Gambit Mobile, Inc. is an independent Consulting and Solutions Provider that accelerates the strategic implementation for companies seeking to leverage mobile. With a pure-play focus on wireless, Gambit Mobile Inc offers profit-directed consulting for the intelligent application of mobile technology and processes. We provide expert strategic and tactical solutions for the evaluation, design, implementation and management of mobile programs.
Gambit Mobile's 84444 platform is a do-it-yourself text message solution that offers both interactive and broadcast text messaging. Users can be up and running within minutes.
Who uses Gambit Mobile's 84444 Mobility Platform?
Gambit Mobile has a wide variety of users. Our users include advertising agencies, radio stations, auto dealerships, nightclubs, retailers, schools, universities and newspapers.
What is the difference between interactive and broadcast text messaging?
Interactive programs involve sending a keyword to the short code 84444 and getting a response message back immediately. Broadcast programs involve your sending a simultaneous text message to a large database of users.
What is a short code?
A Short Code (SC) is a five-digit number which, when combined with a Keyword, initiates a mobile transaction process. A short code can be leased from a Solutions Provider, and combined with a near unlimited number of keywords. The SC-KW combination allows multiple different campaigns to be run using a single SC, while initiating any one of several different mobile experiences. Also, the SC-KW combination is used to provide tracking and performance metrics.
Can I get my own short code and what is a shared short code?
Yes, you can get your own short code, but they are quite expensive. The cost for a standard, as-available short code is $500 per month and is $1000 per month for a vanity short code. A vanity short code is a more memorable number; 84444 is a vanity short code, because it’s so easy to remember.
In addition to the monthly cost, there is a start up cost of several thousand dollars plus several weeks of work to get a new short code. The technology behind Gambit Mobile's platform can support other short codes, but most people opt to lease our multi-use short code technology.
What is a keyword?
A keyword is the word that is sent to the Short Code, and initiates the mobile campaign experience. For Example, text RESULTS (keyword) to 84444 (short code).
Who owns the keyword?
You can use the keyword for as long as you continue to pay for the keyword on a monthly basis.
I want to purchase a package that contains one keyword. What if I need more than one keyword?
Gambit Mobile allows for you to purchase additional keywords for $50 each per month.
What are the advantages and disadvantages to a multi-use short code?
The advantage is cost. Gambit Mobile has already paid for all the start-up and monthly costs for the multi-use short code and many organizations use the same short code.
The only disadvantage is that no two users can use the same keyword. It is possible, although unlikely, that the keyword you request is already being used by another organization.
Who has ownership rights to the database?
The great advantage to mobile marketing is the database that you create. You own the database and Gambit Mobile has no rights to the database. The database will never be re-sold or used for any purposes other than your own.
I need to keep more than one database of my users. Can Gambit Mobile do this?
Yes, you can maintain multiple databases for different promotions, regions, clients or any other purpose.
How many messages are sent per minute?
That’s mostly up to the carriers. Gambit Mobile will pass off the messages to the carrier. The carriers are companies such as Verizon and AT&T Wireless. Once the messages are delivered to the carrier, it is up to the carrier to deliver them. It is our experience that most messages are received by the recipient in a matter of seconds.
Are there any set-up fees?
There are absolutely no set-up fees. All pricing is outlined in the Pricing section.
I am new to this and don’t know what size package to buy. What if I need more text messages?
If you exceed your allotted text messages and are paying by credit card or PayPal, Gambit Mobile will continue to run your promotion through an overage package. If you are paying by some other means, we will bill you accordingly for the overage. Overage texts are charged in 'buckets' of 500 messages per month for $50.00 per 'bucket' of 500 messages.
What if I don’t use all of the text messages?
Text messages acquired in your overage package are carried over to future months, although text messages in your original package do not.
Does Gambit Mobile work off of a calendar month?
No, Gambit Mobile works off of your contract anniversary date, or the date that you signed up.
How do I cancel the service when the promotion is over?
Simply email Gambit Mobile (info@gambitmobileinc.com) and we’ll cancel the program at the conclusion of the promotional period. SEVEN DAYS advance notice is REQUIRED.
What is an “opt-in?”
MMA Guidelines and Best Practices require that you have an approved opt-in from the members of your database. The opt-in process confirms that you are not sending SPAM to cell phones. Gambit Mobile can advise you, at your written request, as to how to structure your opt-in request appropriately.
How do I create the opt-in database?
Most marketers use an interactive text message program to create an opt-in database. Other times, there may be a registration process via your web site or at your location.
It is important that if you use a registration process other than an interactive text message that you maintain the necessary documentation to validate the opt-in.
The opt-in process is actually what makes mobile marketing so effective. It means that a consumer has elected to receive your messages.
Gambit Mobile can advise you, at your written request, as to how to structure your opt-in request appropriately.
Can I just buy a list of phone numbers that permit text message advertisements?
NO. An opt-in declaration from one campaign is not transferable. If you are buying a list from a third party source, you are not permitted to market to the subscribers of that list. If Gambit Mobile discovers that you are using a list of cell phone numbers that have not opted-in to your specific promotion, your account and program will be immediately terminated without refund. Strict adherence to MMA Guidlines and Best Practices is required to use the Gambit Mobile platforms. See the Links Section to review the MMA Guidelines.
Will it cost the recipient to receive my text message?
Text costs to the recipient are subject to each individual user's particular contract with the wireless carrier. Opt-in requests must therefore always contain the specific phrase "Standard Messaging Rates Apply".
Some users will have unlimited text plans, while others may be paying per text message.
How long can a text message be?
160 characters is the limit per text message for all carriers in the United States. You can choose to send a text message that is greater than 160 characters in length, but such a message will need to be continued on a second text message.
How can I confirm that a text message was received?
Unfortunately, the carriers do not provide reporting on the receipt of text messages. While we can confirm that a text message was handed off to the carrier, we cannot confirm that each text message was received.
A member of my database did not receive the text message. Why not?
The most common reason that a text message was not received is that the recipient’s cell phone was turned off at the time that the carrier sent the message. It is also possible that the recipient was outside of an area where the carrier service was available. Finally, it is possible that the member has service with a carrier that does not provide a text messaging plan.
What carriers does Gambit Mobile work with?
For traditional HTTP-sent text messages, Gambit Mobile works with the following carriers: Alltel; AT&T; Boost; Cellular One; Centennial; Cincinnati Bell; Cingular; Cricket/Leap; Nextel; Sprint; T-Mobile; U.S. Cellular; Verizon; Virgin.
If a carrier is not listed here, does that mean that we can’t include them on our database?
If a carrier is not included here, it is likely that the carrier that does not participate in the short code system.
How can a consumer opt-out of the service?
It is required by law that we remove users from the database when they choose to opt-out. A recipient can opt-out by sending a return text message with the word STOP in the text. Gambit Mobile can advise you on how to structure an appropriate opt-out system that will meet with MMA Guidelines.
Can Gambit Mobile send messages internationally?
Currently, we support self-managed text message delivery only in the United States and its territories. Contact us for more information about International text delivery options which are available to you through our other service platforms.
What if I send a broadcast text message and somebody hits “reply” and sends a message back to us?
On rare occasions, this can occur. Keep in mind that 84444 is a multi-use short code so if somebody replies to a broadcast text message, we may not know which customer the reply is intended for. The way to solve this is to say “do not reply to this message” in your broadcast message.
If you do want to receive replies back from those you send broadcast messages to, this can be accommodated. The consumer’s reply message, however, must begin with your specific keyword and then the message sent. This will enable Gambit Mobile to know that this reply message was intended for you. You will then be able to read these messages on the web site.
What reporting data will I receive from Gambit Mobile?
Gambit Mobile’s online reporting system includes the following data: date; time; cell phone number; carrier; message received; correct or incorrect answer.
How quickly can I get started with Gambit Mobile?
Upon receipt of payment, you can get started. If you use a credit card or PayPal, the approval online is immediate.
What if I want to pay other than credit card or paypal?
Gambit Mobile can provide traditional email invoice methods on special request.
Who is Gambit Mobile, Inc.?
Gambit Mobile can advise you, at your written request, as to how to structure your opt-in request appropriately.
Text costs to the recipient are subject to each individual user's particular contract with the wireless carrier. Opt-in requests must therefore always contain the specific phrase "Standard Messaging Rates Apply".
Some users will have unlimited text plans, while others may be paying per text message.
How can a consumer opt-out of the service?
Can Gambit Mobile send messages internationally?