How do I enable automated messaging?
Please let your partnership manager know that you would like to enable this feature or work with the partner enablement team (help@agvend.com).
- Note: you may need permission from your cash bid data source to distribute your cash bids
- Indicate how many messages you expect to distribute per month; we do have an allocation that is based on locations
Is this a paid feature?
No, we do not intend to add an additional charge for the Automated Cash Bid Messaging feature for those who have marketing in their AgVend-built portal. Please note that messaging quotas do apply.
Does a partner require the marketing feature for this driver?
Yes, partners need to have the marketing driver to use this functionality.
What are the steps required to implement the messages
- Step 1: Set up contact lists per location
- You can either source these lists from a previous service provider or set up a new list from scratch
- As a starting point, you could use the location filter and BU assignment
- Step 2: Navigate into messaging settings and set up the cadence
- Schedule day and time
- Step 3: Add the contact lists per location, select the commodities and the locations
- Repeat for emails
- Note: The emails have more flexibility on what you can add to the layout around the bids
Markets open on Sunday at 7 PM, can I send a Sunday evening message?
Currently, no, but please let us know if this would be of interest.
If someone wants to receive automated cash bid messages but is not a customer, are they still able to receive them?
Yes, they can be uploaded as a static recipient list during the contact list creation.
How do I block out dates when markets are closed, such as the holidays?
The dates are programmed in the backend and will not be distributed on market holidays
Is there an ability to include a link in the automated cash bid messages?
Currently the only available link is the opt-out message, but please let us know if other links would be of interest
Does this feature work with other grain integrations?
There is no technical limitation to distribute your bids based on who the data provider is, but please note that you may need permission from your cash bid data source to distribute your cash bids
If a customer opts out, is it a difficult task to opt back in?
No. There will be a link for growers to opt out of the messages, but if they send STOP they are opted out as well. Once the grower has sent “STOP”, then the only way to opt back in is for the grower to reply “START” back to the same number.
If we want to send commentary along with our bids via email (i.e. if one of our locations are full), how do you recommend handling that if you can't send a message/link with the MMS?
If there are other communications you would like to send about locations being full or other grain news, you can use the marketing tools to do so.
Will Automated Cash Bid Text Messaging have its own dedicated phone number?
Yes, Cash Bids messaging will run on its own dedicated number. Please work with your partnership manager to get that set up.
How will the second phone number affect our customers?
Since the Automated Cash Bid Messaging comes from a separate phone number than your marketing texts, if someone opts OUT of cash bids, they aren’t opting out of ALL communication from you.
Does the text message come from AgVend or do they go through Twilio?
When you opt in to receive Automated Cash Bid Messaging, a personalized phone number will be created specifically for your account. This number is provided through Twilio and is what you’ll see as the sender of the messages. It ensures messages are delivered reliably and consistently from the same dedicated number.
Where do text message replies go?
Navigate to the Marketing tab. Click on Inbox and review Received Messages. There will be a red notification if you have any new replies.