Table of Contents
Overview
To use two-way text messaging in Jobber with a dedicated phone number (DPN), you’ll need to have clear and accessible terms of service published on your website. This isn’t just a best practice—it’s a requirement set by The Campaign Registry (TCR), the body that oversees business text messaging in the United States.
TCR works with mobile carriers to make sure companies using A2P (application-to-person) messaging are transparent about how they handle customer data. If you don’t provide a link to your terms of service during your DPN application, your request will be rejected. That means you won’t be able to send or receive client texts through Jobber until it’s in place.
Note
This article is for informational purposes only and isn’t legal advice. Your terms of service should reflect your business practices and comply with applicable laws. We recommend consulting a legal professional to assist in preparing your terms of service.
What are terms of service and why do I need them for my DPN application?
Terms of service (sometimes called terms & conditions or terms of use) explain the rules and guidelines for using your services, including how customers communicate with your business. When it comes to texting, this can include things like what types of messages you’ll send, how often customers might hear from you, and how they can opt out of messages if they choose.
When you apply for a dedicated phone number in Jobber, your application is reviewed through The Campaign Registry (TCR). TCR is an organization that carriers use to make sure businesses follow the rules for text messaging. One of the TCR's key requirements is that every business has a publicly available terms of service linked on their website that meets industry standards for SMS messaging.
Without a valid terms of service link, or if your terms don’t clearly explain how texting is used, your dedicated phone number application may be rejected.
What do carriers typically look for in terms of service?
Every business is different, so your terms of service should reflect how your business operates and ensure it complies with laws that apply to your business. Carriers will typically look for the below items in your terms of service when reviewing your DPN application, however this should not be considered an exhaustive list. As noted above, every business is different so their terms of service will differ as well.
- Program or brand name: The name of your business or messaging program so customers know exactly who is sending them messages.
- Program description: What the messaging program is used for. For example, let customers know whether texts are for appointment reminders, service updates, invoices, promotions, or customer support.
- Message and data rates disclosure: A simple statement that message and data rates may apply. Carriers often require customers to be informed that standard carrier fees could be charged.
- Message frequency: How often customers can expect to receive messages.
- Customer support contact information: A way for customers to reach you if they have questions or need help, such as a phone number, email address, or instructions to reply HELP.
- Opt-out instructions (STOP): How customers can unsubscribe by texting keywords like STOP to opt out. These instructions should be easy to find and displayed in bold to help meet carrier requirements.
- Link to your privacy policy: A link to your privacy policy so customers can review how their personal information is collected, used, and protected. Learn more about Privacy Policy Requirements for your Dedicated Phone Number Application.
Share your terms of service
Once your terms of service have been created, the next step is making it publicly accessible. This is important because carriers (through The Campaign Registry) require a link to your terms when reviewing your DPN application.
Here are some common ways to share it:
- On your website: The easiest option is to add your terms of service as a separate page on your website (for example, www.yourbusiness.com/terms). That way you can copy and paste the link directly into your dedicated phone number application.
-
If you don’t have a website yet: You can:
- Set up a Jobber website. Your terms of service can be added as a page on your site.
- Create a free page using a website builder (like Wix, Squarespace, or Google Sites) and paste your terms there.
- Upload your terms as a PDF or text file to a cloud service (such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive) and make it viewable with a shareable link.
The important part is that your terms are publicly accessible so that anyone with the link can view them without logging in. Remember that you should always ensure your chosen method is compliant with applicable laws in your jurisdiction and meet your business' needs.
Submit your DPN application
If your dedicated phone number application is rejected (for any reason), you will be notified through a banner in your account that states:
IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED. Your Dedicated Phone Number for SMS/Text has been halted because your registration is FAILED. You have submitted incomplete or inaccurate information in your registration and must RESUBMIT with correct information. Jobber forwards your application upon submission, and applications can take up to 3 weeks to process. Submit immediately to minimize disruptions. NOTE: This registration is required by all US Cell Carriers and Jobber cannot modify this requirement.
To avoid delays, re-submit your dedicated phone number application and make sure your terms of service are published on your website and easy to find. We may also follow up to request a direct link to your terms if they aren't included in your application.