How to Enable SMS in GloveBoxCRM: Your Guide to TCR Compliance
Before you can unlock the power of SMS communication in GloveBoxCRM, you must complete a mandatory registration with The Campaign Registry (TCR). This registration is required by all major mobile carriers (like Verizon and T-Mobile) to combat SMS spam and protect consumers.
By completing this process, you are verifying your agency as a legitimate sender, which is the best way to ensure your messages reach your clients' phones. Following the steps in this guide before you start the registration process will ensure a smooth, fast, and successful approval.
Primary Step: Make Your Website's Contact Form Compliant
The single most important preparation step is to ensure your website's contact form correctly captures consent from your clients to receive text messages. During registration, you will be required to submit your website URL, and it will be reviewed for compliance.
Your website form(s) where clients enter their phone number must include an unchecked checkbox with clear and explicit consent language.
Here’s how to do it correctly:
- Add a Checkbox: Place a checkbox directly near the phone number field or the form's "Submit" button.
- Default to Unchecked: The box must not be pre-checked. The user must take the explicit action of checking it to give consent.
- Use Compliant Language: The text next to the checkbox must be clear and contain specific disclosures.
Example Consent Language (Feel free to adapt this for your agency):
☐ By checking this box, I consent to receive recurring text messages, including appointment reminders, policy updates, and marketing messages from [Your Insurance Agency Name]. I understand that message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. I can reply STOP to opt out at any time. I also agree to the [Link to your Terms of Service] and [Link to your Privacy Policy].
Breakdown of the required elements:
- Who is sending: Clearly state your agency's name.
- What they're receiving: Mention the types of messages (e.g., "appointment reminders," "marketing," "policy updates").
- "Message and data rates may apply": This is a mandatory disclosure.
- Opt-out instructions: Clearly state how a user can stop receiving messages (e.g., "Reply STOP to opt out").
- Link to Terms & Privacy Policy: Provide direct links to your website's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- A pre-checked consent box: The user must actively opt-in.
- Vague language: Avoid phrases like "I agree to receive messages." Be specific about the type of messages.
- Hiding the consent language: It must be clearly visible next to the checkbox and phone number field.
Action Required: Before proceeding with TCR registration in GloveBoxCRM, please update your website's contact form(s) to meet these requirements. If you need help, contact your website developer and provide them with these instructions.
Important Information for Sole Proprietors
Your business structure affects your ability to register for TCR through GloveBoxCRM. Please review the following carefully.
Sole Proprietors WITH an EIN
GloveBoxCRM does not support TCR registration for Sole Proprietors who use an Employer Identification Number (EIN). This is a strict policy from our carrier partner, Twilio, who requires that any business with an EIN must be a formally registered entity (such as an LLC, S-Corporation, or C-Corporation).
If you are a sole proprietor with an EIN, you will need to have a registered business entity to use the SMS feature. Many agencies in this position find success by registering as a Single-Member LLC, which often provides liability protection in addition to meeting TCR requirements. We recommend consulting with a legal or business advisor to explore your options.
Sole Proprietors WITHOUT an EIN
If you are a Sole Proprietor and do not have an EIN, registration may be possible. However, this process requires manual review and is subject to certain limitations.
- Action: Please reach out to the GloveBox support team directly to discuss your situation, do not attempt to apply through our registration form. If you do, we will direct you to reach out to our support team.
- Limitation: If your registration is approved, your entire GloveBoxCRM account will be restricted to a single phone number for a single user for all SMS communications. Other users can be added to your account, but those users will not be able to send or receive SMS through GloveBoxCRM.
Get Ready to Register!
Once you have updated your website, you're ready to gather the information needed for the registration form inside GloveBoxCRM. Having this ready will make the process quick and easy.
Your Pre-Registration Checklist:
- [ ] Compliant Website URL: The direct link to the page with your updated contact form. e.g. https://www.insuranceagency.com/get-a-quote
- [ ] Legal Business Name: As it appears on your official business documents.
- [ ] EIN / Tax ID: (Not applicable if you are a sole proprietor without an EIN).
- [ ] Business Type: (e.g., LLC, S-Corporation, Partnership).
- [ ] Official Business Address: Street, City, State, Zip Code.
- [ ] Two Sample Messages: We will have examples from our pre-written campaigns ready to send along with the submission.
What Happens Next?
Once you have completed this checklist, you are ready to begin. Navigate to the TCR Registration page (Edit Agency > TCR Registration) within your GloveBoxCRM account and complete the application.
Please note that after you submit your registration, it is reviewed by TCR and their partners. This verification process can take 5-10 business days. We will notify you via email as soon as your registration is approved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why can't GloveBoxCRM register on my behalf? A: TCR registration requires your official business information, including your EIN and consent to terms of service. As the message sender, your agency must be the one to provide this legally binding information.
Q: What happens if my registration is rejected? A: We will be notified with the reason for the rejection. Reach out to support so we can help you re-submit your application. The most common reason is a non-compliant website form. Once you've fixed the issue, we can help you resubmit your application. Our support team is here to help if you need guidance.
Q: Do I need to add this checkbox to every form on my website? A: You must add the compliant checkbox to any form where you collect phone numbers for the purpose of sending SMS messages. It is critical that the specific URL you submit for registration features this compliant form.
Q: Why can't a Sole Proprietor with an EIN register? This seems unfair. A: We completely understand the frustration. This is a strict policy from our carrier partner, Twilio, which we must follow. They require any business with a federal EIN to be a registered business entity (like an LLC or S-Corp). This is not a GloveBoxCRM limitation.
By following these guidelines, you are setting your agency up for a successful TCR registration. If you have any questions about these preparation steps, please contact our support team for assistance.