Replies and Sender IDs
Why this matters
A message either comes from a number people can reply to, or from a name (a Sender ID) that can’t be replied to. Which you use decides whether you get answers back in your sheet, and what your contacts see.
The options
Under Replies: on the Send New tab you’ll see some of these, depending on your account’s country and what’s set up on your account:
| Option | Sent from | Replies come back? |
|---|---|---|
| Allow replies | A shared ExcelSend reply number | Yes |
| Your Reply Number | Your own number, chosen from Your Reply Number: | Yes |
| Use a Sender Id | Your organisation’s name, chosen from Sender Id: | No |
If you have a default Sender ID, it’s selected for you.
What your country allows
Mobile networks and regulators set the rules, so options vary by country. Some countries allow a shared reply number, some only Sender IDs, and some require your own reply number. The Countries page shows the current position for each.
ExcelSend tells you on the Send New tab when you need to do something first:
- Country Regulation: “Regulations in your country require you to subscribe to an SMS reply number before sending text messages.” Click Subscribe here… to rent a reply number in the ExcelSend portal.
- Branded Sender Id Required: “Receiving replies is not supported in your country. You are required to register a Branded Sender Id to send SMS.” Click Apply… to apply for one in the ExcelSend portal.
- Branded Sender Ids are Pending: you’ve applied and are waiting. Approval usually takes up to 48 hours, and you get an email with the result.
Choose an option
- On the Send New tab, under Replies:, choose Allow replies, Your Reply Number or Use a Sender Id.
- If you chose Your Reply Number or Use a Sender Id, pick the number or name from the list below it.
Common problems
There’s no Allow replies option Your country doesn’t have shared reply numbers. Use a Sender ID, or your own reply number where one is available.
Contacts say they can’t reply The message was sent with a Sender ID. Names can’t be replied to. Use Allow replies or Your Reply Number for messages that ask for an answer.
Create Preview won’t enable No valid replies option is chosen, for example a Sender ID is still pending. Choose another option or wait for approval.