SMS Collection

This article discusses how to implement SMS Collection. To learn more about SMS Collection and its features, click here. 

Setting the SMS Number

The number from which your solicitations will originate is a long code number with a customizable area code. This number can send to 200 unique users per day, a limit that ensures deliverability. If needed, you can request additional numbers to increase the amount of texts you can send in a day.

Collecting Phone Numbers

PowerReviews supports three methods for gathering information for SMS Collection. The method you use will be consistent with how you are currently providing Order Data to PowerReviews:

• Checkout Beacon
• Auto File Upload
• Manual File Upload

Checkout Beacon

When collecting via the Checkout Beacon, the checkout form will include an opt-in field for customers to provide their information, as well as a check box to confirm their agreement for PowerReviews to text them. Proving this consent is a requirement. This collects the two new parameters required for SMS Collection:

• userPhone: '<555-555-5555>'
• smsOptin: true

var orderFeed: {
	merchantGroupId: '<Merchant Group ID>'
	merchantId: '<Merchant ID>'
	locale: '<Locale>'
	merchantUserId: '<Customer ID>'
	userEmail: '<Customer Email Address>'
	userFirstName: '<Customer First Name>'
	userLastName: '<Customer Last Name>'
	orderId: '<Order ID>'
	orderItems: [<Order Array>]
	userPhone: '<555-555-5555>'
	smsOptIn: true
    marketingOptIn: true
}

The format of how the number is sent will be normalized from PowerReviews, whether you send 10 or 11 digits. If sending 11 digits, the first digit must be '1.'

When the Checkout Beacon is processed, it will queue an opt-in text message solicitation to the customer and save their contact information. Getting a double opt-in is a requirement. It ensures that the person who provided the number is the owner of that number, and limits user errors (ie., entering the wrong phone number or an old phone number). There is limited flexibility in the customization of the text message. It is limited to 160 characters due to legal constraints, and the default message is as follows:

I agree to receive product feedback requests via texts from PowerReviews regarding purchases from <Your Business Here>. Reply YES to opt-in. STOP to opt-out.

If there is no response to the text message within 24 hours, an email will be sent to the customer instead to solicit a review.

Auto File Upload and Manual File Upload

If you are providing phone numbers associated to each customer via an automated Order Feed file upload, the opt-in messages will be queued whenever your Order Feed is processed, typically once a day. If you are providing this same information via a manual Order Feed file upload, your customers will automatically receive an opt-in message from PowerReviews.

Note: Opt-in messages for both Checkout Beacon and Auto and Manual File Uploads are not part of the monthly cap on texts sent. Additionally, these messages can only be sent between 1pm-7pm Central Time in accordance with the TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act).

Manual Upload Required Fields:

Collecting Reviews

The review collection then takes place, as follows:

1. The queued SMS is sent during the permitted hours (1pm-7pm Central Time)

• Monthly SMS limits and contact subscriptions are enforced
• Messages stay within the limit of 160 characters
• The Write-a-Review or Review Your Purchases (RYP) link is made into a short link, similar to the following: https://pwrvw.com/, and sent

2. The shortened link is live for 3-4 weeks, but will expire when clicked
3. Once the form is filled out, the WAR/RYP submission is marked as collected by source=SMS