Finding the Best SMS Messaging Reseller Programs

When trying to find the best SMS messaging reseller programs there are a number of thing you will want to know. This article offers tips on how to find the best SMS reseller program for you and your business. Learn what questions to ask the potential text message marketing company.

Step One in Finding the Best SMS Messaging Reseller Program: Knowing the Terms

There's some degree of confusion in the terminology of SMS messaging reseller programs, with some programs using the terms private brand and white label brand interchangeably, and others using the two terms with different meanings. So the first thing you should look at with the reseller programs you are considering is how they define their reselling program. Key things to note are:

•What elements of the product can you control (if any)?
•What elements of the product can you brand?
•Are the choices (e.g., color schemes) sufficient for your needs?
•Is it clear who handles customer support and technical support and is this the arrangement you want?
•Are there limits on the amounts you can charge or the amount you can earn?
Once you've established that groundwork, here are questions to ask yourself to help in choosing the SMS messaging reseller program with the best features for you:

Cost

•What are the charges for the service and are they per user or per message? What do you get for this amount?
•Are there setup fees? If so, are they offset by a lower monthly cost?
•Are there levels of service? Is it possible to upgrade? What benefits come with upgrading (e.g., no ads)?
•Are their any surcharges? What for?
•How much can a reseller earn?
•Do resellers get any price break on their own text messaging?
•What if my (or my customers') needs don't fit into the existing plans: are tailor-made plans available?
•What are the prices for different length keyword, including long, short, reserved, and 3-letter?

General Questions

•Is there a free trial to allow you to try out the service before committing?
•Are there setup fees? If so, are they offset by a lower monthly cost?
•How long does it take to setup your account?
•How long will it take your customers to set up their accounts?
•Is the service usable for a wide range of business clients, including those in retail, food service, politics, education, church and ministry, real estate, technology businesses, hotels and resorts?
•What is the limit on text messages for each subscriber?
•Are statistics available? If so, what do they report?
•Are international texts part of the program?
•Is it possible to provide premium SMS through the service (charging customers for the subscription or for downloads or accepting donations)?
•Can the SMS API be integrated into my application?
•Is there a speed limit?
•Are there forced headers or ads?
•Is there the equivalent of an uptime guarantee for the service?

Support

•What are the hours and means of contacting technical support for resellers? e.g., is there a knowledgebase? a forum? Live Chat support? email support? phone support? During what hours?
•Is there marketing assistance provided to resellers to help them grow their businesses?
•Are there videos to help guide you (and your customers) through the set-up process?