Overview
Before sending SMS messages with Zammer, it’s important to understand the basic compliance principles that apply to text messaging. These guidelines are based on carrier, CTIA, and legal standards that protect consumers and keep your messages deliverable.
This guide is for educational purposes only and should not be treated as legal advice. Always confirm compliance details with your legal counsel, especially when sending outside your country.
Why compliance matters
Text messaging is a regulated communication channel. Each message you send passes through mobile carriers that check for proper consent, sender reputation, and message content.
Following compliance rules ensures:
- Better customer experience
- Adherence to all carrier and legal requirements
The 7 Core Rules for SMS Compliance
- Get clear consent before sending anything
Only text people who explicitly said “yes” to SMS.
How consent works in Shopify:
- Customers opt in by selecting the “Text me with offers and updates” checkbox at checkout.
- Consent must be specific to SMS — email or general marketing consent doesn’t count.
- Zammer automatically reads this consent from Shopify via API before sending any message.
Tip: Keep screenshots of your checkout opt-in page in case a carrier or regulator asks for proof.
- Make unsubscribing simple
Every SMS must make it easy for customers to stop receiving messages.
- Always include: “Reply STOP to unsubscribe or HELP for help.”
- Zammer instantly processes STOP and prevents future sends to that number.
- Avoid restricted content
Carriers block or flag messages that include certain sensitive or high-risk topics. Avoid sending or linking to content about:
- Sexually explicit material or hate speech
- Alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, or firearms
- Gambling, debt collection, or crypto investments
- Multi-level marketing or “get rich quick” schemes
If you’re unsure whether your content is acceptable, assume it’s not — carriers update restrictions regularly.
- Respect local sending hours
Most countries have “quiet hours” during which marketing texts can’t be sent. As a general rule, only send messages between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. in your customer’s local time.
Country Typical window U.S. (TCPA) 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. (some states: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.) Canada 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EU / U.K. 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. France 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. (no Sundays or holidays) Australia / NZ 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Zammer’s scheduling tools can help you automatically stay within local time windows.
- Identify your brand in every message
Customers should immediately recognize who’s texting them. Each SMS should include your store name either at the start or within the body of the message.
Examples:
- “[Store Name]: Thanks for your order! Track your shipment here: [link]”
- “Your order is ready for pickup — from [Store Name].”
Avoid anonymous or generic texts; unbranded messages are often filtered by carriers.
- Handle cart and browse reminders carefully (U.S. only)
If you send cart or browse reminder messages to U.S. numbers:
- Use double opt-in if the message is promotional.
- Send no more than one reminder per cart session.
- Deliver the reminder within 48 hours of cart activity.
- Don’t mix promotional content with transactional updates in the same SMS.
These are U.S. carrier standards but represent best practices globally.
- Add extra details for Canadian recipients
Canada’s anti-spam law (CASL) has its own messaging requirements. Include these when sending to Canadian numbers:
- Your program or store name
- Opt-out and help instructions (STOP / HELP)
- “Message & data rates may apply” disclosure
- A link or short call to action
“[Store Name]: Our summer sale is live! Shop now: [link]. STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Msg & data rates may apply.”
Quick checklist for every SMS
- ✅ Your brand name
- ✅ Clear opt-out instructions (STOP/HELP)
- ✅ Any legally required disclosure (e.g., data rates)
- ✅ Content that complies with carrier restrictions
- ✅ Reasonable send time (in the recipient’s local timezone)
Resources
Need help?
© 2025 Itzhak Smocha LTD. All rights reserved.