458a/patlive.png"},"pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":true,"selected":"widget","widgetId":"10094","widget":{"id":"10094","cta":"Compare Quotes","isExclusive":false},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://www.patlive.com/","name":""}}}},{"fullTitle":"Best for Budget","bullets":["16 pricing plans","Second-to-second billing","Optional add-ons"],"isFeaturedBestPick":false,"isJumpLink":true,"tabTitle":"Best for Budget","review":{"isReview":true,"adsense":false,"canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/professional-communications-messaging-service/","review":{"fullReview":"

PCMSI is our pick as the best low-cost answering service because of its low-volume plans and incredibly low per-minute rates. With several tiered plans that range from 60 minutes to 4,000 minutes per month and rates as low as 55 cents per minute, PCMSI is an exceptionally cost-effective solution. PCMSI agents handle all calls through the company's office in Erie, Pennsylvania.

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For all of our answering service recommendations, visit our best picks page.

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Answering Service Features

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PCMSI offers several types of services for businesses. It met all of the features we look for in an answering service and then some. Here's more about PCMSI's key services and features:

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If your business is in the healthcare sector, PCMSI offers HIPAA-compliant services and encryption. Other features include employee call-out lines, emergency dispatching and event registration. Services are all flexible based on your business's needs and can be set up with a PCMSI account manager.

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Pricing

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PCMSI offers four different tiers of plans. It's Business and Enterprise plans offer some of the lowest rates among the answering services we evaluated. The Enterprise plan of 4,000 minutes per month has a rate of just over 55 cents per minute. Even the mid-tier plan is an affordable option for businesses on a budget. Overage fees for each plan are 75 cents per minute, which was on the low end compared to other answering services we evaluated.

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Starter Plans:

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Professional Plans:

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Business Plans:

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Enterprise Plans:

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Add-ons:

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There is an additional fee for some other services. Here's more about those services and their related fees:

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PCMSI bills in 1-second increments, which means there is no rounding up in terms of minutes used. If a call lasts for 1 minute and 5 seconds, clients are billed for 65 seconds. The industry standard is to bill in 6-second increments. PCMSI stands out in this regard. It also does not charge for post-call work time, meaning that you only pay for the time agents are on the phone with callers.

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There is a one-time setup fee of $35, which was low, too, compared to the setup fees other answering services we assessed charge. You'll need to remit a deposit for the first and last month of service. After that, you are billed each month for your plan plus any overage fees incurred. All calls are recorded and stored for review if needed.

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Limitations

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A major limitation of PCMSI is that there isn't a client portal on its website that you can access to view monthly usage information, call details, or to customize your call script. As a client of PCMSI, you can set up email and text message notifications to receive the information typically available to you through a portal; however, that information isn't available to you at a moment's notice.

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The representative we spoke with told us a client portal could be coming soon, but at the time this review was written, no portal was available.

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A second limitation is that if you need to make any changes to your script, you'll need to call or email the company and coordinate with them to implement those changes.

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Customer Service

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Our customer service experience with PCMSI was exceptional. We spoke with a knowledgeable representative who patiently walked us through their services and explained their billing structure. The representative was friendly and thorough, offering us insights into billing policies like second increments, deposits and setup fees. After requesting a follow-up email with more information, the representative quickly reached out and followed up multiple times to see if we had any additional questions. Even after we explained we were only in the research stage and wouldn't be making a buying decision, he remained engaged and attentive and was never pushy.

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Editor's note: Looking for an answering service? We can help you choose the one that's right for you. Use the Compare Quotes button below to have our vendor partners contact you about your needs.

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BPO American is our best pick for a customizable answering service. It offers both answering services and call center services, as well as a unique instant activation option that can get you up and running on the same day you sign up. BPO American has six different pricing plans for various call volumes and can develop custom packages for clients with specific needs. It also offers a three-day, full-featured free trial following instant activation.

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For all our answering service recommendations, visit our best picks page.

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Pricing

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BPO American offers six main answering service plans, starting at $29 per month and topping out at $369 per month. Custom packages are available for clients with more specific needs. There is no setup fee for answering services, and all plans run month to month with no penalty for cancellation. These are BPO American's answering service plans:

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Call center services require a special quote from a company sales representative and a $750 setup fee. For our hypothetical business, we required about 6,000 minutes of call center services per month, which BPO American offered at a competitive rate of 80 cents per minute. Including the $750 setup fee (which covers scripting, agent training and technology setup), the total initial cost came to $5,500. Unused minutes roll over month to month and never expire, unless you are inactive for six months. All service is month to month and can be canceled with no fees.

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BPO American bills in one-second increments, which means it never rounds calls up to the nearest minute and you only pay for the time you use. This is superior to the industry standard of six-second billing increments.

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We were also offered a monthly billing option, which demanded less upfront expense but charged a higher per-minute rate. That option included a monthly minimum of $2,000 for 2,105 minutes, plus the $750 setup fee. The per-minute rate came to a high 95 cents.

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Call Center Features

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BPO American's call center features expand on the answering service to include complaint handling and full-scale customer service. Call center agents can also make outbound calls on your company's behalf and engage in market research such as surveys and polls. These are some of BPO American's key call center services:

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For all our call center service recommendations, visit our best picks page.

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Answering Service Features

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BPO American offers an easy-to-use instant activation service, with an online tool that automatically builds out a script based on how you fill out a series of required fields. You can immediately get up and running with the instant activation, which allows for basic answering services. You can add on other common services like appointment setting, live web chat and order taking. All calls are answered by BPO American agents in the company's South Carolina-based call center.

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Limitations

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BPO American's call center services require a relatively steep setup fee, which can make upfront costs a bit high. However, setup fees depend on the complexity of your needs, so more straightforward businesses might find that BPO American's setup fee is lower than the one in the proposal we received for our hypothetical business.

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The answering services do not include call recording, which is an $89 monthly charge on top of the monthly subscription and a one-time setup fee of $100. Services like live web chat and email management are not included in the subscription price either, so you'd need to pay extra if you want them.

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Customer Service

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Our customer service experience with BPO American was positive. While the representative we worked with was not overly friendly, he was extremely helpful and responsive, and he followed up with additional information immediately upon request. We received a detailed proposal that the representative walked us through, but he never pushed us to make a buying decision. Even after we expressed that we were not yet ready to subscribe to a service, he remained fully engaged and helpful in each of our interactions. He broke down the pricing model and explained clearly when additional fees would be incurred if we added on services such as call recording and detailed monthly reports.

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Editor's Note: Is your business looking for a call center service? Fill out the below questionnaire to have our vendor partners contact you about your needs.

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