Frequently Asked Questions?

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Q: What is a Text Message (SMS)?
Text message or SMS stands for “Short Message Service”. The short portion of the term comes from the fact that messages have a maximum length of 160 characters. Text messages are not email and are sent and received on cell phones. Synonymous terms are Texting, TXT, SMS, and Text Message. One message to one recipient is equal to one credit used. If you send one message to 50 different cell phones at the same time, that would be 50 credits.

Q: What is the difference between Express & Standard Delivery Texts?
Express delivery messages are sent through the phone lines using our 5-digit 41513 dedicated short code (phone number) that is directly connected to all the major cell phone carriers. Deliverability rates are extremely reliable, and your messages are received with minimal delay to all your subscribers. Express delivery speed and reliability is comparable to sending a text message from one cell phone to another.

Standard messages are sent out through the Internet using SMTP technology, rather than directly through the phone lines. Deliverability rates are for the most part consistent but can be unpredictable. Standard messages are NOT supported by the carriers and are dependant upon factors such as carrier server speed, web traffic, wireless carriers' network delays / downtime, cell site malfunctions, and SPAM filters. These factors can lead to delays and/or dropped messages and causes standard messages to be less reliable than express delivery messages.

Therefore, QUIEXT SMS does NOT offer standard text delivery services. Providers that do offer this service can do so at a cheaper rate than express SMS, but you never know when or if they will be delivered. Please beware if you find a provider offering very cheap SMS as they are very likely offering using SMTP delivery. If it is cheap and doesn't work, it is NOT a good deal!

Q: What is A Short Code?
A short code is a 5 to 6 digit number that is commonly accepted by major carriers as a number that you can send text messages to. Think of a short code as an abbreviated phone number. Instead of sending keywords to a long 10 digit phone number, you can send your keyword to a short code that is less to type and easier to remember.

Q: What is A Keyword?
A keyword is a unique term of letters or numbers typically 5 to 7 characters in length that identifies you within our short code of 41513. Customers text keywords to 41513 to join lists or trigger an information request. Each business on the QUIEXT SMS system has their own keyword/s, and they promote these keywords along with our short code to get people to join their list/s. For example, when the keyword "RCLanes" is sent as a message to the short code 41513, the cell phone number of the person sending the message is logged by the system and then added to the list of customers for Ross Cottom Lanes. The business can then keep customers informed, as the center broadcasts short text messages out to their list regarding news about promotions, food, or drink specials.

Q: How Do Keywords Work?
You pick the keyword you want to use to identify you on our short code (41513). As long as nobody else is using that keyword you can use it as long as you like. If you do not get the keyword you want, you can keep checking as keywords come available from time to time. You can pick any combination of numbers or letters 5 to 7 characters long.

When someone sends your keyword as a text message to 41513 you have a variety of options. You set the system to respond in a variety of ways. You can send a reply message, you can add them to a list, or you can forward the message to your cell phone or email. Or any combination of these things.

Q: What Phones can Receive Text Messages?
Most all cell phones since 2000 are equipped to send and receive cell phone messages. Nearly all cell phone carriers offer text message service.

Q: Can I Have Any Keyword I Want? Are There Any Limitations?
As long as nobody else is using that keyword, then it’s yours for as long as you want to keep it.

Q: What Is The Advantage of Using Text Messaging?
Text Messages are a brief, effective, inexpensive means of communication. Most people carry their cellular phones with them wherever they go, so unlike email, text messages can reach people when they are away from their desks and at times that are most appropriate to send them. Texting is also less intrusive then a phone call, and is nearly instantaneous in delivery. It’s estimated that 96% of all text messages are read. As a business we are lucky to get our email delivered properly, much less read. The best advantage is that it will grow your business like fire, and your list will become one of the most valuable assets you own.

Q. I Don't Have Cell Phone Numbers For My Customers, What Can I Do?
Nobody has database of cell phone numbers when they first start out. You will grow your list by inviting people to join for updates on events, specials, various points of interest. Studies from MMA (Mobile Marketing Association) say that 84% of those with cell phones want to be on lists of the businesses or establishments they frequent in person or online. There are multiple ways to grow your list, and we will provide you with information specifically designed for your type of business or organization.

Q: Do You Charge A Setup Fee?

No, any setup fees are currently being waived at this time.

Q: Are There Any Hidden Fees?
NO. The only fees associated with your account will be for the monthly access fee based on your particular package, additional credits you purchase, or additional keyword subscription fees.

Q. If I Run Out of Message Credits, Can I Purchase More?
Yes. You can purchase additional credits from within your account dashboard. When you purchase message credits from your QUIEXT SMS account dashboard, your cost per single message will vary depending on quantity being purchased. Available quantities and pricing are clearly shown before your purchase.

Q: Am I Required To Sign A Monthly Contract?
NO. There are NO contracts with QUIEXT SMS. We do request a 30 day notification of cancellation prior to the next billing cycle.

Q: Do My Credits Expire At The End Of The Month?
We have plan packages available that provide for unlimited rollover of message credits as well as standard packages where credits do not rollover from month to month. Typically, the lower priced packages do not provide rollover.

Q: Do You Charge Any Monthly Fees?
We only charge the monthly subscription fee based on the package you selected when you signed up. Any other fees would only be incurred if you opt to add additional services or buy additional credits.

Q: How Long May I Save My Purchased Credits?
On 'Diamond Level' account packages that provide for rollover, your credits will remain in your account until you either use them or until the account is ever deactivated. Unused credits expire after one month on other packages.

Q: Are Incoming Text Messages Free?
Yes. We do not charge you for incoming text messages. However we do charge a single credit for any automated reply message that goes out as a result of receiving an incoming message.

Q: Does My Carrier (or my contact's carrier) Charge For Text Messages On Their Cell Phones? All carrier charges apply and vary according to carrier and text message packages.

Q: Can I Receive Replies to The Group Text Messages That I Send?
Yes. They will be delivered to your QUIEXT SMS inbox for free. You can also choose to forward your replies to your cell phone or your email address.

Q: Can I Send a A Single Text Message?
Yes. You can select a single cell phone or a group of numbers.

Q: How Do I Purchase More Credits?
When logged into your account dashboard you will have the option of purchasing additional credits with your credit card or PayPal account. We accept PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Your credit card information is never stored or revealed to us, only PayPal merchant services will ever handle your billing information.

Q: How Many Characters May I Include In a Text Message?
Unlike email which is an unlimited number of characters, SMS texting is limited to 160 characters. As a result, many common abbreviations have become generally accepted.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Deliver a Text Message?
Normally,  text messages are delivered in just seconds to a few minutes. Some short delays may be experienced during peak hours.

Q: Does QUIEXT SMS limit the number of SMS messages I can send?
No. You can send as many as you pay for. However, it is important that what you send be relevant and of value. All messages sent from our system must be in line with the Anti-Spam policy.

Q: How Come Some Of My Contacts Did Not Receive a Message That I Sent Them?
Some prepaid cell phones my have issues preventing them from receiving messages due to a low balance or other reasons. Also, check to make sure that the carrier is on our certified carrier list. Other reasons may include full memory on the persons cell phone, or that they do not subscribe to message service . Other reasons include out of network or a wrong number.

Q: Do I Pay For Text Messages That My Recipients Do Not Receive?
Yes. We charge for every message we send on your behalf because we are charged for the attempt as well. If your recipients opted-in using our system, there should not be any network or carrier reasons why a message is not delivered.

Q: Where is My Data Stored?
Your data is securely stored on our back end servers. The data is frequently backed up in case of system failure. No one else has access to your data except you. There is an export function within your account dashboard which can be utilized to backup your data. You can export your data at any time.

Q: Who Owns My Data?
You data is owned by you. You can export your data and take it with you anytime if you decide to leave. No one will contact your list without your direct consent.

Q: Can I Use a Database I Already Have?

YES. If you already have a database of contacts, you can import them into your groups from your account dashboard. As long everyone on your list has consented to received texts from you, there is no reason not to use your existing database.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Get Started?
Each account is approved, then set up on our end manually. Normally, the process doesn't take long and you can be using your account quickly. You will be contacted either by phone or email once your account is activated, and be provided  with login information and instructions. You are then ready to log into your account and use all the features.

Q: Do I Need to Posses Any Technical Knowledge/Skills?
Not at all. If you can send email or login to the system with your username and password you have already qualified yourself as being able to run this system. It is very simple and straight forward. There are demonstration videos on almost every page of your dashboard in case you have a question about a particular function.

Q: In What Areas Does QUIEXT SMS Work?
QUIEXT SMS sends messages to any cell phones in the 50 United states including Alaska and Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and Canada. You do not need to be in these areas to have an account and market to customers in these areas.

Q: Will You Send Your Own Ads to My Contacts?
No. Your contacts are kept strictly confidential. We do not rent, lend, trade, sell or release your contacts to any third parties, nor do we use them ourselves. It is your data and only your data.

Q: Can I Collect Numbers On My Website?
Yes. We can provide you with the code to place on your web site, MySpace or email to collect phone numbers automatically.

Q. Will My Billing and Credit Card Information Be Safe?
Yes! All subscriptions and billing are securely handled by PayPal. Your credit card and billing information will never be held by us, and will ONLY be stored with PayPal.

Q. Can I Reserve My Keyword Even If I Do Not Continue My Subscription?
No. You must continue your subscription to reserve your keyword.

Q. Does My Subscription Provide Message Credits For My Account?
Your subscription fee has a corresponding number of credits, which will be added to your account each month. In the case of Diamond level accounts, you only purchase and add message credits when needed.