Stoneroadins.com

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Privacy and Policy…

 

1. Types of Text Messages and Consent Requirements

At stoneroadins.com, we categorize our text messaging communications into three main types based on the standards set by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA): conversational, informational, and promotional. We outline the types of messages and the consent required for each to ensure transparency and compliance:

  • Conversational Messages:
    One-on-one interactions usually initiated by the customer, such as inquiries about services or requests for estimates. Consent is implied when customers initiate the conversation. Otherwise, verbal or written consent is required.

  • Informational Messages:
    Non-promotional messages providing essential information, such as appointment reminders, order confirmations, or shipping updates. These messages require express consent, indicating that customers actively agree to receive them.

  • Promotional Messages:
    Messages designed to promote products, services, or offers, including discounts, contests, or announcements. These messages require express written consent from the customer.

2. Compliance Deadline: December 1, 2024

To ensure compliance with updated SMS standards, all websites containing forms must adhere to these guidelines by December 1, 2024. This includes obtaining appropriate consent for all types of text messaging communications outlined above.

3. Consent Requirements Explained

  • Express Consent: For informational messages, clear opt-in consent is required, typically obtained through a web form or written agreement.
  • Express Written Consent: For promotional messages, customers must provide documented agreement, such as checking an opt-in box or responding with a keyword.

4. SMS Opt-In Process

At stoneroadins.com, we have a defined opt-in process to ensure compliance and transparency:

  • Clear Prior Consent: We obtain explicit consent before sending messages. Customers may opt-in through a web form, verbal agreement, a paper form, or by sending a keyword.
  • Double Opt-In for Promotional Messages: For additional verification, a double opt-in process is used. For example, after subscribing through a web form, customers receive a confirmation text asking them to reply with a keyword like “YES” to finalize their opt-in.
  • Opt-In Confirmation: Once a customer subscribes, a confirmation message is sent outlining the subscription details and how to opt-out, such as “Thank you for subscribing! Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel. Msg & data rates may apply. Frequency varies. Privacy Policy: [URL].”

5. Required Components for Opt-In

For clarity and compliance, we include the following elements in our opt-in forms or initial messages:

  • Program Name: Clear identification of the campaign or service (e.g., “[Business Name] Appointment Reminders”).
  • Phone Number: The number from which messages will be sent.
  • Terms and Conditions Link: A link to our terms and privacy policy.
  • Purpose of Messages: A description of the type and frequency of messages the customer will receive.
  • Opt-Out Instructions: Clear directions on how to opt-out, e.g., “Reply STOP to cancel.”
  • Permission Statement: Affirmative language such as “You consent to receive…”
  • Help Instructions: Simple assistance options, e.g., “Text HELP for help” or “Contact [support email/phone].”
  • Message and Data Rates: Notice of any carrier fees that may apply.
  • Frequency of Messages: Expected frequency or “Message frequency varies.”
  • Voluntary Consent: A clear statement that opting into SMS is not a condition of purchase, such as “Consent is not a condition to purchase.”
  • Checkbox for Digital Opt-Ins: Opt-in forms include a selectable checkbox for users to confirm their consent.

6. Compliance and Record-Keeping

To maintain compliance with the new standards, we follow these best practices:

  • Records of Consent: We maintain detailed records of opt-ins, including date, time, method, campaign type, and user information.
  • Compliance Monitoring: We continually review our messaging practices to align with the type and purpose of the campaign customers subscribed to.
  • Text Formatting: We avoid sending messages in all capital letters or using shortened URLs to prevent potential spam filtering.
  • Respecting Time Zones: Messages are scheduled during business hours (8:00 AM to 9:00 PM) in the recipient’s local time zone.

Examples of Opt-In Language

For our SMS campaigns at stoneroadins.com, we use clear and compliant opt-in language, such as:

Example:
“Text JOIN to 12345 to receive exclusive offers and updates from Stoneroad Insurance. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt-out.”

By adhering to these policies and the compliance deadline of December 1, 2024, we aim to respect our customers’ preferences, protect their privacy, and ensure a transparent communication process. For further details, please refer to our full Privacy Policy or contact us at [support email/phone]