Utilizing SMS is a popular way to reach guests with messages directly to their phones. Texts also make the signup process easier, like when a verification code auto-populates without leaving the app. Small moments like that reduce friction and keep customers focused on placing their order or completing signup.
Whether it’s fewer clicks to sign up or reaching a customer directly through texts for marketing, strategies can be implemented to accomplish your different goals. Below is a detailed overview of how SMS works in Incentivio, including features, comprehensive pricing, billing options (with franchise location breakdown), and best practices.
Contents
Available SMS Features
1. SMS Marketing
- Send offers, loyalty messages, or announcements via text.
- Sent directly from the Admin Portal by selecting “SMS” as the distribution method with your other marketing.
- Cost: $0.03 per message segment
- Tip: For cost efficiency, reserve SMS for high-ROI campaigns while using push notifications for general awareness.
- Learn More: SMS Marketing
2. SMS Account Verification
- New users can verify accounts via text instead of email.
- Codes auto-populate, reducing drop-offs and duplicate accounts.
- Harder to create fake accounts via phone numbers than via emails.
- Cost: $0.03 per verification text
- Learn More: SMS Account Verification & Enhancements
3. SMS Order Confirmations
- Guests receive a text receipt when their order is accepted.
- Can replace or run alongside email confirmations.
- Cost: Free (covered by Incentivio)
4. SMS Order Ready Notifications (optional add-on)
- Triggered from the Toast KDS when staff “bump” a pickup order.
- Customizable message (up to 160 characters).
- Example: “Your order at [Brand] is ready! Please proceed to the Pick-Up counter.”
- Cost: Free (covered by Incentivio)
- Learn More: Toast - Order Complete SMS
Reporting
- Available in your Admin Portal.
- Path: Analytics → SMS Reporting
- Learn More: SMS Reporting
Pricing & Billing
- No monthly fees, you only pay per text sent.
- Billing is on your Incentivio invoice at month-end.
SMS Cost by Type
| SMS Type | Cost (as of January 2025) |
| Marketing | $0.03 per message sent |
| Account Verification | $0.03 per message sent |
| Order Confirmed (Any POS) | $0.00 per message sent (FREE) |
| Order Complete (Toast & Tablet Only) | $0.00 per message sent (FREE) |
Billing Options:
- Split Equally Across Locations (Default): Costs divided evenly across locations.
- Corporate Covers Costs: Corporate takes on all fees and reallocates internally if preferred.
Best Practices for SMS Marketing
- Always include your brand name in the message.
- Send a welcome SMS suggesting customers add you to contacts and explaining how to opt out.
- Share only official site links or use [#Message URL#].
- Avoid ALL CAPS and limit special characters.
- Remember emojis/placeholder text can count as multiple segments.
- Always include opt-out language (e.g., “Reply STOP to unsubscribe. Msg & data rates may apply”).
- Keep messages short, clear, and error-free.
Getting Started
- Sign up here: Registration Link
- We’ll confirm which SMS features you’d like to use.
- Once enabled, those options (Marketing, Loyalty, etc.) will appear in your portal.
Note: Twilio approval can take time, so I recommend registering as soon as possible. Once configured, there’s no ongoing cost—you’ll only be charged for the texts you send, and you can choose which features to enable.
Once you’ve had a chance to review, let me know which features stand out to you and we can plan next steps together. I’m excited to explore how SMS can best support your marketing strategy.