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Unread 29th Nov 2011, 09:48 AM   #51
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Re: New way to sell SMS, any thoughts?
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Originally Posted by SherylS View Post

Here's my idea - when the buyer is finishing up his paperwork, the F&I manager can have the buyer TEXT in MYNEWCAR or JEEP or CHARGER (etc). Now the dealership is developing a database of ACTUAL customers and not just leads. This is an opportunity for you to upsell them into a SMS monthly package too. The dealership can save money on the postage, and send coupons out via text, I know my husband and I both delete or unsubscribe almost every email that we get. The one catch I see, is if the buyer doesn't do the final text... now the dealer will need to sweeten the pot for them to opt-in. Have the dealership offer the buyer his first oil change free or a tire rotation, that is a quick and inexpensive service, but important to a new car buyer. Perhaps the buyer must opt-in in front of the F&I manager, and then he can give him a gift certificate for the free oil change. Now the dealership is only out the expense of the oil change if the buyer redeems the gift certificate. Last year 27% of all gift cards went unused.

Now you can track and compare the opt-in numbers from the "actual sales opt-ins" against the "lead opt-ins". (Catch?- if they use a different cell number for the second opt-in- which most would not do unless they were using a spouses or got a new number.)

Thoughts?
Great idea Sheryl, two separate SMS campaigns for one car lot!

I kinda like the idea of just asking for them to text the shortcode and only offer an incentive if they're refusing to text in.

Maybe, if it is not such a big job just offer to do an oil change there and then if they do the opt in. Infact don't all car dealers to these small, easy jobs to all of their cars as they acquire them? Either way, if they do some kind of service before they drive away, or give out a coupon in exchange for their mobile number they should get a good number of opt ins.
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Unread 29th Nov 2011, 06:10 PM   #52
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I want to charge per car, but I am not sure will the owners pay for that. If I charged $20 per car, it would cost them $2000 for 100 cars. It is a lot of investment all at once.

For charging per lead, business owners don't need to pay anything upfront until they got leads. I think it will be easier to sell.

I just mailed out some sale letters to 8 local car dealers. Hopefully, I would get some response.

BTW, love this thread!! A lot of great info!!

Originally Posted by JToneyUK View Post

NameThatCandy - Check out my post at #33 for what my plan of attack is. It's based on providing a mobile page for each car and charging per car initially and then per update (when one car gets sold, the page gets updated with a new car they bring in). My only worry is if the owner is willing to lose £30-50 per sale in order to have a QR code and text number on the car on the off chance someone stops by after hours and is interested. Theoretically it sounds like a good system, but then again when are business owners ever theoretical?
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Unread 30th Nov 2011, 04:34 AM   #53
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Originally Posted by NameThatCandy View Post

For charging per lead, business owners don't need to pay anything upfront until they got leads. I think it will be easier to sell.

I just mailed out some sale letters to 8 local car dealers. Hopefully, I would get some response.

BTW, love this thread!! A lot of great info!!
Yeah the initial investment could be a big ask, but think about it, they are only losing $20 per car! But if your service means that they shift an extra 4 or 5 a month, that initial investment will be repaid by just the sale of 1 car, probably with a profit on top.

The initial investment seems heavy, but those cars may not be sold for months.

It could be seen as a risk for a dealer to invest so much up front, but you want the people who are risk takers or who want to stand out from the crowd.

I might go for a strategy whereby for the first month charge them per lead, as a trial to see if it will be worthwhile and thereafter pay per car page/update.
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Unread 30th Nov 2011, 10:20 AM   #54
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Originally Posted by NameThatCandy View Post

hi there,

thanks for the detail reply!

I have more questions, when do you get paid? Because you charge per lead, you won't know how many leads you generate.

You said you use txt180, I remember that they charge $2 per each keyword a month, so your cost are very high. If the carlot has 100 cars, it will cost you $200 just for keywords a month.

I am thinking to charge per car. But don't know how much to charge.

Thanks again!
They do normally charge $2 per keyword (I've worked a deal with them for generic keywords) and at that it is still profitable. With 100 cars at $200 and generates about 60 leads at my $15 per lead (which I now believe I can increase to about $25) and I also pay for the signage which is about $150-$200 on 100 cars and messages that costs me about $10, leaves me with $500 profit. I am only paying $1 per keyword now and am working with txt180 to save me even more on that cost.
I think it would be harder to sell it as a per car charge especially when the dealers love hearing "you only pay for what you get". If you give the per car a try I would be very interested in hearing how that goes for you...I'm always looking for an edge.
b

Almost forgot...I meet with the GM or Sales Manager 30 days after the signage is complete and collect the check then. They already have the emails of all of the leads and I bring in a print out of the leads to confirm with them. (I have only done this with my buddy thus far as I have not yet had to collect on any of the other lots so this is how I intend on it going)

Last edited on 30th Nov 2011 at 10:24 AM. Reason: added comment
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Unread 30th Nov 2011, 11:28 AM   #55
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Cool that you can make a deal with txt180, do you still need to pay for the setup fee $5 per keyword? I was thinking to go with txt180, coz the initial investment is cheaper than the other platform, but only thing stop me is they charge per keyword. Avidmobile offers unlimited keywords, and they charge $119 a month, I think you will save a lot of $$ and make more profit. Just you have to pay $99 set up fee.

After I did all the maths, I think I will go with "charge per lead", not per car. I think it is easier to sell.

Regard to the signage, what kind of sign do you offer? How big is the sign?

thanks again

Originally Posted by BKH View Post

They do normally charge $2 per keyword (I've worked a deal with them for generic keywords) and at that it is still profitable. With 100 cars at $200 and generates about 60 leads at my $15 per lead (which I now believe I can increase to about $25) and I also pay for the signage which is about $150-$200 on 100 cars and messages that costs me about $10, leaves me with $500 profit. I am only paying $1 per keyword now and am working with txt180 to save me even more on that cost.
I think it would be harder to sell it as a per car charge especially when the dealers love hearing "you only pay for what you get". If you give the per car a try I would be very interested in hearing how that goes for you...I'm always looking for an edge.
b

Almost forgot...I meet with the GM or Sales Manager 30 days after the signage is complete and collect the check then. They already have the emails of all of the leads and I bring in a print out of the leads to confirm with them. (I have only done this with my buddy thus far as I have not yet had to collect on any of the other lots so this is how I intend on it going)
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Unread 30th Nov 2011, 11:56 AM   #56
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Originally Posted by NameThatCandy View Post

Cool that you can make a deal with txt180, do you still need to pay for the setup fee $5 per keyword? I was thinking to go with txt180, coz the initial investment is cheaper than the other platform, but only thing stop me is they charge per keyword. Avidmobile offers unlimited keywords, and they charge $119 a month, I think you will save a lot of $$ and make more profit. Just you have to pay $99 set up fee.

After I did all the maths, I think I will go with "charge per lead", not per car. I think it is easier to sell.

Regard to the signage, what kind of sign do you offer? How big is the sign?

thanks again
I am a member of Jack Mize's Mobile X-factor Club ($47/mo) and he uses Avid mobile. We get a forum, training, fliers/brochures, 1,500 texts and the kitchen sink. I am not sure if it is open, but I believe it is now $97/mo, still a great deal. Better than Avid and you get a training/forum.

@BKH You might want to look into joining Avid if you have a few clients as this will save you money in the long run.

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Unread 30th Nov 2011, 12:02 PM   #57
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I think I will try to charge per lead first. My original plan is to charge per car, and it will be a one-time fee. If I did that, I will actually make less money. Except I charge them monthly maintenance fee as well.

I just hope I would get some response from the letters I mailed yesterday. If not, I think I will give them a following up call this Friday.

Originally Posted by JToneyUK View Post

Yeah the initial investment could be a big ask, but think about it, they are only losing $20 per car! But if your service means that they shift an extra 4 or 5 a month, that initial investment will be repaid by just the sale of 1 car, probably with a profit on top.

The initial investment seems heavy, but those cars may not be sold for months.

It could be seen as a risk for a dealer to invest so much up front, but you want the people who are risk takers or who want to stand out from the crowd.

I might go for a strategy whereby for the first month charge them per lead, as a trial to see if it will be worthwhile and thereafter pay per car page/update.
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Unread 30th Nov 2011, 12:04 PM   #58
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I am going to pm you about Jack Mize's Club.

Originally Posted by ADukes81 View Post

I am a member of Jack Mize's Mobile X-factor Club ($47/mo) and he uses Avid mobile. We get a forum, training, fliers/brochures, 1,500 texts and the kitchen sink. I am not sure if it is open, but I believe it is now $97/mo, still a great deal. Better than Avid and you get a training/forum.

@BKH You might want to look into joining Avid if you have a few clients as this will save you money in the long run.
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Unread 30th Nov 2011, 12:19 PM   #59
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Well I will keep an eye on this thread to see how it goes with the car lots and the per lead charges.
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Unread 30th Nov 2011, 12:40 PM   #60
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Originally Posted by NameThatCandy View Post

Cool that you can make a deal with txt180, do you still need to pay for the setup fee $5 per keyword? I was thinking to go with txt180, coz the initial investment is cheaper than the other platform, but only thing stop me is they charge per keyword. Avidmobile offers unlimited keywords, and they charge $119 a month, I think you will save a lot of $$ and make more profit. Just you have to pay $99 set up fee.

After I did all the maths, I think I will go with "charge per lead", not per car. I think it is easier to sell.

Regard to the signage, what kind of sign do you offer? How big is the sign?

thanks again
They have been very helpful and have worked well in either getting what I need or giving me the ideas to make it work. I don't pay the $5 set up and only pay $1 a month on any generic (a1234) keywords. Brandon and Matt have both told me they plan on having a generic keyword generator that will charge for a lump of generic keywords.
I looked at Avid when I started a while back and liked what they had to offer but in the end decided to go with txt180.
The signage depends on how the lot wants to do it. Most all of them I just have a 12x12 poster board with the keyword on it for each car. When the car sells they take the sign out and put it into the next car. Some use the static cling letters and numbers to just put it directly in the car window. If you are doing the signage for them, it's pretty easy to work a deal with your local sign shop to print them up because of the volume that will be needed. I can get 100 printed within a week for a $1.50 each and then they reuse them going forward so that is just an initial cost I incur.
Glad I can help,
b
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Unread 30th Nov 2011, 01:12 PM   #61
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So you only have the "keyword" on the sign? What do you put the phone # (Short code)? I guess I need to call around the local sign shop for the price before I set up my price. I was planning that print it from my printer and laminated.



Originally Posted by BKH View Post

They have been very helpful and have worked well in either getting what I need or giving me the ideas to make it work. I don't pay the $5 set up and only pay $1 a month on any generic (a1234) keywords. Brandon and Matt have both told me they plan on having a generic keyword generator that will charge for a lump of generic keywords.
I looked at Avid when I started a while back and liked what they had to offer but in the end decided to go with txt180.
The signage depends on how the lot wants to do it. Most all of them I just have a 12x12 poster board with the keyword on it for each car. When the car sells they take the sign out and put it into the next car. Some use the static cling letters and numbers to just put it directly in the car window. If you are doing the signage for them, it's pretty easy to work a deal with your local sign shop to print them up because of the volume that will be needed. I can get 100 printed within a week for a $1.50 each and then they reuse them going forward so that is just an initial cost I incur.
Glad I can help,
b
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Unread 30th Nov 2011, 04:19 PM   #62
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Not a bad strategy but it's quite risky. Difficult to find leads.

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Unread 30th Nov 2011, 06:22 PM   #63
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Originally Posted by JToneyUK View Post

Well I will keep an eye on this thread to see how it goes with the car lots and the per lead charges.

Hi JToneyUK, I live in Hertfordshire UK. Just wondering what SMS/Text service you would recommend or using. As I would like to test this system out.
I agree with the per lead charges.. Thanks BJ
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Unread 30th Nov 2011, 07:52 PM   #64
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BKH,

Do you manually enter the information on each car that get's sent to the customer by text? You'd also have to match up each keyword with the correct car for your signage. I would think that would take quite a while when you're dealing with over 100 cars.

How difficult (or easy) is that?

Also, do you have a sample of what your signage looks like?

I love this idea.

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Unread 30th Nov 2011, 09:55 PM   #65
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I would love to know that!!

Originally Posted by mrcouchpotato View Post

BKH,

Do you manually enter the information on each car that get's sent to the customer by text? You'd also have to match up each keyword with the correct car for your signage. I would think that would take quite a while when you're dealing with over 100 cars.

How difficult (or easy) is that?

Also, do you have a sample of what your signage looks like?

I love this idea.

Mike
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Unread 30th Nov 2011, 10:26 PM   #66
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I'm thinking of just having 1 keyword for each respective lot. Sure, knowing which specific vehicle a potential buyer texted-in for is nice to know, but really not necessary. The potential buyers' contact information is the only thing needed to get the sales process started. Finding out what type of vehicle they're in the market for can and will be found out during the initial conversation.

I think a salesman could follow-up regardless of how many different keywords were used and open up conversation by merely asking, "So, which vehicle was it were you interested in?" (asked after a brief introduction and friendly small talk, of course). This not only saves on time and keyword expenditure, but they may end up selling a 2007 Nissan Altima to a person that texted in for more information on a 2003 Dodge Durango.

All this being said, one of the great benefits of knowing which car-specific keywords correspond to each respective cell #, is that you can send out future deals and notices whenever you have another similar make/model available.
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Unread 1st Dec 2011, 12:23 AM   #67
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Originally Posted by xichabodx View Post

I'm thinking of just having 1 keyword for each respective lot. Sure, knowing which specific vehicle a potential buyer texted-in for is nice to know, but really not necessary. The potential buyers' contact information is the only thing needed to get the sales process started. Finding out what type of vehicle they're in the market for can and will be found out during the initial conversation.

I think a salesman could follow-up regardless of how many different keywords were used and open up conversation by merely asking, "So, which vehicle was it were you interested in?" (asked after a brief introduction and friendly small talk, of course). This not only saves on time and keyword expenditure, but they may end up selling a 2007 Nissan Altima to a person that texted in for more information on a 2003 Dodge Durango.

All this being said, one of the great benefits of knowing which car-specific keywords correspond to each respective cell #, is that you can send out future deals and notices whenever you have another similar make/model available.
That makes sense, however, what incentive will you give the customer to get him/her to enter their phone number and receive the initial text message? Saying "Text ABC to 40404 for details about this car" may get you more leads.

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Unread 1st Dec 2011, 04:03 AM   #68
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Yeah, you're correct, Mike. Info about the car IS important. If using 1 keyword per lot, one wouldn't be able to do that. Some sort of universal special or discount would have to be used. It looks as if we may have to use a different keyword per car and is the better alternative. I suppose that could be a quick alternative for those that are having to pay for keywords and I wasn't taking car info into consideration.
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Unread 1st Dec 2011, 06:23 AM   #69
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I'd just go with the 1 keyword per car lot and give each car a car number.

So it would be
"Text X1234 + Car 1 for a call back about this car"
"Text X1234 + Car 2 for a call back about this car"

etc etc.

This way they salesperson just matches up the car number with the specific car they will call about.

I aint sure if an incentive is required for someone to text in. If they want to know details about the car or arrange a test drive they will either text the number or just call back at weekend when they are not in work.

You could sweeten the deal a little. Maybe offer a free oil change for purchases made via the call back service or something along those lines.
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Unread 1st Dec 2011, 03:01 PM   #70
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Originally Posted by NameThatCandy View Post

So you only have the "keyword" on the sign? What do you put the phone # (Short code)? I guess I need to call around the local sign shop for the price before I set up my price. I was planning that print it from my printer and laminated.
My signs have a design on them with a picture of a car in the background and just say:
For more information text A1234 to 33938 from your wireless phone. and small print that has MSG/DATA rates may apply. The A1234 changes of course to whatever the keyword is.
They are heavy poster cards because they need to be reused! I bet laminating them would work.

Originally Posted by mrcouchpotato View Post

BKH,

Do you manually enter the information on each car that get's sent to the customer by text? You'd also have to match up each keyword with the correct car for your signage. I would think that would take quite a while when you're dealing with over 100 cars.

How difficult (or easy) is that?

Also, do you have a sample of what your signage looks like?

I love this idea.

Mike
I do manually enter all the information in on each car and initially it does take an hour to two to get it all complete. On top of that when a car sells the sales manager takes out the sign and puts it into a new car then emails me the keyword and new info to put in the message (the two big ones sell about 60 a month). Typically I get an email on Monday that has a list of about 10-15 keywords and corresponding info.
It is difficult (especially with my limited time as of late) but so far I have found it to be very worth it.

Originally Posted by xichabodx View Post

Yeah, you're correct, Mike. Info about the car IS important. If using 1 keyword per lot, one wouldn't be able to do that. Some sort of universal special or discount would have to be used. It looks as if we may have to use a different keyword per car and is the better alternative. I suppose that could be a quick alternative for those that are having to pay for keywords and I wasn't taking car info into consideration.
Txt180 has sub-keywords that can be used that are free so you would only need the one keyword but it would still require manually putting in the info. Also in my time doing this I've found that users are more hesitant to text auto.1 than auto1. I think the best way to approach it would be to find 20-30 standard messages that would work with any car so you could just switch the sign...Anyone have any thoughts on what they could be? I would love to save some time on maintenance for more selling time.

b

Last edited on 1st Dec 2011 at 03:03 PM. Reason: correction
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Unread 4th Dec 2011, 11:37 PM   #71
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BKH,

I think you have a great method here. Congrats on your success with it up to this point. Shoot me a PM when you get a chance(I'd PM you but my post count hasn't reached 50 yet). I'd like to discuss an opportunity with you.

Thanks,
John
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Unread 5th Dec 2011, 09:22 PM   #72
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You could add QR codes and build a small website with contact forms, video's, more pictures etc. Use your SMS and seperate your lists according to the price range of the car they are interested in. Then when you have other cars in the same price range, you can send them a quick text letting them know the specifics on the new car on the lot. You will have the ability to stay with your lead until he either buys from someone else or buys from you. I am utilizing this exact program on a new lot this week. thought I would drop the idea and get some opinions of some other warriors.
Good luck, glad to hear your results exceeded your expectations. Bill
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Unread 5th Dec 2011, 09:30 PM   #73
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If you were to use long code sms instead of short code like the WP plugin offered here on the forum, you would have unlimited kw at no cost, messages at about .01 per message and a text message every time someone called your text number. This way you could respond almost immediately to their interest. Higher ROI and only one text program with multiple keywords. Good luck. Bill
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Unread 6th Dec 2011, 02:27 PM   #74
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Originally Posted by johnniec View Post

BKH,

I think you have a great method here. Congrats on your success with it up to this point. Shoot me a PM when you get a chance(I'd PM you but my post count hasn't reached 50 yet). I'd like to discuss an opportunity with you.

Thanks,
John
Done!

Originally Posted by webvidman View Post

You could add QR codes and build a small website with contact forms, video's, more pictures etc. Bill
I have not had any success with QR codes in any of the other companies I work with but I'm still wondering if maybe I was just not presenting it correctly.

Originally Posted by webvidman View Post

If you were to use long code sms instead of short code like the WP plugin offered here on the forum, you would have unlimited kw at no cost Bill
I actually use the shortcode because of the throughput I need for some of my larger customers but you are correct, any looking at doing this could increase the return by using a company with free Keywords. My suggestion would be to make sure the company has the ability to automatically email the new numbers to the sales manager, that has been a load off of me.
Thanks for the suggestions.
b
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Unread 8th Dec 2011, 01:21 AM   #75
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Originally Posted by SherylS View Post

I've been thinking about the issue about not being to track how many of the leads convert. I use to work in a car dealership and was the F&I manager, which at our dealership was the last person to see the buyer to have them sign all the loan documents etc. I believe he/she will be the key to tracking your converted leads.

Every business needs to keep in contact with their clients, case and point, my husband purchased a Jeep two years ago, and we get a monthly email and a quarterly postcard with coupons for oil changes, tire rotations etc.

Here's my idea - when the buyer is finishing up his paperwork, the F&I manager can have the buyer TEXT in MYNEWCAR or JEEP or CHARGER (etc). Now the dealership is developing a database of ACTUAL customers and not just leads. This is an opportunity for you to upsell them into a SMS monthly package too. The dealership can save money on the postage, and send coupons out via text, I know my husband and I both delete or unsubscribe almost every email that we get. The one catch I see, is if the buyer doesn't do the final text... now the dealer will need to sweeten the pot for them to opt-in. Have the dealership offer the buyer his first oil change free or a tire rotation, that is a quick and inexpensive service, but important to a new car buyer. Perhaps the buyer must opt-in in front of the F&I manager, and then he can give him a gift certificate for the free oil change. Now the dealership is only out the expense of the oil change if the buyer redeems the gift certificate. Last year 27% of all gift cards went unused.

Now you can track and compare the opt-in numbers from the "actual sales opt-ins" against the "lead opt-ins". (Catch?- if they use a different cell number for the second opt-in- which most would not do unless they were using a spouses or got a new number.)

Thoughts?
Great idea on capturing service customers. This I would set up on a per message sent fee. My bad but I always procrastinate on getting the oil changed.

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Unread 8th Dec 2011, 01:44 AM   #76
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Originally Posted by BKH View Post

They have been very helpful and have worked well in either getting what I need or giving me the ideas to make it work. I don't pay the $5 set up and only pay $1 a month on any generic (a1234) keywords. Brandon and Matt have both told me they plan on having a generic keyword generator that will charge for a lump of generic keywords.
I looked at Avid when I started a while back and liked what they had to offer but in the end decided to go with txt180.
The signage depends on how the lot wants to do it. Most all of them I just have a 12x12 poster board with the keyword on it for each car. When the car sells they take the sign out and put it into the next car. Some use the static cling letters and numbers to just put it directly in the car window. If you are doing the signage for them, it's pretty easy to work a deal with your local sign shop to print them up because of the volume that will be needed. I can get 100 printed within a week for a $1.50 each and then they reuse them going forward so that is just an initial cost I incur.
Glad I can help,
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What do you think about having just one keyword and making up a template with the dealers logo, a section for some car stats and then your SMS info that says maybe something like "text silver dodge (maybe the last 5 digits of the VIN)" for pricing. Something they can have their receptionist fill out and print? No more keywords or printing.

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Unread 8th Dec 2011, 02:18 AM   #77
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Originally Posted by webvidman View Post

If you were to use long code sms instead of short code like the WP plugin offered here on the forum, you would have unlimited kw at no cost, messages at about .01 per message and a text message every time someone called your text number. This way you could respond almost immediately to their interest. Higher ROI and only one text program with multiple keywords. Good luck. Bill
I don't know how this works but seems like it is an smtp set up. How reliable is it for setting up a major text campaigns?

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Unread 8th Dec 2011, 11:04 AM   #78
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Ok. So I decided to take this idea to the streets and see if I could get anyone to bite. I spoke to 3 different dealerships (small to medium) and they all said that AutoTrader.com and Cars.com have this service.

After hours visitors can send a text and the dealers get the lead.

I didn't get into too much details with the dealerships once they said they already use the service through AutoTrader.com, so.....basically.....oh well.

I'll have to come up with something else.

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Unread 9th Dec 2011, 09:50 AM   #79
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Originally Posted by mrcouchpotato View Post

Ok. So I decided to take this idea to the streets and see if I could get anyone to bite. I spoke to 3 different dealerships (small to medium) and they all said that AutoTrader.com and Cars.com have this service.

After hours visitors can send a text and the dealers get the lead.

I didn't get into too much details with the dealerships once they said they already use the service through AutoTrader.com, so.....basically.....oh well.

I'll have to come up with something else.

Mike
Mike, I can tell you that I have come into this objection a lot! Some just say "no" because they have it others you need to overcome the objection. The service that they have with cars.com they consumer has to go to Cars.com and enter their phone number into the form to recieve the message. I offer a text in option from the lot...offline. I have slowed down a lot as of late because of the holidays but I've talked to close to 50 lots and have sold and set up 8 of them (plus one referral) all within about three weeks. I would say don't get discouraged but go more into where your service differs from the online options and their only paying for what they get!
Good luck,
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Unread 23rd Dec 2011, 11:03 AM   #80
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Hello all, It's been a while since I've been on just because everything has been so hectic with work and the holidays but I wanted to give an update.
I lost two accounts after just a month so I will not include them into my stats. The size of the lot differs the amount of leads generated so I will give a quick synopses, here you go:

Lot size Opt-ins Leads Conversions
(in cars) (only tracked on one lot)

35 17 10
50 52 35
75 55 38
100 78 64 7
125 90 63

The 50 and 75 are averages between two lots each and the two accounts that canceled still generated leads but they were doing their own signage and I think they just got tired of replacing the signage.
Good luck to you all and Merry Christmas,
b
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Unread 23rd Dec 2011, 12:13 PM   #81
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TXT180 allows for FREE Sub Keywords. Why not just use the stock number after the main account keyword and eliminate the need to additional expense?
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Unread 23rd Dec 2011, 01:00 PM   #82
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One other point. Cars.com has a "text a link" option but in the grey print below the form it also says "Prepaid Phones Not supported" That is potentially a very serious issue for used car dealers who cater to a credit challenged market.
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Unread 23rd Dec 2011, 07:24 PM   #83
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Originally Posted by BKH View Post

Hello all, It's been a while since I've been on just because everything has been so hectic with work and the holidays but I wanted to give an update.
I lost two accounts after just a month so I will not include them into my stats. The size of the lot differs the amount of leads generated so I will give a quick synopses, here you go:

Lot size Opt-ins Leads Conversions
(in cars) (only tracked on one lot)

35 17 10
50 52 35
75 55 38
100 78 64 7
125 90 63

The 50 and 75 are averages between two lots each and the two accounts that canceled still generated leads but they were doing their own signage and I think they just got tired of replacing the signage.
Good luck to you all and Merry Christmas,
b
So it looks like you are having some nice success. What do you define a lead as? A number who texts in or what? What happens if a bunch of spammers text the number or a bunch of high schoolers? Also, what SMS service do you use for this? Long code or short code? Why?

Thanks a ton! Looking to start this up and want to get things done properly the first time.
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Unread 24th Dec 2011, 04:26 PM   #84
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Here's how you can make sure a car dealer pays you a fixed amount for each car sold...forget about charging per lead ... only charge for "RESULTS" ( and maybe charge a setup fee and monthly maintenance fee).

Write up a contract that stipulates a fee of $250 per sale (or what ever the going rate is) and also put a clause in that states that the car dealer will pay you a penalty of $1,000 for every sale that he doesn't report to you. Then once a week or once a month you send out a txt to all of the leads and tell them that if they purchased a car from XYZ Dealer in the last 30 days then if they txt you their name and car year and model that they purchased then they will receive a $50 or $100 Tank of Gas Voucher. The key is to only txt your message to the leads who the dealer does not report a sale to ... in other words, anybody who the dealer has reported a sale was made to doesn't get one of your txt messages offering the $50 tank of gas. If you make the offer compelling enough any lead that gets your txt message will open it, read it and definitely will txt you to get his or her $50-$100 Gas Voucher ... and of course you make an additional $900 or $950 for each car buyer that the dealer cheated you out of. This will keep him honest. Charging for "RESULTS" only will get a cheap car dealer signing up without hesitation.

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Unread 25th Dec 2011, 07:20 PM   #85
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I'd be concerned about calls without permission. If I put my phone number into something like that, I'm giving permission to receive texts, not for someone I don't know (and probably don't want to talk to or I would have called them) to call my cell phone, interrupt me, and use my minutes. I'd complain very loudly and I wouldn't do business with that company. Not everyone is like me, but plenty of people are. I have a phone (especially a phone I pay for by the minute) for my convenience, not theirs. I wouldn't have a problem with a text, but if someone wants to call me, they need to ask for permission. Just my $0.02, but I know most of my friends feel the same way.

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Unread 29th Dec 2011, 01:42 AM   #86
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My signs have a design on them with a picture of a car in the background and just say:
For more information text A1234 to 33938 from your wireless phone. and small print that has MSG/DATA rates may apply. The A1234 changes of course to whatever the keyword is.
They are heavy poster cards because they need to be reused! I bet laminating them would work.
What if the signs were plastic (or laminated) and everything was printed but the keyword. The keyword would added with a dry erase marker (your sign is on the inside of the window right). That way there would't be a separate printing for each car.

Also you could use the actual stock number for the car that the dealer uses. I would think that would be less confusing to the dealer.

Also if they used this in a print ad they could add another letter to track where the lead was coming from -- if from an ad or from the lot.

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Unread 29th Dec 2011, 01:51 AM   #87
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Originally Posted by SherylS View Post

I've been thinking about the issue about not being to track how many of the leads convert. I use to work in a car dealership and was the F&I manager, which at our dealership was the last person to see the buyer to have them sign all the loan documents etc. I believe he/she will be the key to tracking your converted leads.

Every business needs to keep in contact with their clients, case and point, my husband purchased a Jeep two years ago, and we get a monthly email and a quarterly postcard with coupons for oil changes, tire rotations etc.

Here's my idea - when the buyer is finishing up his paperwork, the F&I manager can have the buyer TEXT in MYNEWCAR or JEEP or CHARGER (etc). Now the dealership is developing a database of ACTUAL customers and not just leads. This is an opportunity for you to upsell them into a SMS monthly package too. The dealership can save money on the postage, and send coupons out via text, I know my husband and I both delete or unsubscribe almost every email that we get. The one catch I see, is if the buyer doesn't do the final text... now the dealer will need to sweeten the pot for them to opt-in. Have the dealership offer the buyer his first oil change free or a tire rotation, that is a quick and inexpensive service, but important to a new car buyer. Perhaps the buyer must opt-in in front of the F&I manager, and then he can give him a gift certificate for the free oil change. Now the dealership is only out the expense of the oil change if the buyer redeems the gift certificate. Last year 27% of all gift cards went unused.

Now you can track and compare the opt-in numbers from the "actual sales opt-ins" against the "lead opt-ins". (Catch?- if they use a different cell number for the second opt-in- which most would not do unless they were using a spouses or got a new number.)

Thoughts?
I spent over 8 yrs selling cars and owned a lot for a couple years after that.

One thing I can tell you is that Car Lots are an unscrupulous bunch for the most part (there are a few exceptions).

My point is that you are better off charging by the lead...they can't fudge that. If you try to work off of deals most Dealers will screw you out of your money the first chance they get. They do it to their own sales people...they WILL do it to you too!

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Unread 29th Dec 2011, 04:18 AM   #88
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BKH, awesome post and the results you were able to get. It is the 'leads'. We of course keep the unconverted leads in the db.
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Unread 29th Dec 2011, 07:59 AM   #89
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Well very good approach BHk I really appreciate your thread....

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Unread 5th Jan 2012, 02:54 PM   #90
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brilliant!! This is basically the only application of text marketing that I've seen, that wouldn't annoy me as a customer : )
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Unread 21st Jan 2012, 02:47 PM   #91
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Originally Posted by thomas73 View Post

Here's how you can make sure a car dealer pays you a fixed amount for each car sold...forget about charging per lead ... only charge for "RESULTS" ( and maybe charge a setup fee and monthly maintenance fee).

Write up a contract that stipulates a fee of $250 per sale (or what ever the going rate is) and also put a clause in that states that the car dealer will pay you a penalty of $1,000 for every sale that he doesn't report to you. Then once a week or once a month you send out a txt to all of the leads and tell them that if they purchased a car from XYZ Dealer in the last 30 days then if they txt you their name and car year and model that they purchased then they will receive a $50 or $100 Tank of Gas Voucher. The key is to only txt your message to the leads who the dealer does not report a sale to ... in other words, anybody who the dealer has reported a sale was made to doesn't get one of your txt messages offering the $50 tank of gas. If you make the offer compelling enough any lead that gets your txt message will open it, read it and definitely will txt you to get his or her $50-$100 Gas Voucher ... and of course you make an additional $900 or $950 for each car buyer that the dealer cheated you out of. This will keep him honest. Charging for "RESULTS" only will get a cheap car dealer signing up without hesitation.
I live in Virginia, right on the boarder of North Carolina, in both states it is illegal to receive a portion of a automobile sell unless you are an employee of a dealership. You must also have a salesperson license under that paying dealership. In both states it is called "bird-dogging". So you might want to check out the laws in your state to see if it is legal to receive a commission on a auto sell.

I am planning on using this approach in my area, but I am trying to decide whether to do it on a per lead bases or as a service; mainly because of the laws. Do anyone have any ideas on which way might sell the best?

Also, one of the ideas mentioned was about using the long-code WP sms plugin found on this site, of which I purchased. I like the idea of the long-code with this plugin because of the few following reasons:
1. unlimited keywords;
2. people are more familiar with long-code, especially older people, the id code is the unfamiliar part;
3. people can just call to get on the list, though there wouldn't be an id code connected to it, however, they are still added to the contact list;
4. the return response text can have an automatic countdown date in it, just in case the dealer wanted to respond with a special discount if they buy an auto with so many day;
5. the cost is only $1 per month per phone number, and only 1 cent in and 1 cent out (2 cents) per message;
6. you can easily offer the dealers managed or unmanaged regular SMS services; and
7. it also has a call redirect feature (press #), just in case the dealership is not closed.

Oh by the way, I am not the seller of this plugin. I just thought it would help with some good selling features for dealers.

Thank for this thread.
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Unread 22nd Jan 2012, 07:51 PM   #92
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Originally Posted by JToneyUK View Post

NameThatCandy - Check out my post at #33 for what my plan of attack is. It's based on providing a mobile page for each car and charging per car initially and then per update (when one car gets sold, the page gets updated with a new car they bring in). My only worry is if the owner is willing to lose £30-50 per sale in order to have a QR code and text number on the car on the off chance someone stops by after hours and is interested. Theoretically it sounds like a good system, but then again when are business owners ever theoretical?

I would suppose it would make sense to have a pretty good idea of how likely the "off chance" is. I recall I have stopped by closed dealerships on several occasions in shopping for cars. And on one of those occasions, I ended up buying the car I saw. Do an informal survey by asking everybody you know.

During the evenings in the summertime, I often see people on closed car lots. Same thing goes for holidays and Sundays.

But people can also use the service when the lot is open. A few times, I have been at a dealership when no one could help me because they were busy. And there are some automalls that are so huge, you can walk through the lot and never be seen. It would be nice to get these people as leads too.
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Unread 22nd Jan 2012, 08:34 PM   #93
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Originally Posted by thomas73 View Post

Here's how you can make sure a car dealer pays you a fixed amount for each car sold...forget about charging per lead ... only charge for "RESULTS" ( and maybe charge a setup fee and monthly maintenance fee).

Write up a contract that stipulates a fee of $250 per sale (or what ever the going rate is) and also put a clause in that states that the car dealer will pay you a penalty of $1,000 for every sale that he doesn't report to you. Then once a week or once a month you send out a txt to all of the leads and tell them that if they purchased a car from XYZ Dealer in the last 30 days then if they txt you their name and car year and model that they purchased then they will receive a $50 or $100 Tank of Gas Voucher. The key is to only txt your message to the leads who the dealer does not report a sale to ... in other words, anybody who the dealer has reported a sale was made to doesn't get one of your txt messages offering the $50 tank of gas. If you make the offer compelling enough any lead that gets your txt message will open it, read it and definitely will txt you to get his or her $50-$100 Gas Voucher ... and of course you make an additional $900 or $950 for each car buyer that the dealer cheated you out of. This will keep him honest. Charging for "RESULTS" only will get a cheap car dealer signing up without hesitation.

I agree with palent1's comment that sending the txt msg back could be a problem. HOWEVER, you can still tell the dealer you will do the validation WITHOUT really doing it. The possibility of being caught might be all that's needed.
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Unread 24th Jan 2012, 09:55 AM   #94
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Originally Posted by BKH View Post

We are considering a lead a new phone number that opts in, but there are a few that are opting into multiple keywords. They are getting the info on the camaro and the mustang so it shows as two opt ins but of course it is just the one number or lead.

Any number that opts in is followed up with by his sales people the following day. He hands out the phone numbers to his sales people and they will call as if it were a lead that came off their online ad. One interesting note is, he said that they were only calling the numbers 3 times before discarding the lead. Meaning anyone that did not answer they left a message each day for three days then had the salesperson discard the number. Almost a third of the numbers don't get contacted. We are trying to work out end of month text to them to basically say "hey you were interested is there anything else we can do".
b
If they are not responding by phone, what about sending a Text message follow up?
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Unread 24th Jan 2012, 01:57 PM   #95
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Originally Posted by Nanaswhimsy View Post

If they are not responding by phone, what about sending a Text message follow up?
You most certainly could! I just give the contact to the sales manager and it is up to him/her to disperse them to the sales people. I can tell you that all of them that I know of as of now are calling the lead.
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Unread 24th Jan 2012, 02:07 PM   #96
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Originally Posted by AngieDixon View Post

I'd be concerned about calls without permission. If I put my phone number into something like that, I'm giving permission to receive texts, not for someone I don't know (and probably don't want to talk to or I would have called them) to call my cell phone, interrupt me, and use my minutes. I'd complain very loudly and I wouldn't do business with that company. Not everyone is like me, but plenty of people are. I have a phone (especially a phone I pay for by the minute) for my convenience, not theirs. I wouldn't have a problem with a text, but if someone wants to call me, they need to ask for permission. Just my $0.02, but I know most of my friends feel the same way.
Hi Angie, The way I use the system the wireless user is not opting to receive texts specifically, they are opting to be contacted. That's the beauty of receiving a call, answer if you want or send it to voicemail, your choice. I don't deal with any of the customers directly so I couldn't tell you what the exact responses have been from them, but I do know that in my friends two lots where we track conversions, 1 in 7 are converting into sales.
Thank you for your input and different view on potential issues that could arise.
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Unread 24th Jan 2012, 02:17 PM   #97
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Originally Posted by tigertale View Post

What if the signs were plastic (or laminated) and everything was printed but the keyword. The keyword would added with a dry erase marker (your sign is on the inside of the window right). That way there would't be a separate printing for each car.

Also you could use the actual stock number for the car that the dealer uses. I would think that would be less confusing to the dealer.

Also if they used this in a print ad they could add another letter to track where the lead was coming from -- if from an ad or from the lot.
You most certainly can! I prefer using the generic codes so that the print is solid with the short code. When the car sells they just move the print add to the next car. Personally, I think it is more professional looking, but either way achieves the same goal.
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Unread 24th Jan 2012, 02:41 PM   #98
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Originally Posted by KabirC View Post

So it looks like you are having some nice success. What do you define a lead as? A number who texts in or what? What happens if a bunch of spammers text the number or a bunch of high schoolers? Also, what SMS service do you use for this? Long code or short code? Why?

Thanks a ton! Looking to start this up and want to get things done properly the first time.
A lead is a unique number that texts in...I say unique because there are several people that will text in to several cars but I only charge as one lead. I have never had the problem of high schoolers texting in but worst case scenario is I charge them for a few leads that were not legit. Spammers would have no motivation to text into them as they would gain nothing. I use TXT180 reseller platform which is shortcode. My main reasoning behind it is that they are inexpensive for a shortcode and I need the throughput that a shortcode provides because of some large accounts I have and expect to add to my services.
Goodluck,
b
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Unread 24th Jan 2012, 11:20 PM   #99
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Re: New way to sell SMS, any thoughts?
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any updates on your platform?



Originally Posted by tjkirgin View Post

That is a great case study, thank you and keep em coming!

FYI, if you start to be even more successful, we have developed an automation system called ACAP (Automotive Customer Acquisition Platform.

The ACAP reads a dealer data feed or csv download of vehicle inventory and automatically creates

SMS keyword based on Stock #
Vehicle specific auto responder
Forward to email (lead)
Forward to SMS (lead)
Mobile web site virtual tour of vehicle w/Carfax info
Dynamic link to the Mobi site in the SMS auto responder

For a lot of 300 cars it takes about 90 seconds to create all of this.

This will explode your profit margin if you are currently setting these up manually!

Call me for more info, the system is in BETA and needs test clients.
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Unread 25th Jan 2012, 02:59 PM   #100
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Re: New way to sell SMS, any thoughts?
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Originally Posted by HypeText View Post

TXT180 allows for FREE Sub Keywords. Why not just use the stock number after the main account keyword and eliminate the need to additional expense?
Hello, when I originally pitched this to my friend thats the way I pitched it. He didn't like the dot idea and said he'd rather they not be there even if it was auto1, auto2 as opposed to auto.1, auto.2 We set his up with generic codes and that's just the way I have kept it since, but yes it would be a lot cheaper if I used the sub keys>
Thanks for the ideas,
b
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