Important Deadlines and Requirements
Carriers require all toll-free numbers (TFNs) to be verified before sending messages to consumers. Any messages sent from unverified TFNs will be blocked. This requirement is part of carriers' ongoing efforts to protect consumers and maintain SMS as a trusted communication channel.
Benefits of TFN Verification
1. Enhanced Consumer Trust
Helps maintain SMS as a trusted marketing channel
Protects consumers from spam and fraudulent messages
Ensures only authorized messages reach customers' inboxes
Allows you to stay compliant with regulations and avoid potential lawsuits
2. Improved Message Delivery
Better throughput and deliverability rates
Reduced risk of carrier filtering
Lower chance of being flagged as spam, especially with iOS16's spam reporting features
3. Streamlined Process
TxtCart handles the verification submission process
3rd Party Carrier teams provide support through any escalations
You can focus on growing your SMS marketing program
Understanding Toll-Free Numbers
A toll-free number (TFN) is a 10-digit number beginning with 8XX that businesses use to send SMS and MMS messages to subscribers. For example: "Text SHOP to 1-833-555-1234."
TxtCart automatically assigns a toll-free number to your shop upon installation. You can find your shop's toll-free number in your Keywords dashboard.
Verification Process Overview
1. Initial Assignment
A dedicated TFN is automatically assigned to your store when you install TxtCart
The verification process begins automatically
2. Website Review
Carriers will manually review your website to ensure it is compliant with their guidelines.
The review process can take up to 2 business days
3. SHAFT Content:
Due to regulatory requirements, the following product categories are prohibited from SMS marketing. These categories are collectively known as S.H.A.F.T:
Sex-related products
Hate content
Alcohol
Firearms
Tobacco/CBD
Alcohol brands can acquire a Toll-Free Number (TFN) for marketing, but approval is stricter and requires proper age-gating before the number can be approved.
4. Carrier Verification
Once your verification is complete, you'll receive a notification confirming that your Toll-Free Number has been verified.
If your verification is rejected by the carrier, you will also be notified via email and a warning banner will appear on your TxtCart dashboard. To resolve this, contact our support team via live chat or email at support@txtcartapp.com.
Once your TFN has been verified, your active Flows will begin sending messages to subscribers within its service region, and you will also be able to send Campaigns.
Why Your TFN Verification Might Be Denied
Restricted Content Categories (S.H.A.F.T)
Currently, TxtCart cannot support merchants who sell products that fall under a SHAFT category, with the exception of alcohol brands that meet age-gating requirements. This policy helps maintain SMS as a trusted marketing channel while complying with carrier and legal requirements.
Website Requirements
Your verification may be denied if your website's product catalog is incomplete or unpublished. Carriers need to review your complete, live product catalog to verify your business's legitimacy. Online stores still under construction or showing placeholder content are typically rejected until they present a complete, professional appearance.
Website accessibility is equally important. If your site is password-protected, in maintenance mode, or not yet live, carriers cannot properly review your business. This will result in an automatic TFN rejection until your website becomes fully accessible for review.
If you installed TxtCart before your website was live, please notify our support team at support@txtcartapp.com when your site becomes accessible so we can resubmit your TFN for verification.
Handling a Verification Denial
If your TFN verification is rejected, don't worry; most rejections can be resolved (with the exception of SHAFT-related brands). After ensuring your TxtCart app has been installed for at least 10 business days, contact our support team at support@txtcartapp.com. Our team will work closely with you and the verification team to correct your status and get you to send messages as quickly as possible.
To improve your chances of approval, ensure your website is live and publicly accessible, your product catalog is complete with accurate descriptions and images, and your content complies with carrier guidelines. If you've received a denial, review these aspects of your store before requesting re-verification.
Remember that the verification process exists to protect consumers and maintain SMS as a trusted marketing channel. While it may seem stringent, these requirements help ensure the long-term success of your SMS marketing efforts. Our support team is here to guide you through any challenges and help resolve verification issues promptly.