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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Text Messaging?

It’s like mini-email. Text messaging, also known as short message service (SMS), is a service that allows you to send and receive messages of up to 160 characters from your mobile phone. The message is viewed in the display window of your mobile phone.

How Do I Receive Mobile Alerts from HiText?

For example, you see the following on an advertisement:

Text ONSALE to 80850 to receive Local Sales & Promotion Alerts

This message includes a keyword (ONSALE) and short code (80850). A keyword is a word used to distinguish a specific advertising campaign. A short code is a short numeric sequence, usually 4-6 digits long, to which text messages can be sent from a mobile phone.

To participate, you would do the following on your mobile phone:

  1. Create a new text message
  2. In the "To:" line (where you would normally type a phone number) type 80850
  3. Type the keyword (in this example it is ONSALE) in the body of the message
  4. Press Send

After sending the message, you will receive a reply text message. Follow the instructions contained in the text message for subscribing to an alert service or redeeming your coupon. Please note: not all service providers, service plans or phones allow the use of short codes. Please refer to “Who Can Participate?” below

For instructions on how to send text messages from your specific model, consult your manufacturer's handbook or website.

Who Can Participate?

If your phone supports text messaging and you use one of the following wireless service providers, you are able to participate:

  • AT&T
  • Verizon Wireless
  • T-Mobile
  • Sprint/Nextel
  • Alltel
  • Virgin Mobile
  • U.S. Cellular

This is not an exclusive list. Please check with your carrier to see if they support messaging to common short codes.

How Do I Unsubscribe?

There are two methods:

  • Online - Go to the My Account page, select the Unsubscribe link and follow the instructions on the screen
  • Mobile Phone – Text STOP to the advertised shortcode for further instructions

Is there a Cost to Participate?

Most of our text messaging services are free, but as with any text message you send and receive, you are subject to standard fees charged by your service provider. This means that you are charged the usual fee for a text message as per your agreement with your service provider. Some txt80850.com promotions and downloads require subscribers to pay a premium, but in those cases, you will be notified of this charge in advance and will be asked to confirm you accept the charge before you are billed.

How do I know if My Text Message is Received?

If we received your text message, in most cases we will generate a response back to you immediately. Please allow a few minutes for a response. If you do not get a response, consider these possible reasons:

  1. Connectivity and coverage issues in the send and/or receive process.
  2. Check that your phone, service provider and service plan allow 2-way text messaging across a five or six digit shortcode. Please note: some carrier plans are person to person ONLY.
  3. Double check that the message was sent to the correct shortcode number.

I Tried to Participate and Nothing Happened

We make every effort to provide a reliable service to our subscribers. However, if you are having difficulties, please consider the following situations:

  1. During peak times of the day, it may take a little longer before you receive a response message.
  2. If you are in an area with poor service, the response message may not be able to get to your mobile phone.

Can I Test My Phone to See if I can Participate?

Yes. Text HELP to the advertised shortcode.

I Have A Prepaid Subscription - Can I Participate?

Please check with your wireless service provider.

I Can Receive Text Messages from Friends, but I get an Error Message if I Try Sending a Message To You

Some service providers allow only person-to-person text messaging. Check with your wireless service provider to be sure.

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