Texting in Jackrabbit - An Overview

Jackrabbit integrates with Twilio, a text messaging provider, to enable you to send text messages to your customers directly through Jackrabbit.

Twilio (www.Twilio.com) is a cloud-based API Platform for SMS (texting) that integrates seamlessly with Jackrabbit. Once you’ve created an account with Twilio and have added your credit card details, you’ll be able to text customers from within Jackrabbit. 

Each Jackrabbit database must have its own Twilio account with a unique Auth ID and Auth Token. A Twilio account cannot be shared across databases.  In order to have two accounts with Twilio, you are required to use different credit cards for payment. See Texting in Jackrabbit for instructions on getting set up with Twilio. 

Note: For customers outside the US and Canada, reach out to Jackrabbit Support if you need help setting up a Twilio account.

An alternative to sending text messages through Twilio, you may want to consider Jackrabbit Plus, a mobile app that is custom-branded for your business, integrates with the Jackrabbit Parent Portal, and supports sending "push notifications." Jackrabbit Plus also enables group chat, a two-way messaging system, for seamless communication among users. The group chat function allows users to upload files (with no size limitations) and can help eliminate extra communication apps.


Text Message Guidelines

Jackrabbit text messaging is intended to facilitate urgent and timely communication between your organization and customers. It is not intended as a general marketing tool. Texting has very strict regulations on use governed by the FCC, CTIA, and MMA.

Review the text messaging guidelines.

Text Message Fees

Jackrabbit does not charge for the texting feature; however, our text providers will charge a fee per text message sent. You’ll purchase a credit amount that will decrease as texts are sent. We recommend you set up your account to auto recharge so that important text messages are not delayed due to insufficient funds. Auto recharge can be set up in your Twilio account portal.

For pricing information, visit: Twilio: https://www.twilio.com/sms/pricing

Your Text From Number

You will need to buy at least one phone number from Twilio in order to be able to send text messages.  See Get Set Up for Text Messaging with Twilio for instructions on how to buy a "text from" number.

The numbers you purchase from Twilio are exclusively used for texting, and you will not be able to use your personal or business mobile phone numbers.

If a family replies to your number via text, you will receive that reply in an email format to the address you've designated as the Notification Email(s) in Edit Settings > Text Messages. Your text from number is NOT able to receive incoming messages. Note: Any SPAM text messages will be delivered to your designated email address since Jackrabbit is unable to filter these.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  Is there a way to turn off text messaging but maintain my account details? 

A.  Uncheck the Activate Text Messages checkbox under the Gear (icon) > Settings > General > Text Messages (left menu) to turn off the ability to send text messages. Click Save Changes.

Q.  Is there a report that tells me who has agreed to receive text messages?

A.  Yes, see Who Opted-In? for how to tell who has agreed to receive texts.

Q.  Is there a limit to the number of characters I can send in a text message?

A.  Yes, text messages are limited to a maximum of 160 characters. This includes letters, numbers, spaces, and symbols.

Q.  Can a customer call me at the number I use for texting?

A.  No. The text from number supports texting (SMS messages) only through Jackrabbit and cannot receive incoming telephone calls.

Q.  Can I include an attachment using DropBox?

A.  This is possible if the text, including the DropBox attachment, is no longer than 160 characters.

Q.  Who should I talk to if I use Plivo as a text message provider?

A.  Reach out to Jackrabbit Support with questions about Plivo.

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