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SMS Credits & Add-ons
YardPilot includes SMS capabilities to keep your customers informed. This guide explains how SMS usage works, what's included in your plan, and how to get additional SMS credits.
Understanding SMS Types
YardPilot distinguishes between two types of SMS:
Manual SMS (Always Free)
SMS messages you send manually from the app:
- Sending SMS from a contact profile
- Replying to customer messages
- Sending one-off updates
Manual SMS is free and unlimited on all plans.
Automated SMS (Plan Allowance)
SMS messages sent automatically by the system:
- Appointment reminders
- "On my way" notifications
- Visit completion confirmations
- Payment reminders
- Automation-triggered messages
Automated SMS uses your plan's monthly allowance.
Monthly Allowance
Each plan includes a monthly automated SMS allowance. Check your current allowance in Settings > Billing.
- Starter - Manual SMS only (no automated SMS)
- Professional - Includes automated SMS allowance
- Enterprise - Increased automated SMS allowance (custom)
Beta Plan
Beta users receive a small automated SMS allowance for testing purposes.
How SMS Credits Work
Counting SMS
- 1 credit = 1 SMS segment (approximately 160 characters)
- Longer messages use multiple credits automatically
- Each segment is counted separately
Example:
- "Your appointment is tomorrow at 9am" (40 characters) = 1 credit
- A longer message of 200 characters = 2 credits
Monthly Reset
- Allowance resets on your billing date each month
- Unused credits do not roll over
- Usage tracking resets at midnight on billing date
When You Run Out
If you use all your automated SMS allowance:
- Automated SMS pauses until next billing cycle
- Manual SMS continues to work (it's free)
- You can purchase an SMS add-on pack to continue
Viewing SMS Usage
Check your SMS usage in Settings > Communication > SMS.
You'll see:
- Used this month - How many automated SMS you've sent
- Monthly allowance - Your plan's included amount
- Remaining - How many you have left
- Usage percentage - Visual progress indicator
Low SMS Warning
YardPilot warns you when you're approaching your limit so you can plan accordingly.
SMS Add-on Packs
Need more automated SMS? Purchase add-on packs that add to your monthly allowance.
Available Packs
Three pack sizes are available:
- Small - For light automation users
- Medium - For regular SMS usage
- Large - For heavy automation and reminders
View current pack options and pricing in Settings > Billing.
Purchasing an Add-on
- Go to Settings > Billing
- Find the SMS Add-ons section
- Click Add SMS Pack
- Select your preferred pack size
- Confirm the purchase
How Add-ons Work
- Combined with plan allowance - Pack credits add to your monthly total
- Billed monthly - Added to your subscription invoice
- Easy to upgrade - Switch to a larger pack anytime
- Cancel anytime - Remove the add-on when you don't need it
Dedicated SMS Number
Get your own Australian mobile number for professional SMS communication.
Why Get a Dedicated Number?
| Feature | Shared Number | Dedicated Number |
|---|---|---|
| Sender display | YardPilot number | Your number (04xx) |
| Customer recognition | Generic | Your business |
| Two-way conversations | Limited | Full support |
| Replies | Shared inbox | Direct to your account |
Getting a Dedicated Number
Requires SMS Pack
A dedicated number requires an active SMS add-on pack. The number subscription is cancelled if you remove your SMS pack.
- Go to Settings > Communication > SMS
- Click Choose Your Number
- Select number type (Mobile recommended)
- Search available numbers
- Select your preferred number
- Confirm the subscription
Number Types
| Type | Format | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile | 04xx xxx xxx | Recommended - Works best for SMS |
| Local | 02/03/07/08 | For local presence |
| Toll-free | 1800 | For enterprise |
Releasing Your Number
If you no longer need your dedicated number:
- Go to Settings > Communication > SMS
- Click Release Number
- Confirm the release
30-Day Hold
When you release a number, it's held for 30 days before being returned to the pool. You may not get the same number back if you change your mind.
SMS Best Practices
Optimize Message Length
Keep automated messages short to use fewer credits:
| Characters | Credits Used |
|---|---|
| 1-160 | 1 |
| 161-306 | 2 |
| 307-459 | 3 |
Use Templates Wisely
- Create concise templates for common messages
- Use variables to personalize without extra length
- Test messages before enabling automations
Monitor Usage
- Check usage weekly during high-volume periods
- Set up automations to send only essential messages
- Consider upgrading your pack before running out
Troubleshooting
Automated SMS Not Sending
Check these common causes:
- Out of credits - Purchase an add-on or wait for monthly reset
- SMS disabled - Enable in Settings > Communication > SMS
- Automation paused - Check automation settings
- Invalid phone number - Verify the contact's mobile number
Can't Purchase Add-on
- Ensure your subscription is active
- Check your payment method is valid
- Contact support if issues persist
Dedicated Number Not Working
- Verify the number is active in settings
- Check SMS add-on pack is still active
- Allow up to 15 minutes for new numbers to activate
Common Questions
Do manual SMS cost anything?
No, manual SMS (sending from contact profiles, replying to customers) is always free and unlimited.
Can I purchase credits without a subscription?
SMS add-ons require an active YardPilot subscription.
What happens to unused credits?
Credits reset each month and don't roll over. Plan your SMS usage accordingly.
Can I have multiple SMS packs?
You can only have one SMS add-on pack at a time. Upgrade to a larger pack if you need more credits.
How do I know if an SMS was automated vs manual?
In the SMS activity log, automated messages are tagged with the automation that triggered them. Manual messages show the sender.
Next Steps
- SMS Messaging Guide - How to send SMS
- Automations - Set up automated SMS
- Templates - Create SMS templates