FAQ
- 1. SmsCoin project and Premium SMS Payments
- What are PSMS payments and how do I earn money with it?
If you have an interesting project idea or complete project of your own, PSMS payment solutions might be just the right thing for you.
Premium SMS payments — an alternative method to pay for merchandise or services. Your clients submit an SMS message to unique short code and are charged extra for receiving this premium service. Mobile carrier bills the client's mobile phone account and transfers the amount through our system to you. Your clients receive reply message which provides him with access to your service.
- Why PSMS payments? What are the advantages?
- More than 95% of people carry a mobile phone in most of the developed and developing countries which means vast majority of your clientèle;
- an average of SMS messages per each mobile carrier client is 3 a day meaning SMS message is a conventional and intuitive process for your clients;
- SMS-payments can be used by anyone carrying a mobile phone, regardless of their age;
- SMS payments are ideal for spontaneous purchases since the process is quick and anonymous;
- significant growth in mobile services is expected between the years 2008 and 2011 – around 25% per year;
- we offer a complete set of free of charge services and solutions, so within an hour your service will be connected to a simple and profitable payment system.
- What does SmsCoin project offer and how much does it cost?
We offer:
- free software — 6 ready-to-use services and a rich scripts library, where you will definitely find a solution for your project;
- free of charge connection of your project to our web-payment platform with SMS-payments available in 92 countries worldwide;
- ready to use interfaces, free of charge, which enable subscribers of any mobile carrier to send an accurate SMS text to a specific short code;
- free of charge extensive support for your service during the connection process and onward, as well as a complete support for your clients.
Our only profit is a 5% revenue from each SMS sent by your clients.
- Do I need any programming skills to connect your services?
The majority of our services does not require any programming skills since the set up process is quite simple. The only thing you need is an access to the website administration page to be able to integrate our code there. If you have trouble integrating the code — please contact our technical support department for help.
However, if you do have programming skills or you can afford to hire a professional programmer, you can most definitely take advantage of and benefit from our service features.
- Do you provide IVR technology services (Interactive Voice Response)?
Currently IVR payment method is available in Israel in Hebrew and Russian for subscribers of all cellular networks and telecommunication providers. To start working with IVR payments you should connect sms:transit service. Please, contact our sales managers to be provided with full information on the work with IVR payments.
- Are there any requirements from the website I want to install SMS payment system on?
For the most part of the services requirements are as following:
- Website must be on paid web hosting services and registered on your domain name. Websites using hosting systems such as blogpost.com or alike, won't be allowed to use our services;
- It must comply with the laws specified in the description of each and every country connected to the payment system as well as with our legal terms and conditions. All 92 countries forbid casino and lottery websites, and vast majority of countries forbid adult content.
Note! If you connect a blank web-page to our services, it will be declined during the moderation process. Simple HTML or any CMS based website will be enough, amount of pages and content could be as low as couple of pages, and a single file for sale. “Business Card” like website is a good example.
There are additional requirements for sms:transit service.
- What do I need to get started? Can I sign an individual contract?
SmsCoin primarily focusing on online projects. We connect websites with various contents as long as the content comply with legal terms and conditions of the country you wish to work with.
If you are a private client and you wish to connect our services to your website all you need to do is first, to read carefully our End-User License Agreement, register in SmsCoin system, choose and connect the service of your choice, and start making money!
If you are a legal representative of the company and would like to sign an individual contract with us - please contact our sales representatives to discuss the details of your contract.
In case you don't have a website and you wish to connect an off-line project – be sure to contact our representatives to obtain the permission to connect it. Usually it is only granted to legal entities and is supported by an individual contract.
- Is it possible to test the services?
Yes it is possible. We have demo versions for sms:key, sms:bank, sms:chat, sms:content and sms:donate.
- What are short codes and keywords? Can I have my own short code?
Short code is a shortened GSM number reserved by the mobile carrier for commercial purposes. Message sent to a short code like this allows mobile network subscriber to pay for any kind of service. The amount billed to consumer’s mobile phone account is divided between the mobile carrier and the party providing the service.
We do not offer short codes, however, you can connect the service which automatically singles out the suitable short code for your user the moment he chooses his country and mobile carrier on your website. This short code is the basic one for all of our partners. In the instructions on your website you will specify which message user must send in order for this specific sms-message to be associated with your service.
Keyword is your service ID in the body of the message. Majority of our partners working on shared second-level keywords. But you will find a list of countries in the control panel of your account where you will have the opportunity to choose your own keyword, beginning with a dot (for example .your-keyword).
Don't insist on having your own short code – it is a very expensive luxury, which will cost you thousands of dollars a month for each rate in each country, plus a certain percentage of your earnings. That is why we have created unique services based on a system which helps you to avoid unnecessary costs.
Connecting to our system, you should concentrate on the right choice of the service as oppose to short code importance.
- I would like to become your reseller. Is it possible?
If you already have the experience needed in order to provide SMS payment services, please contact our sales department to discuss the potential cooperation possibilities. It is highly likely that your proposal might interest us.
If you consider starting your own SMS payments platform from zero, we will be forced to decline the possible cooperation with you.
- Whom should I consult regarding the legality of my project and tax issues?
Regarding the matters above we advise you to approach to professional lawyer services. We do not provide legal services and will not be able to assist in this matter.
- Does PSMS payment system enable me to send messages from my website?
Unfortunately, PSMS payment system does not allow it.
- I would like to replenish my WebMoney account via SMS. Do you provide such service?
No, we do not provide such service. We work with webmasters and provide payment platform that can be implemented on their websites.
- What are PSMS payments and how do I earn money with it?
- Choosing the right technical solution
- Do you have the solution for such CMS as WordPress, DLE, Joomla, phpBB...?
In our Scripts library you'll find a suitable script in case you use one of the popular CMS or frameworks. Do not find the script you need? Please contact our web developers and they will find a solution for you.
- How do I implement the replenishment of virtual accounts of the customers registered on my website?
For such purposes we developed sms:bank service which actually is a payment gateway that is easily installed on your website, or is added to already existing payment gateways such as WebMoney.
Sms:bank allows registered users to replenish their balance with any amount, which they can spend on any type of content your website offers later on.
Sms:bank service is ideal for such type of projects as social networks, on-line games, dating services and other similar services where wide spectrum of services with different prices is provided.
- Which SmsCoin service is suitable for SMS voting service implementation?
To implement SMS voting service with information sent out in the body of the message, you can either connect sms:key remote handler version or sms:chat. Both of these services allow you to review the text message containing the number/title/name of contestant sent by the customer.
While using sms:chat, you can see message of the text in chat window, interface of which will be displayed on your website at the moment you've connected to the service. To determine the outcome of the vote you will have to count the votes independently. This is the simplest option for those of you who have no programming abilities or cannot afford to hire a web developer.
Sms:key remote handler version enables you to write SMS-message texts to your server database the moment your customer received the password in reply message and entered it to confirm his participation in the voting contest. The only thing you will have to do is to write a voice counter program.
The easiest way to implement SMS voting is to use sms:key remote handler version to lock the pages of each and every contestant, and count the page requests at the moment the password is entered. In this case, you won't be restricted to the text of the message and would avoid inaccurate calculations which might occur due to customer's incorrect typing of the text.
- User sends an SMS and in reply receives access code to hidden content or file on my website – which service would be the most suitable in this case?
What you need is our most popular service sms:key, which is offered in two major configurations – the basic one for those of you who don't have any programming experience; and the one with remote handler for those who understand different programming languages.
- Is it possible to hide certain sections or pages of the website with paid access?
Yes, it is possible. Sms:key service enables you to hide any web page with different content, including link to specific website section.
In our Scripts library you'll find a suitable script in case you use one of the popular CMS or frameworks.
- We are interested in enabling paid access to an on-line videos resource. Which service should we use? Which video format is better to work with?
Sms:key service enables you to hide any web page with different content, including paid access to page containing video clips. Video format doesn't really matter.
- What service should I use to sell my own developments such as programs, video-instructions, books and document?
Definitely sms:key, which enables user to receive a password in response to SMS-message sent and to use this password to access the content on your website.
If you're not experienced in programming — standard sms:key version will the right one for you.
If you do have programming skills — we recommend the remote handler version.
For those of you with an impressive content archive — please get familiar with Antileech script, which instead of installing script for each and every link enables you to block an access to the entire archive. Antileech versions are available both for standard and remote handler sms:key versions.
Moreover, you have a wide variety of sms:key scripts for the most popular CMS at your disposal.
- What is the most effective way to implement paid access to a large file archive?
First, you need to connect to sms:key service but instead of the standard service script you need to install on your website Antileech script, which can be downloaded from scripts library.
The main advantage of this script is that instead of installing script for each and every link, it enables you to block an access to the entire archive. Besides that, the access to download link of the file is generated each time someone is trying to download the same file, meaning the access link cannot be used twice for the same file.
Antileech versions are available both for standard and remote handler sms:key versions.
- My website contains products or services within various price categories. What would be the best way to sell it?
It is possible to connect a few sms:keys to your service, the best option if you use 2-3 distinct prices for your products or services.
If you work with a large variety of a different price categories, sms:bank is the best option for you. It will enable your customers to replenish their virtual accounts through SMS on your website. You'll need to figure out the way the amount will be written off the account, depending on the price of the service chosen by your customer.
- What is the most effective way the set up a paid registration on my website?
First of all, you can use sms:key to block the access to registration form. If you wish to display part of registration information that will be added to the database in SMS-message itself, you should use the remote handler version of sms:key.
Assuming that following the registration process the customer will have the opportunity to pay for additional services, we would recommend sms:bank service. Registration will be free of charge, but afterwards customer must replenish the account to be able to pay for access to the main database of the site, for example.
In our off-the-shelf SMS scripts library you can find a solution for paid registration.
- I would like to collect donations on behalf of my website development. Which service should I use?
The most suitable option to collect donations is to connect sms:donate — a simple SMS payment with an easy installation and setup process. Users' interface is quite minimal in a form of a simple button which your website users click and receive the instruction for sending SMS in order to thank you for creating their favorite resource. This service has a distinctive feature which enables your users to choose SMS cost based on the amount he is willing to donate in order to support the development of the website he prefers.
An additional way to collect donations is the connection of sms:chat. You can find plenty of nice examples on the Internet of this service incorporated into overall website design that looks exactly like chat, where each and every line is a thank you note from a website user. This way, users express their thankfulness to the website owner not only financially by sending SMS message but verbally as well. However, adding anything to the text line is not a compulsory.
- I offer products and service worth more than $10 - which service should I connect to?
First of all, you can use sms:key service and split up the payments of the product into several steps. For example, if you offer a very long video instruction, it can be divided into 2-3 parts and you can charge for the access to each and every part separately.
Secondly, you can use any of the services we offer, including sms:key, for charging a prepayment for the product. The remain sum will be paid by the customer on the spot, or at the time of the delivery. For example, if you are a club manager and distribute the tickets using your website, sms:key service allows your customers to pay a part of the sum in advance for the party or concert tickets. The rest of the sum will be paid by the customer at the place of the event.
In case your website requires registration process, you should connect sms:bank service to your project. It enables your customers to replenish the account with unlimited funds by sending SMS-messages.
- How can I use your service to charge for consultations I offer?
We can suggest several payment options. But you should remember that mobile payments are not suitable for expensive consultations. If you wish to receive more than $20-30 for each consultation, the only way you can use our services is either for prepay option, registration to consultation or partial consultation, which can be used in advertisement purposes.
In case customers have to register on your website — you better use sms:bank service, which enables replenishment of the virtual account with various amounts through SMS-messages.
If registration process is not required, you have to decide how exactly will you consult your customers: you'll either charge for your answer in a letter to the customer, arrange a session via chat, or just call the customers at the moment the payment process was confirmed.
In most cases, payment confirmation is all that required from customers. Such confirmation can be the password sent in reply SMS-message while using sms:key service.
- How can I implement a payment for testing process?
Simply lock the page containing the test results with sms:key script. Customer won't be able to see the test results until he sends an SMS and enters the received password on your website.
If you wish to send the test results to customer's e-mail address, you should use sms:key remote handler version. You'll need to adjust the service code on your own, so that the moment the password is entered, a desired action will take place.
For those of you with programming skills, there is an additional option — sms:bank. In that case, following the payment confirmation and clicking the "Next" button, the customer suppose to reach the success.php script page which executes an appropriate algorithm, such as generating a page with individual test results or sending the results to customer's e-mail.
- How can I set up a payment process for VIP ads on my bulletin board?
In order to implement the publication of paid (VIP) ads you need to connect to sms:key service. Sms:key service script locks the access to the publication form of paid ads. This option is the easiest one to implement.
If your ad is already published, and the only thing you want is to move it up to the top of the list — simply use modified sms:key remote handler version. Precisely this service will enable you to add your own lines to the code of the sms:key handler, necessary for executing different actions after the password is entered.
- Which service will help me to automatically display the information taken from SMS-messages sent by the customers on my website?
Sms:chat service was developed precisely for such purposes.
If you're looking to implement something more complex, sms:key remote handler version would be the best option since it inserts the entire SMS message text into your database table.
- I want to sell access passwords to the archives I share on filehostings service. Which service should I choose?
If you have your own website, the best option will be the connection of sms:key service along with Antileech script. You have to create a few text files, each and every one of which will contain an access password to the specific archive stored on filehosting website. Every one of these files should be placed under single directory which is locked with Antileech script. At the moment the customer clicks the link in order to download specific text file containing the password to particular archive, first of all he is redirected to the payment page.
Another possibility is to use sms:key remote handler version. While using this service each and every archive has to be assigned with an ID which has to be specified in SMS-message sent. In reply, customer receives a password that must be entered on your website. The moment customer enters the password, your system must verify the ID sent in the message and grant the customer with an access password to the archive in correspondence with given ID. It is possible to add a form through which the password will be sent via specified e-mail address.
- Is it possible to send my website content to customer's mobile phone directly?
You cannot send the content directly as it is. What you can do is to send a link to download images, music, video or text files stored on your website to customer's mobile phone. You need to set up sms:content service on your website.
- Is it possible to send MMS-messages from my website?
Unfortunately, we do not work with MMS protocol since its commercial modification does not exist. For mobile content distribution we recommend our sms:content service which enables you to send the link for content downloading to customer's mobile phone.
- What will be the most suitable SmsCoin service for promotion in printed media?
SmsCoin project primarily designed for online projects. If you can display the instruction for the promotion and for sending SMS-message on your website, and the only thing that will be published in printed media is the address of your website, you can choose any of the services we offer depending on the characteristics of the promotion.
It is strictly forbidden to publish short codes connected to SmsCoin system in any printed media. However, if you are a legal representative of the company – please contact SmsCoin representative for advice. Perhaps your project will be an exception, if we find it interesting enough.
- How can I set up my WAP (with JAVA applications) partnership program?
Since March 2009 we have suspended further WAP-sharing setting up.
- Is it possible to implement a service based on funds transfer from one mobile phone to another?
No, we do not provide such technical capabilities.
- Can I sell PIN codes for telephone cards?
It is not possible to sell PIN codes for telephone cards using our services.
- Can you help me set up a service where SMS-message is sent from a different mobile phone number (SMS spoofing)?
For security reasons concerning end-users, we do not allow the setup of such services.
- Is there a possibility of indirect payment to online casino through SmsCoin system?
No, we do not work with a casino on any of the possible schemes.
- Can I set up a lottery or a contest with prizes?
No, we do not work with service of this kind.
- Do you have the solution for such CMS as WordPress, DLE, Joomla, phpBB...?
- Connecting and operating sms:bank service
- How does sms:bank service work?
Sms:bank service — a powerful mechanism based on payment gateway structure that enables you to create a fully automated service with visitors' interaction which corresponds widespread payment systems.
Please make sure to read the description of sms:bank as well as take a look at the demo version.
- How does sms:bank service work?
- Connecting and operating sms:chat service
- I have installed sms:chat service, and I don't understand where can I see the messages that were sent?
Immediately after the code installation process you can only see the part of the interface where the instructions for sending SMS-messages are displayed. Go to instructions page and send at least one test message accordingly. Then, it will appear in the chat window and you will be able to see how it looks.
Please make sure you read the description of sms:chat service as well as its demo version.
- I have installed sms:chat service, and I don't understand where can I see the messages that were sent?
- Connecting and operating sms:content service
- How does sms:content service work?
Sms:content service works as follows: user sends a premium SMS message to a short code, and in reply he receives a message with a link to the content he wishes to download such as picture, favorite tune and etc.
Please make sure you read the description of sms:content service as well as its demo version.
- How does sms:content service work?
- Connecting and operating sms:donate service
- I'm interested in sms:donate service. How does it work?
Currently, sms:donate is the simplest service to install and operate amongst the entire list of services we offer.
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Please note that in order to connect sms:donate service there are specific restrictions as follows:
- sms:donate cannot be installed on "adult-oriented" websites
- you must own second level domain and whois registry to be able to install the service on a free hosting
- in Romania, Azerbaijan, Australia, Turkey, Israel, Brazil, India and Moldova sms:donate service connection is impossible due to legislative restrictions
Please make sure to read sms:donate service description.
- I'm interested in sms:donate service. How does it work?
- Connecting and operating sms:key service
- I want to know more about sms:key service
Sms:key service enables you to provide an access using a password to any type of content on various websites.
Please make sure to read the description of sms:key as well as the demo version of the service.
- I want to know more about sms:key service
- Connecting and operating sms:transit service
- What do I need in order to connect sms:transit service?
- Please contact sales manager via ICQ 570342641 or via this e-mail sales@smscoin.com;
- In your letter please specify the following details: an address of the website you plan to install sms:transit service on, its complete description and the expected turnover (a total cost of SMS-messages that will be sent to your service by its users);
- Within two business days you will receive a letter to the specified e-mail with either a permission to connect the service or a rejection with further connection instructions.
Please note that our staff is very serious when picking a project most suitable for sms:transit service connection. Therefore, prior to your application you should consider the possibility to use other available services that our project provides. Based on our extensive experience, in 80% of the cases there is no need for sms:transit connection.
Typically, applications for sms:transit service are checked within 48 hours from the moment of applying. If on a third day you still have not received a reply - check your spam folder. If you found this letter in the spam folder — you need to configure your spam filter so that our letters won't be sent directly to spam folder. If you have any reason to believe that your e-mail service provider does not receive our letters, you should send another request using a different e-mail address. Make sure that the problematic e-mail address does not appear in your account settings on our website. This is highly important since we sometimes send letters containing essential information which requires immediate response. Make sure to specify an e-mail address where we can contact you without any problems.
Please make sure you read the description of sms:transit service as well as its presentation document in PDF.
- What do I need in order to connect sms:transit service?
- Connecting to and operating on SmsCoin system
- How do I register on SmsCoin.net website? What should I mention in registration form?
To register on our website please go to registration form in SmsCoin system and enter as much details as possible.
Choose your user name and password. It is essential for you to specify your updated e-mail address. Registration confirmation will be sent to this e-mail. Additionally, you can specify your work address. Enter your first name and surname so that we could address you properly.
It is very important to mention at least one possible way to contact you — ICQ, Skype, preferably phone number. We need this information in case there is a technical problem and we must contact you as soon as possible.
Payout information should contain details about your WebMoney account settings such as Webmoney Z which equals to USD, and Webmoney R which equals to Russian rubles, and of course the number of the account itself. If you want to receive your revenue share payouts to Payoneer debit card, it is necessary to bind it to your account in our system (for more details please read the information in the section "Finances, rates and payouts" item "What is Payoneer"). You can fill in this field later.
If you are done with the registration form, next step is to agree to our terms and conditions, type the numbers as they appear in captcha window and click the Registration button.
You will receive an e-mail with a link you need to click on to complete the registration process.
- What are WebMoney Z and WebMoney R in "Payout information" section?
Individual customer payouts are transferred from our system to your WebMoney account. If you are not familiar with WebMoney payment system please visit wmtransfer.com website for further details. There you will find in details how to create an account and how to withdraw your funds. There are numerous WebMoney system representatives worldwide through which WebMoney funds withdrawal is allowed in cash. Additionally, the system provides an opportunity to exchange WebMoney for other electronic currency, bank and postal transfers.
Various types of electronic currency are operating in WebMoney system, and for each and everyone of these you have to create a different type of account. We allow funds withdrawal in two currency types — Webmoney Z which equals to USD, and Webmoney R which equals to Russian rubles.
At the moment of registration on our website in the "Payouts information" you should indicate your account type ( Webmoney Z or Webmoney R) you wish to receive the payouts to, and the actual account number (indicate complete account number, including the key-letter Z- or R-).
- What do I have to do in order to connect SmsCoin web-payments system on my website?
- First, please register on our website and fill out the necessary form;
- Choose one of the ready-to-use services most suitable for your project and connect it in your account control panel, specifying SMS cost you want your customers to pay for the service, countries you wish to work with and additional information necessary for service functionality;
- In control panel you need to obtain a script code for installation on your website and insert it according to the instructions.
- Does SmsCoin provide the statistics of the files downloaded from my resources?
No, we only provide the statistics for SMS-messages sent through our system to pay for your services. We don't have the access to your website and to files stored there, thus only you or your web developers can write a necessary program that will collect the statistics for every action that takes place on your website.
- How can I identify the customer who sent the SMS to find out whether he was charged for it?
The easiest way to find out whether the customer was charged using your service is to check the logs on smscoin.net website.
To do that you have to obtain the phone number the message was sent from. Go to control panel of your account and on the list of "Tools" choose "Logs" and enter the telephone number of the subscriber. If SMS-message was sent and has reached our system, you will see the complete information about the payment process. If subscriber didn't send the message or it didn't reach its destination (due to subscriber's mistake made at the moment the message was sent for example) — you will see an empty field.
If you obtain any programming skills and have connected one of our advanced services which passes a number of payment parameters to your server, you can manage your own logs status.
- How can countries such as USA, Canada, Tajikistan and Belarus be connected to payment system?
Mobile carriers within these countries have a very strict policy regarding new services connection. Please send a request for connecting the following countries to your services, along with scanned copy of your passport to adver@smscoin.com, to confirm that you understand the responsibility you have for the quality of provided services within these countries. Service ID you want to connect these countries to should also be included in your request.
- How many services am I allowed to connect to my projects at one time? I've reached the limit of the connected services – what should I do?
You can connect 2-3 identical services at one time in your account, for example 3 sms:key services, 2 sms:bank services and etc. In case you you've exceeded the limit, you must contact our support team at support@smscoin.com requesting a permission to connect additional service. Your request must contain ID account in the system and an explanation — what do you need additional service for.
- I chose a service. How can I connect it? Where can I find instructions?
Following the registration go to Control panel. On your left you will find the list of our services. Click on service you are interested in. This page will contain complete list of services you've connected to. Click "New" and fill out the connection application and click "Save". Afterwards, service script has to be installed on your website.
If the service does not require moderation process it will be activated immediately. If it does require moderation process then following successful moderation process the "Active" sign will turn green.
- Why did my account on SmsCoin website disappear?
Your account didn't disappear — we don't delete accounts in our system. First of all, try to remember whether your log-in name and password are correct. If you have 2 or more accounts registered in our system, maybe you are confusing between the log-in details of the two accounts.
Much worse, and relatively rare case scenario — your account has been blocked due to severe breech of our service terms and conditions. Entire account is blocked only as a result of serious violations, thus if you know you've acted in contrary to our terms and conditions, do not try to persuade us to unblock your account. If, on the other hand, you are certain we made a mistake of any sort, please contact our support department with all necessary details to prove your service is working properly and in compliance with our terms and conditions.
- I've connected the service but it disappeared from the list when I logged in again.
It was probably rejected by the moderator during the moderation process.
- The service I chose wasn't approved by the moderators. Why?
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Moderator turns down the service connection in the following cases:
- You did not specify website address you wish to connect the service to;
- You've entered fictional website address;
- The website you have specified is either empty or its content does not in any way clarify the purpose and subject of the website;
- The website is unavailable to external access;
- The website is set on a free web hosting or is a part of websites system such as blogspot.com or alike;
- The website contains prohibited or illegal content according to our terms and conditions.
- I didn't receive an account confirmation letter following the registration. What should I do?
First of all you should check spam directory of your e-mail box. If this e-mail was directed to spam, please adjust your e-mail filters so that our letters would not reach spam directory in the future.
In your profile, an updated e-mail must be specified in order to accept e-mails from our server. This is very important, since we send links containing crucial information quite often, and a quick response is needed. Moreover, our managers need to communicate with you in every way possible.
If you suspect that the server your e-mail is registered on does not accept our e-mails, please register in our system once again and mention a different e-mail address.
- How can I change contact details in already registered account?
You can change your contact details at any time in your account profile in SmsCoin system. The details of your account must be up to date — this is crucial information for us.
- I've implemented your service on my website. How can I test it without having to send an expensive SMS-message?
In service settings set to minimum SMS cost, 10 cents for example. Now you can send a test SMS-message using the lowest rate offered by mobile carriers within your country of residence.
Following the end of the test don't forget to set the SMS cost you want your customers to pay for.
- Where can I see the statistics for sent SMS-messages?
Go to Control panel, "Services" section. Choose the service you're interested in. For each and every service with its own ID there is a link to the statistics for sent SMS-messages. SMS-messages can be sorted out according to time, country, mobile carrier, short codes.
- I've connected a service which requires moderation process. How long will it take?
Service moderation process is done twice or three times a day depending on our staff availability. It might be only once a day if our staff is loaded with work.
- How can I disable or delete the service?
Previously connected service cannot be deleted from our system. But, you can disable the service on smscoin.net website in Control panel by clicking on "Disable" button. If you set payment instructions independently — do not forget to remove it, otherwise your customers will continue to send SMS-messages without getting anything in return.
- How can I change my WebMoney account number in already registered account?
Simply enter WebMoney account number if you did not do that yet.
In case WebMoney account number have already been entered, you should send a letter to support@smscoin.com with the following details: your ID in SmsCoin system, previous WebMoney account number, current WebMoney account number, the reason you want to change it, and the link to a website page where your primary service connected (this website address should be specified in the settings of your primary service). On that same page your request letter should be copied.
These measures are taken to protect our partners' income. There is a limit for the account number change period for the same reasons. Account number changes take place during the period between the last payout made and before the new one is generated, that is a period between 15th of each month until the last day of each month.
- How fast will user receive a reply SMS? What is the highest volume of messages your system can handle in one minute?
A reply SMS with payment confirmation provided within a few seconds from the moment user sends an SMS. In the event of mobile carrier problems, the reply SMS might be delayed for one up to ten minutes.
Our platform works on powerful servers which allow us to handle much higher SMS volumes then those we handle right now. As SMS traffic going through our system increases, we update our technical database considering even higher traffic.
- How do I register on SmsCoin.net website? What should I mention in registration form?
- Finances, rates and payouts
- When and how are payouts produced?
Payouts are made once a month: until the 15th of each month we transfer the revenue shares earned by our partners throughout the previous month.
Payouts are made to WebMoney purses that our partners specified in their Control panels on smscoin.net website, as well as through Payoneer debit cards powered by MasterCard company.
If we sign a contract with legal entity, the payouts are made to the bank account of the company in accordance with the details indicated in this contract. - I'm not familiar with WebMoney Z and WebMoney R. What is that and how does it work?
Revenue share payouts are tranferred from our system to your WebMoney purse. If you are unfamiliar with these payment methods, please visit wmtransfer.com website. You will find detailed information about how to register an account, and how to withdraw the funds from these accounts.
You will easily find WebMoney representatives worldwide with whom you can cash out your revenue share payouts. Moreover, the system allows you to exchange WebMoney funds to other electronic currencies, as well as to carry out bank and postal transfers.
There are a few types of electronic currencies in WebMoney system, and you must register a different type of purse for each of these currencies. We produce the payouts in two types of currencies - Webmoney Z (WMZ) and Webmoney R (WMR), which are equal US dollars (USA) and Russian rubles accordingly.
During the registration process on our website in “Payout Info” section you have to select a payment method, afterwards you have to specify a WebMoney purse type (WMZ or WMR) where to you wish to receive your revenue share payouts, and your purse number (the number has to be specified in full, including currency ID Z or R). - Is it possible to transfer the funds to the bank account of my organization?
Yes, it is possible, if you are a legal entity and have signed a contract with us then we will be able to transfer your funds not only to WebMoney account or to Payoneer debit card, but to your company bank account as well.
- What do tables in PSMS worldwide coverage section and the fields in it mean?
Click the country you are interested in from the following list. First, there is a short explanation about our terms and conditions within this country. Next, there is the rates table itself.
First column contains list of services available when connecting specific country. Second column contains short codes available within this country, and the third one — common keywords based on which local mobile carriers identify our system. Information specified in these columns isn't crucial to know and used for introduction purposes only.
What particularly interesting to you is the "Subscriber's cost including/excluding VAT" and "Your share" fields. The cost in vast majority of the countries is translated to local currency, as required by law. Your share is being calculated based on SMS cost excluding VAT, since this is exactly how mobile carriers worldwide calculate our revenue share.
Let's look at various examples within different countries. First, let's take Germany — there are different SMS costs for end-users and 4 different mobile carriers. Minimum rate equals €0.83 (excl. VAT), and your share based on SMS cost will be 40%. Maximum rate equals €8.39 (excl. VAT) and your share based on SMS cost will be 40%.
Next, let's look at Russia, for example, which is the only country on the list where each mobile carrier is given a separate table since short codes and rates are individual for each and every one of them. The default mobile carrier on the page is Beeline. Minimum rate based on short code 3833 equals 16.95 rubles, and your share based on SMS cost will be 32.74% (5.55 rubles). Maximum rate based on short code 2474 equals 254.24 rubles, and your share based on SMS cost will be 49.69% (126.33 rubles).
- In what currency do you make the payouts?
The moment your share from just received SMS-message is added to the sum of gross share, your share is converted from local currency the message was paid in to US Dollars according to actual exchange rate at the moment SMS-message is received.
- The date is the 16th already, and I don't see any money in my account. What seems to be the problem?
Prior to contacting one of our representatives on the issue, please make sure that your account number is indeed specified in the Profile of your Control panel, and that these details are up-to-date.
Afterwards log in to your WebMoney purse and doublecheck all incoming payments. Chances are you simply overlooked our payout transfer.
- What is Payoneer?
Starting March 2010 we make the payouts to partners who use Payoneer MasterCard debit cards. You are welcome to visit Payoneer's company website in order to receive full information on the cards. Please note that the company provides general support services in multiple languages. If you wish to contact Payoneer representative in order to discuss any issues/questions that might interest you please send an e-mail to support@payoneer.com
If you already own a Payoneer card and wish to receive your payouts to it all you are to do is to go to you personal account, click the link and enter your e-mail address and password provided during the registration in Payoneer sytem. As a result, the account will be binded automatically. In case you do not own such card but you wish to obtain one - go ahead and order it by filling out a special form in your Control Panel. Please, see additional information on Payoneer cards fees.
Please pay attention that the the order, delivery and activation of the card are subject to commission at the rate of $20. The sum is written off your account in SmsCoin system automatically both for card binding and its order. In case you bind the card the charge will be reimbursed on your account with the next monthly payout.
- How do I change a payment method in my account on smscoin.net website?
In order to change the payment method please send your request to support@smscoin.com from the e-mail specified during the registration process on smscoin.net website.
In the request for change please don't forget to specify your ID in SmsCoin system, previous and new payment methods, and the reason for the change. It is necessary provide a link to the internal website page where is your primary service connected (website address should be specified in the setting of the primary service). It is also necessary to duplicate your request for the change of payment method on this page.
Please pay attention that this request should be sent after the payout period, until the 1st day of the month.
- I've send an SMS to test my service. Why don't I see any changes under Finance section?
The reason for that is "Finance" section in Control Panel contains information about previous payouts made, thus you will see the amount for the first time at the end of the first working month. The information available includes the amount, the date and the payment method of the payout.
To review the current income reports of the connected service, go to service menu and click "Statistics" link with service ID.
- Are there any limitations on the amount earned at the payout?
Yes, there are. The amount of 500 US dollars is the minimum amount for the payout via bank wire transfer. Maximum amount for the payout can be up to 10,000 US dollars. Payout amounts over 10,000 US dollars are possible for legal entities only. Speaking about WebMoney payouts there are no limitations at all - each month you get the sum you earned, whether it is $1 or $5000.
- Where can I see how much I have earned?
Complete information about your revenue share can be found in Control Panel of your account. The moment you are logged in, your current revenue share is displayed, under "Finance" information about already paid share, and under "Services" section detailed statistic is available regarding any SMS ever sent to any of your services.
- How can I change my WebMoney account number in my SmsCoin account?
Enter WebMoney account number if you did not do that yet.
In case WebMoney account number have already been entered, you should send a letter to support@smscoin.com with the following details: your ID in SmsCoin system, previous WebMoney account number, current WebMoney account number, the reason you want to change it, and the link to a website page where your primary service connected (this website address should be specified in the settings of your primary service). On that same page your request letter should be copied.
These measures are taken to protect our partners' income. There is a limit on the change period of the account number for the same reasons. Account number changes take place during the period between the last payout made and before the new one is generated, that is a period between 15th of each month until the last day of each month.
- Which short code and SMS cost should I specify on my website?
Don't worry – we took care of that for you.
The only thing you have to do while connecting to our service is to specify SMS cost you want to charge your clients (in US Dollars only). We are dealing with almost 40 different currencies which customers use to pay for your products and services. Therefore we had to establish certain common currency unit for recalculations within our system which traditionally is US Dollar.
If you are using our standard solutions, your customers will be able to choose their country of residence (within Russia — mobile carriers as well) on the payment page. According to customer's choice our script automatically chooses short code for sending SMS-message and displays it in local currency within the customer's country of residence.
If you are an experienced web developer who decided to adjust our scripts to your own payment instructions — please use our rates scales in XML and JSON formats which available for downloading from our server for each and every service connected separately. Please note that according to SmsCoin project's terms and conditions you are obliged to implement an automatic instructions generation on your website based on actual data available in our rates scales. Static instructions are strictly forbidden!
- Does SMS-traffic volume affects my payouts sum?
If SMS-traffic volume sent to your service increases significantly with time and the total turnover exceeds 10.000 monthly, you should contact our managers to discuss the possibility to increase the percentage share rate.
- I wish to receive $1 each time my file is downloaded. What will be the end price for my customer?
It may vary from one country to another. Within Russia it varies from one mobile carrier to another.
We strongly recommend to set the cost based on existing rates scale and not according to the sum you wish to earn. Rates are established by the mobile carriers and it is impossible for to us to influence or change it to your request in any way.
Suppose you want to receive about $1 for your services / products. Using the Rates list and the "Calculator" utility in control panel of your account on smscoin.net website you can calculate how much should your customers pay for the service for you to receive at least $1 from each SMS-message.
Let's say the main audience you're aiming for are the residents of Germany. On the page with rates operating within Germany you will find different rates under various short codes. Let's take 1 Euro exchange rate which equals to $1.39. Use "Your Share" section to calculate your earnings. For example, if you set the price according to short code 83669 which is €0.832 (without VAT), you will receive a little less than $1 (your share is 40%). To receive a little above $1 you should choose short code 82888 with fixed price of €1.672 (without VAT). To understand better what will be the end price for you customer, just add VAT.
- Is there a minimum turnover if I want to connect to SmsCoin?
We have no minimum turnover requirements regarding most of our services. Join us and earn as much as possible! SMS:transit is the only exception – it must be discussed individually.
- Are there any SMS cost limitations?
Yes, there are limitations such as these in compliance with fixed SMS cost by mobile carriers on different short codes. Please go through PSMS worldwide coverage section which contains the entire list of short codes currently offered by mobile carriers in countries we work with, and the cost of SMS-message sent to these numbers.
Our company is constantly extending the variety of rates, but at the time your service is connected, the only rates available for you appear under PSMS worldwide coverage section.
- Is it possible to have a fixed SMS cost for customers regardless their country of residence or mobile carriers available?
No, it is not possible since each and every country we work with has its unique rates.
Nevertheless, while connecting our service in control panel of your account you can specify a fixed SMS cost in conventional units. We are dealing with almost 40 different currencies which customers use to pay for your products and services. Therefore we had to establish certain common currency unit for recalculations within our system which traditionally is US Dollar.
Based on price set by you, our system chooses the closest rate (rounded up to the highest rate available) for each and every country in order to generate instructions for your customers.
- Whom can I consult with regarding my income taxes?
You should consult a professional lawyer regarding any taxation issues such as this.
- Does the revenue I earn from each SMS-messages sent to my website depends on the country I reside in?
No, it does not. Revenue share scheme is the same among all of our partners, with no difference in the country of their residence.
- What currency is my share indicated in within SmsCoin internal system, for example under "Finance" and "Statistics" sections according to services?
We work with a substantial number of countries and currencies, hence we had to implement a common currency unit for internal statistics and recalculations. This unit is equivalent to US Dollar according to its current rate. Consequently, unless otherwise mentioned, all financial details in our system are shown in US Dollars.
- I've noticed a 0 in "Your payout" field. Why did the payout amount I saw previously, disappear?
No worries — the payout did not disappear. It happened due to beginning of a new working month, therefore the counter was reset. Information about previous payouts will soon be available under "Finance" section, and current month payouts are counted from '0'. Sent SMS-messages statistics for any period of time can be found under "Service" section.
- My account has been blocked. Am I to receive the payouts accumulated till now?
If the reason for blocking your account is due to illegal action using this account, you won't receive your payouts. Mobile carriers use this money to compensate users who suffered damage due to the account blocking.
- When and how are payouts produced?
- Safety, and sanctions for violation of safety rules
- I've received a notification saying "Your service was blocked". Why???
Usually services are blocked due to serious violations of SmsCoin.net.
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Here are the main reasons for blocking service, or even the account on our side:
- We have checked the website address that is specified in service settings, and it doesn't exist;
- We have found a crucial error on your website that prevent users from receiving the service they have paid for, and have sent an alert asking you to contact us urgently, or correct the error yourself but have not received a response from you during 24 hours;
- We have reasons to believe that the service you have registered is used in an off-line mode;
- We have received a complaint saying that your service is used against the law of a certain country where payments are received on your website;
- You have used our short codes to spam users;
- You use our service to withdraw funds from SIM-cards (Fraud activity).
- Can user send an SMS to a short code having only prepaid SIM-card? Do I earn something from this SMS?
User can send a Premium SMS-message using mobile phone only if there is enough money in prepaid balance to send this message.
If the number of a new subscriber remains active after the SMS message was sent, and his account was replenished - your earnings will be accounted for. If a SIM-card was canceled immediately after the prepaid balance was spent, SMS messages sent via this SIM-card will be considered as "fraud" and earning from these SMS won't be accounted for.
- Does such concept as "fraud-limit" exist in SmsCoin system?
No. We do not impose any artificial limits on SMS-message quantities for your service. We strongly recommend you to set your own limitations according to characteristics of your specific task since money earned from "fraud" SMS-messages does not accounted for by mobile carriers and withheld from your earnings.
- How do "fraud" messages are taken into account during the calculation of the payouts?
Prior to monthly payout generation we summarize all the "fraud" data received from mobile carrier and from our own security department. Earnings from the messages that came from phone numbers without sufficient balance are deleted. It is deducted from the total payout sum. In this case the fine is not applicable.
- How do your system detect "fraud"?
"Fraud" — is, in a fact, a slang word that became very well known and used on the SMS payments market when trying to describe criminal activity using mobile phones. Those who suffer the most are services owners that offer Premium SMS services.
In SmsCoin system "fraud" considered to be SMS messages that are sent from phone numbers with insufficient balance. SMS messages of this kind are delivered to us to be processed by mobile carriers, in order to prevent the situation where money is withdrawn for offered services, when in fact there is not enough or no balance at all for subscriber to pay for Premium SMS.
All the necessary phone number details of the criminals are given to us by mobile carriers and reviewed by our own security department at the end of each month.
- How to create an effective "anti-fraud" system?
From our extensive experience based on 4 years of existence we are convinced that most effective way of fighting "fraud" can be created by the website owner alone. Typically, the risk of becoming a victim of "fraudsters" is much higher for resources that offer account replenishment with virtual currency. Owners of such websites can choose on of the two ways available — set your own limit for balance replenishment (for example, one transaction per 10 minutes, or two transactions a day), or simply establish entirely automatic control of what is happening in users' accounts.
SmsCoin services, including sms:bank that is often used by websites that allow account replenishment with virtual currency, provide all the necessary means to implement control management. As soon as your automatic anti-fraud system notifies you about an unusual activity taking place in your user's account, you should suspend all account activity and contact the user via contact details specified during registration process. If you're unable to obtain the necessary information on your own simply send us all the information you have, and we will check user's phone number.
- From time to time some partners in my affiliate program spam users using our key words via e-mail and ICQ. What happens during payouts in this case?
Payouts for SMS-messages sent in reply to spam campaigns won't take place because mobile carriers return it to those users affected by this spam campaign.
Services with key words that were noted in spam campaigns will be blocked immediately without further notice. If you own an affiliate program, and your service was blocked due to one of the partners' misconducts, please contact us with a request to unblock your service. Unless you use some kind of moderation system that monitors connected partners, and fraudsters will use your affiliate program as the most suitable one for their purposes, your service will be blocked permanently.
- Is there a limit on the number of SMS messages sent from the same phone number?
SmsCoin does not impose such limitations. To prevent any fraud activity we strongly recommend our partners that offer services with balance replenishment in user's account to establish their own restrictions on a daily balance replenishment in accordance with the specifics of a particular service.
- I've received a notification saying "Your service was blocked". Why???
- Technical problems
- I have installed your service, payment process works properly, but files download process suddenly stops the moment password is entered
The problem mentioned above has nothing to do with our service and scripts. It does, however, points out that you have chosen a low-quality hosting service. Contact your hosting service administrator, change your current hosting package to a more expensive one, or choose another hosting service.
- I have installed your service, and try to click the payment page link but I receive an error "Failed to request external service" instead. What does it mean?
Unfortunately, it means that your hosting service does not support external requests. A script that has been installed on your website cannot connect with our server due to your hosting service restrictions.
Please contact your hosting service administrator and request to enable the access to external requests, if necessary — switch to a more expensive hosting services plan. In case your hosting service does not provide such feature at ll — look for another hosting service.
- I receive complaints from my website users about an error "Inaccurate cost" in reply SMS-messages. Why is that happening?
First, and quite widespread reason for this error is because website owners don't always follow the updates in rates and short codes changes in all countries available. The amount of rates available is too big to follow up the changes that take place. Therefore, we strongly advise you not to prescribe instructions manually, and never use static instructions.
Payment instructions for users should be generated from real-time rates scales which are stored on our server for each and every of your services separately. Rate scale file should be uploaded on your website server hourly, and each time payment page is requested by user, instructions will be generated based on recently updated rate scale. It enables you to display newly updated information at any time, as well as to avoid errors.
Second, not so common reason for "Inaccurate cost" error can happen due to global changes in US dollar or ruble exchange rates in our system. It might be caused by significant changes in the above-mentioned currencies on the market.
If you noticed that the media is buzzing about catastrophic changes in ruble or dollar currency, please go to your services settings and make sure that the price of a single SMS-message is not too high. Perhaps, it is no longer corresponds with any of the existing rates.
- Why did countries or mobile carriers disappear from payment instructions?
Perhaps, there has been a change in one of the currencies exchange rate — the same one used in the country that have disappeared , or a change in US dollar rate that we use for in-house calculations. Make sure to correct the cost of SMS-message in service settings where the country have disappeared.
- I click the link to go to my service' rate scale but the fields in XML/JSON-file are empty
First of all, make sure that the service you chose have been moderated and activated. Then check that you chose at least some countries in service settings.
If the countries were chosen, then the problem could be that SMS price you set is too high, and is not supported in these countries.
Another reason might be that you connected an adult website, and chose the countries where content of this kind is forbidden.
- I have installed your service, payment process works properly, but files download process suddenly stops the moment password is entered