Messaging
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      SMS - Introduction

      Use SMS to stay connected with your customers. With high open rates, SMS ensures your messages are always seen.

      Class Manger offers an efficient SMS feature for communicating with your customers. SMS boasts high open rates, making it an excellent method to ensure timely delivery of important messages.

      📝 SMS availability varies by region, and charges may apply based on your location.

      If SMS is not available in your region, a warning will appear when you attempt to add credits or send a message. In this case, reach out to our team - we might be able to add support for your region.

      SMS is charged at an additional rate which varies by location. At Class Manager, we have tried our hardest to ensure we work with the best providers and bring you the lowest SMS prices in comparison with our competitors.

      Why Use SMS?

      SMS is a powerful communication tool to quickly grab your customers' attention. Unlike email, where messages can often go unread, most people check their SMS immediately. This makes SMS ideal for urgent updates, such as class cancellations or reminders about unpaid invoices.

      📝
      Replies: SMS messages sent via Class Manager cannot be replied to.

      Sender Name: In certain regions, we can set up a custom sender name (up to 11 characters), allowing your message to appear from "YOURSCHOOL" on your customers' phones.

      Getting Started with SMS

      Setting up SMS messaging in Class Manager involves several key steps:

      • Purchasing SMS credits

      • Enabling SMS for customer phone numbers

      • Sending an SMS

      Purchasing SMS credits

      To begin using SMS, you need to purchase credits. Here's how:

      1. Click < to the right of Settings.
      2. In the expanded menu click Account and then select SMS Credits.
      3. On this page, you'll see your remaining credits and the option to purchase more.
      4. When you select Buy Credits, you'll be taken to a page displaying the pricing based on your location. SMS credits are offered at lower rates when purchased in larger quantities.

      You can also review your purchase and usage history under the History tab.

      Enabling SMS for customer phone numbers

      Class Manager allows you to store a variety of phone numbers for customers, staff, and contacts. However, not all numbers need to receive SMS messages - such as landlines or emergency contacts.

      By default, phone numbers are not enabled to receive SMS messages. You can enable SMS for specific customers or contacts by following these steps:

      1. Click < to the right of Settings.
      2. In the expanded menu click Company and then select Information to enable SMS by default for all phone numbers.

      To enable SMS for an individual customer:

      1. Click < to the right of Customers.
      2. In the expanded menu click View All.
      3. Find and select the customer profile.
      4. Click Edit, and then check or uncheck the Receives SMS box.
      5. Save your changes.

      This setting is also available under Customer > Contacts and for staff members.

      📝 Number Formatting:

      When entering phone numbers, ensure they are in the correct format with the appropriate country prefix (e.g., UK: +447812345678). Class Manager will attempt to auto-correct any incorrectly formatted numbers, but if you notice an issue, please reach out to our team for assistance.

      Sending SMS Messages

      Once SMS is set up, sending messages is straightforward. If you're familiar with the email messaging system in Class Manager, the process will feel similar.

      1. Click < to the right of Messages.
      2. In the expanded menu click Create SMS.
      3. Use the Group Search feature to select recipients by class, season, or individual.
      4. Compose your message in the creation window.
      5. Click Send once you're happy or if you want to save the draft and return later, select Save.

      Before sending, you can check how many SMS credits your message will require. 

      How Much Does It Cost?

      Each SMS can contain up to 140 characters. If your message exceeds this limit, it will use additional credits.

      Example:

      • 30 recipients, 102 characters = 30 credits
      • 10 recipients, 202 characters = 20 credits

      You can see the number of credits needed at the bottom left of the message window. 

      SMS costs vary by country, and we work to ensure competitive pricing. 

      UK: £0,05 - 0,07 ea

      Ireland: €0,10 - 0,15 ea

      France: €0,07 - 0,10 ea

      Germany: €0,16 - 0,20 ea

      Switzerland: €0.10-0,14 ea

      USA: $0,02- 0,25 ea

      Australia: $AUD 0,08 - 0,12 ea

      Canada: C$0,08 - 0,12 ea

      New Zealand: NZD$0,27-0,34 ea

      South Africa: $0,04-0,08 ea

      Senegal: $0,14 -0,28 ea

      Costs are influenced by local network providers, and the more credits you purchase, the lower the price per message.

       

      Class Manager's SMS feature offers a reliable way to reach your customers quickly, with no worry of unread messages. Whether you're sending reminders, urgent class updates, or chasing unpaid invoices, SMS is a powerful tool in your communication strategy. Get started today and take advantage of this high-engagement method to enhance customer interaction.