FAQ
1. How much does SMS Text Messaging in Elexio Database cost?
It is FREE to all US-based mobile phones. It costs 6 cents per message sent to non-US phones. Your church will be billed monthly and your payment method on file will be charged automatically.
2. Can people opt out of receiving all texts from the church?
Yes. Individuals can either reply to any text message from the church and send the word "Stop" or the church staff can access the People, General Info screen in Database and check the box, "Opt out of Mass Text Messages" for the selected person.
*note - when a church staff member selects the "Opt out of text message" option, they will receive a pop up confirmation. When "yes" is selected, the only way for the individual to opt back into text messaging is to text "Elexio Start" to the Elexio SMS service - 30131 - from their personal mobile device.
3. Can we be notified when someone opts out?
Not at this time. However, you can see who's opted out before sending each text.
4. Do we need to tag all the mobile numbers with their carrier (AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, etc.)?
No. Elexio sends real SMS Text Messages, not "fake" messages via email.
5. Can people reply to our mass texts?
Not presently. If people reply to the message they will receive a reply that says, "We didn't understand your message. Reply HELP for help or STOP stop all messages."
6. Does the mobile number need to be in the communications area?
Yes. And it should be tagged using the system code called "Mobile" or else the number will not be used.
7. What does a message look like when it is received? Who does it say it is from?
See the sample message above. Elexio uses a shortcode of 30131 to send messages. This is the number all your people will see. So you might want to tell them to save a new contact record in their phone with your church's name using this number.
8. Can our church have a unique shortcode number or use a phone number instead?
No. Every number used for SMS has to go through a thorough vetting process in order to identify who is sending text messages. This is very costly, especially for businesses who send a lot of texts. Elexio pays thousands of dollars a month for this unique shortcode on your behalf.
9. Will recipients be charged for receiving texts?
This depends on the policy of the recipient's phone provider. Most phones today are not charged for receiving texts. However, you should be sensitive about this and listen carefully to your people's requests to limit the amount you send out or at least help them opt out of receiving messages.
10. How does a user Opt back In to receive text messages?
To comply with spam regulations, a mobile number cannot be opted back in from Database.
If the mobile user has the text message that they opted out through, they can reply "Elexio Start" to opt back in. If they do not have that text, they can simply send a new text of "Elexio Start" to 30131.
They may also uncheck the box in their Portal info area to opt back in.
11. Can we send a text message if we are running an offline copy of Elexio Database?
No. You are only able to send text messages when your database is online. If you "send" a text message while you are offline, it will not actually go through until you sync your data.
We recommend using an online database to send mass texts or to sync right after creating / "sending" a mass text.