(Seller Support Article)

In-House SMS Marketing allows sellers to send promotional text messages directly to eligible buyers using Kingston Express’s built-in messaging system. SMS campaigns are designed for high visibility, urgency, and fast conversion.

All SMS delivery, buyer consent management, and compliance are handled by Kingston Express.

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What Is In-House SMS Marketing? #

SMS Marketing lets sellers communicate promotions directly to buyers via text message. Messages are sent only to eligible and opted-in buyers, based on Kingston Express messaging rules.

SMS is best used for:

• Time-sensitive promotions
• Flash sales
• Back-in-stock alerts
• Campaign reminders

Because SMS is highly visible, usage is monitored to protect buyer experience.

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Who Can Use SMS Marketing? #

SMS Marketing availability may depend on:

• Seller account standing
• Policy compliance history
• Campaign eligibility
• Messaging limits

Some sellers may see usage caps based on performance and buyer engagement.

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What Buyers Receive #

Buyers may receive SMS messages that include:

• Promotion details
• Product or store references
• Call-to-action links
• Limited-time reminders

Buyers can opt out of promotional messages at any time.

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How to Create an SMS Campaign #

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Follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Seller Dashboard
2. Go to Marketing & Campaigns
3. Select SMS Marketing
4. Click Create SMS Campaign
5. Choose a campaign objective
6. Write your SMS message
7. Select eligible buyer audience
8. Schedule or send immediately
9. Review and confirm

Once confirmed, messages are queued and delivered automatically.

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Writing an Effective SMS Message #

SMS messages should be:

• Short and clear
• Action-oriented
• Easy to understand

Example Structure: #

• Promotion or value
• Urgency or timeframe
• Clear call to action

Example:
“Flash Sale! 20% off selected items today only. Shop now before it ends.”

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Audience Targeting #

Audience selection may be based on:

• Past buyers
• Recently active buyers
• Product or store engagement

Exact targeting options depend on eligibility and campaign type.

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Scheduling & Timing #

Sellers can:

• Send SMS immediately
• Schedule messages in advance

Timing Best Practices: #

• Avoid very late or early hours
• Align messages with campaign start times
• Do not resend the same message repeatedly

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Usage Limits & Controls #

To protect buyers:

• SMS campaigns may have daily or monthly limits
• Repeated low-engagement campaigns may reduce eligibility
• Excessive messaging can result in restrictions

Kingston Express automatically enforces messaging caps.

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Compliance & Buyer Consent #

• Buyer opt-in and opt-out are fully managed by Kingston Express
• Sellers do not see buyer phone numbers
• Sellers cannot message buyers outside the system
• All messages are monitored for policy compliance

Non-compliant messaging may lead to tool suspension.

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Combining SMS with Other Marketing Tools #

SMS campaigns work best when combined with:

• Seller discounts
• Vouchers & coupons
• Platform campaigns
• Sponsored ads

SMS should reinforce, not replace, other promotions.

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Tracking SMS Campaign Performance #

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After sending, sellers can track:

• Messages sent
• Delivery rate
• Click-through rate (CTR)
• Orders generated

Performance data is available under Analytics & Reports.

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Best Practices for SMS Marketing #

• Use SMS only for high-value promotions
• Create urgency without being misleading
• Limit message frequency
• Combine with fast fulfillment options
• Monitor engagement metrics regularly

Using Dispatched by Kingston Express can improve buyer satisfaction after SMS-driven order spikes.

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Common Issues & Troubleshooting #

My SMS campaign didn’t send
Check eligibility, usage limits, and scheduling time.

Low engagement or clicks
Message may be too long, unclear, or sent at a poor time.

SMS tool is unavailable
This may be due to eligibility limits or compliance review.

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Policy & Compliance #

• SMS must be promotional and relevant
• Misleading claims are not allowed
• Spam-like behavior may result in restrictions

Repeated violations can lead to permanent loss of SMS access.

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Need Help? #

If you need help with SMS Marketing:

• Contact Seller Support
• Provide campaign name or date
• Include screenshots if available