5STAR

What is the value to my business?

Americans read over 90% of text messages within 3 minutes of receipt. Additionally text messages have a final read rate of 98%! Using text messages is proven, immediate and inexpensive means of communication directly with your customers.

 

What are the 5 most used ways that a business can use 5 STAR?

• Promote an incentive (20% off this Tuesday)

• Communicate an event or announcement (The new products have arrived! Octoberfest next weekend!)

• Provide a status to your customer (Your order is ready to pick up)

• Secure a survey of your service or products (How did we do today?)

• Build a personalized, actionable and dynamic list of your customers. (Happy birthday!)

 

How many messages do I have access to each month?

You can send up to 1500 messages each month to your customer list.

 

Can all phones receive text messages?

Nearly all phones purchased in the last ten years are capable of sending and receiving text messages.

 

Can I upload my existing customer list?

5 STAR allows a quick and easy upload of your customer names, addresses and cell phones number. The entire process takes less than 2 minutes!

 

Can I text to individual customers?

Yes. 5 STAR can be used on an individual basis to insure wide-ranging personalization for your customers.

 

Can 5 STAR be used to send group/bulk text messages?

Yes. We allow you to create, sort and save your contact lists enabling targeted group/bulk messages with the click of a button.

 

Can messages be scheduled to go out at a later date?

Yes. A single message or a group of messages can be scheduled and sent at anytime in the future.

 

Can I create repeating messages for specific customers?

Yes. Messages can be scheduled to repeat as needed. For example a business can schedule a text reminder every 30 days for a recurring appointment.

 

Can links be added to a message?

Yes. When composing a text message, any specific link or url can be included.

 

Can pictures or coupons be included?

No. Texts are currently limited to alpha-numeric messages which can include links to a picture or coupon info you want to communicate.

 

How is 5 STAR different from the competition?

Aggressive pricing, an extensive list of features, safeguards for compliance and an huge number of monthly messages (up to 1500) make 5 STAR unique.

 

How difficult is 5 STAR to set up and begin using?

Create or import a customer list, select a customized keyword and a business can be ready to send messages in minutes!

 

What is the process once someone decides to use 5 STAR?

After you confirm your account, use the document that details the list of steps to get started. You can begin texting almost immediately!

 

What type of reporting is provided to the customer?

All customers have access to the 5 STAR reporting which provides a historical record providing the ‘who, what and when’ of all text messages and campaigns issued. You can even see a message history for a specific customer.

 

What if I have a question or problem with the platform?

The 5 STAR system is proven and has been created to be as intuitive as possible, so we hope you wont have any! Customers with questions will have access to an extensive online help guide and access to quick response email support from your contact.

 

How much do text messages cost to send using 5 STAR?

Your account provides 1500 text messages included at no additional expense each month.

 

What happens if I go over this number of messages? Can I buy more?

The messages included with your account should be more than sufficient for most businesses. The standard allotment should be plenty! For additional messages beyond the allotment, just email your contact.

 

How much are my customers charged for charge incoming text messages?

Nothing. There is no charge for incoming text messages.

 

How long can the text messages be?

SMS messages are not really limited by characters., however a good rule of thumb is keeping the text to no more than 200 characters. This includes numbers, spaces, symbols, and punctuation.

 

How do I collect customers phone numbers?

Any customer responding to your keyword message will automatically be added to your ‘opt-in’ list.

 

Can I collect numbers on my website?

Yes. We provide you with an HTML signup widget that you can place on your website, Facebook page, and email templates

 

What is a Keyword?

A Keyword is a unique term (letters and/or numbers) that customers associate with your business and can use to communicate with you via a short code. A restaurant may use its name as a keyword (ROMA) or a product (PIZZA)

 

How do Keywords work?

For example, if you select a keyword (such as "PIZZA"), we will set up on our shared short code 5 STAR (5 7 8 2 7). Customers can then send a message containing the Keyword PIZZA to 5 STAR (57827) to automatically join your customer opt-in list. Our software will automatically respond to them, with a customizable message confirming that they have joined ("opted-in" to) your group SMS list. From this point forward they can be included into promotions & notifications as you determine.

 

What is a Short Code?

A short code is a five- or six-digit number to which text messages can be sent from a mobile phone. Wireless subscribers send text messages to short codes and can access a wide variety of mobile content. Common short codes are easy to remember and are compatible across all participating carriers.

 

Who owns my data and where is it stored?

You own your data. We will never contact the people on your lists, nor send them any texts. We will never do anything with your data other than protect it.

 

Where does 5 STAR Work?

5 STAR works in the United States including Alaska and Hawaii.

 

Can I collect numbers on my website?

Yes. We provide you with an HTML signup widget that you can place on your website, Facebook page, and email templates.

 

What compliance rules should I be aware of?

If you have secured your opt-in list carefully, allow customers to opt-out at will and only message your customers once or twice a month, you are in full compliance with the law.

 

What are the rules concerning SMS messaging and how do I avoid getting in trouble?

Businesses using text messaging must have the ability to prove consent from recipients. Using keywords to build your opt-in is the best method. Please note, you cannot simply message a list of people without 'opt-in' permission. The 5STAR system also, always gives recipients the ability to ‘opt-out’ to protect you. Remember when soliciting customers to join your opt-in list, you should state, “Message and data rates may apply”.