SMS Marketing Compliance: A Guide for Shopify Stores

SMS marketing can drive sales, but non-compliance with regulations can cost you up to $1,500 per violation. To stay compliant, Shopify merchants must follow key rules like obtaining written consent, respecting quiet hours, and including opt-out options in every message.

Key Compliance Takeaways:

• Consent is mandatory: Get written permission before sending texts.
• Timing matters: Only send messages between 8 AM and 9 PM (local time).
• Opt-out options: Every SMS must include clear unsubscribe instructions.
• Document everything: Keep records of opt-ins and opt-outs for at least five years.
• Follow regulations: Adhere to TCPA, CTIA, and GDPR rules based on your audience.

By following these steps, you can avoid fines, protect your brand, and build customer trust. Tools like Bombocart can simplify compliance and improve your SMS campaigns.

SMS Compliance TCPA and CTIA

Legal Requirements

To comply with the rules governing SMS marketing, Shopify merchants need to follow specific legal frameworks. These include TCPA (for U.S. messaging), CTIA (industry standards), and GDPR (for messaging within the EU). These regulations are designed to protect consumer privacy and set clear guidelines for commercial texting. Following these rules helps avoid penalties and builds customer trust.

TCPA Requirements

• Get written consent before sending promotional texts.
• Keep detailed records of how and when consent was obtained.
• Include opt-out instructions in every message.
• Send messages only between 8 AM and 9 PM in the recipient's local time.
• Process opt-out requests within 24 hours.

CTIA Guidelines

• Identify your business name in every message.
• Limit message frequency to a maximum of 2-3 texts per week.
• Follow content rules for promotional texts.
• Use approved shortcodes or long codes for sending messages.
• Disclose pricing and terms clearly and accurately.

GDPR Considerations

• Minimize data collection to only what's necessary.
• Keep thorough consent records for all recipients.
• Respect data subject rights, including access and deletion requests.
• Document all data processing activities.
• Securely store and transfer data to protect consumer information.

Understanding these rules is just the first step. Next, let's explore how to set up SMS compliance within Shopify.

SMS Compliance Steps for Shopify

To ensure your SMS campaigns comply with legal standards, you need to configure Shopify appropriately. Here's how to align your setup with TCPA and CTIA guidelines.

SMS Setup on Shopify

Start by setting up your SMS policies in Shopify. Publish clear Terms of Service and a Privacy Policy that explain your SMS practices and how you handle customer data.

At checkout, make sure your opt-in process is clear and transparent. Customize the opt-in box to include:

• A clear statement that customers are agreeing to receive SMS messages, along with a note about potential message and data rates^[1].
• A visible link to your Privacy Policy^[2].
• Easy opt-out instructions, such as Reply STOP to unsubscribe^[1].

Once this is set up, focus on managing customer consent effectively.

Customer Consent Management

To meet TCPA's written consent requirements, document every opt-in point, including:

• Pop-ups, landing pages, social media posts, QR codes, and checkout forms^[1].
• Keep SMS and email opt-ins separate, and never use pre-checked boxes for consent^[1].

Proper consent management ensures your SMS program stays compliant and avoids legal risks.

Regular Compliance Checks

Maintain compliance by conducting regular audits. Here's what to review:

• Subscriber records and message logs: Keep records (opt-ins, keywords, confirmation replies, opt-outs) for at least five years. Process opt-outs immediately^[1].
• Opt-in points: Check all opt-in locations - both on-site and off-site - to ensure disclosures are clear, easy to read, and placed near calls to action^[1].
• Policies and language: Regularly update your Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and compliance language to reflect any changes^[2].
• Regulations: Stay informed about state-specific SMS rules, CTIA guidelines, and carrier requirements^[1].

One example of why this matters: In 2021, David's Bridal faced legal trouble for sending unwanted texts after recipients sent multiple STOP requests. This underscores the importance of monitoring reassigned numbers and honoring opt-outs promptly^[1].

SMS Campaign Compliance Tips

Once Shopify is set up, focus on refining your message content and timing to stay compliant.

Writing Compliant Messages

Start every SMS with your brand name. Each message must include the following:

• Your brand name at the beginning
• A clear offer with a link
• Opt-out instructions like Reply STOP to unsubscribe
• Help instructions such as Text HELP for help
• A disclaimer like Std. Msg&Data rates may apply

Here's an example of a compliant promotional message from the Klaviyo Help Center:

"Bridge Designs: Fall season is here! Check out our new pieces here: [LINK] Text HELP for help. Text STOP to opt out. Std. Msg&Data rates may apply."

Message Timing and Frequency

Send messages only between 9 AM and 8 PM in the recipient's local time to respect their schedule.

Required Disclosures

Every SMS campaign must clearly state:

• Your business or brand name for identification
• Opt-out instructions, such as Reply STOP to unsubscribe
• Help instructions, like Text HELP for help
• A disclaimer about potential data rates, e.g., Std. Msg&Data rates may apply (especially if including a link)^[3]

Up next: Discover how Bombocart simplifies compliance for your SMS campaigns.

Using Bombocart for SMS Compliance

Bombocart offers tools to help manage compliance tasks while recovering abandoned carts. These features handle opt-in management, ensure clear sender IDs, and maintain proper message timing, making SMS campaigns easier to manage.

Bombocart Compliance Tools

Bombocart helps Shopify stores stay compliant with TCPA and CTIA standards by offering:

• Dedicated numbers to meet sender-ID requirements and improve message delivery rates
• Customizable SMS templates for consistent messaging across all campaigns
• Built-in opt-out handling for immediate unsubscribe processing

Cart Recovery Features

Bombocart also enhances cart recovery efforts with:

• Pre-set templates that include required opt-out language
• Direct checkout links that track consent and event timing
• Automated discount codes paired with promotional messages that meet compliance standards

SMS Automation Benefits

With Bombocart, SMS automation is designed to respect user consent:

• Cart messages are sent only after explicit checkout opt-in, ensuring no unsolicited texts
• Real-time analytics provide insights into delivery confirmations and consent tracking

Pricing:

• Free plan: Includes 25 SMS credits and a shared number.
• Starter plan: $14.99/month with 100 credits and a dedicated number.

Conclusion

We've gone over compliance requirements and how Bombocart can help. Here's a quick recap and the steps to get started.

Summary

SMS compliance is governed by federal and state laws. Violations can lead to fines of up to $1,500 per TCPA infraction. Key requirements include getting clear consent, offering easy opt-out options, and respecting quiet hours (9 PM–8 AM).

For Shopify stores, here are some practical compliance tips:

• Collect and document explicit consent before sending messages.
• Be transparent about message frequency and potential data rates.
• Include opt-out instructions in every SMS.
• Follow state-specific timing rules.
• Limit abandoned-cart reminders to one within 48 hours.

Now, let's look at how to start using Bombocart.

Getting Started

1. Audit Your Current Setup
   Export your subscriber list, including opt-in dates, sources, and statuses. Save records of each opt-in flow, ensuring compliance language is included.
2. Set Up Compliance Tools
   Use a dedicated number, choose pre-approved templates, enable automated quiet hours, and activate built-in opt-out handling.
3. Launch Your First Campaign
   Create your first SMS, making sure to include your brand name, opt-out and support information, and details about message frequency and data rates.