Read this to learn how the Opt-In Flow collects consent for MultiLine users to send SMS or instant messages to users.

Overview

Many regulated users must get consent from their clients to start text messaging conversations. MultiLine automates this process for you, ensuring that any time you are messaging with a number for the first time that your organization will collect their consent to be sent messages.

SMS Opt-In Flow

Default messages are provided in the scenarios below. Your organization may configure the messages differently.
You or the client can initiate the opt-in flow.

MultiLine User initiates the Opt-In Flow

When you try to message a client at a number that you haven't messaged with previously, the customer will receive a notification message requesting they accept or reject the Opt-in process.

Default: [Auto Message] <Employee Name> is trying to reach you. As per company policy, you must provide your consent to continue messaging. To Opt in, reply YES. To opt out, reply STOP.
Note: <Employee Name> will show your name as it was submitted by the MultiLine Admin in the MultiLine Management Portal.

You will also see a message letting you know the customer has been requested to accept the Opt-in.

Default: [Automated Message]: Your contact has been sent a request to Opt-in. Once they accept, you will be able to message with your contact.

When the customer accepts the opt-in request by replying to the message with YES, you'll receive a notification letting you know you can begin messaging with each other.

Default: [Auto Message]: Your Contact has opted in. You may continue to send/receive messages.

The customer will also receive a notification letting them know you can begin messaging with each other.

Default: [Auto Message]: Opt in confirmed. If you wish to opt out at any time, reply STOP

Opt-Out Flow

The client can choose to reject messaging at any time by replying to the message conversation with STOP.

If the client opts out, you'll see a notification letting you know you can no longer message with the client.

Default: [Auto Message]:Your contact has opted out. No further messages can be sent to this contact until they have provided their consent again.

The client will also see a message letting them know they have successfully opted out and how to undo their decision, if desired.

Default: [Auto Message]: Opt out confirmed. If you change your mind, please reply with a new message.

Client initiates the Opt-In Flow

When a client tries to message you first, and you haven't messaged together previously at that number to establish opt-in, the client will automatically see a notification message. The notification is a request to accept or reject the Opt-in process.

Default: [Auto Message] You are trying to reach <Employee Name>. As per company policy, you must provide your consent in order for your message to be delivered. To opt in, reply YES. To opt out, reply STOP.
Note: <Employee Name> will show your name as it was submitted by the MultiLine Admin in the MultiLine Management Portal.

You will also receive a notification letting you know that the client has tried to contact you.

Default: [Auto Message] A contact has attempted to send you a message. As per company policy, they have been sent a request to opt in. Once confirmed, you will be able to send/receive messages.

When the customer accepts the opt-in request by replying to the message with YES, you'll receive a notification letting you know you can begin messaging with the customer.

Default: [Auto Message] Your Contact has opted in. You may continue to send/receive messages.

The customer will also receive a notification letting them know you can begin messaging with each other.

Default: [Auto Message] Opt in confirmed. To opt out at any time, reply STOP. Note: Employee name is a variable, and will be picked by the system.

WhatsApp Opt-In Flow

Refer to this topic to learn what to expect when you initiate a new WhatsApp conversation.

You can only send WhatsApp messages to users in your contacts. If you need help setting up your contacts, see Add Contacts.

When you try to send a message to a client with WhatsApp for the first time, you're required to get consent using an Opt In process.

To start a new WhatsApp conversation, find your contact and click the WhatsApp icon.
1. A prompt will appear asking you if you'd like to send the contact an Opt In message.
Click Confirm to send the Opt-In. There are four possible outcomes:
1. Contact doesn't have WhatsApp
  1. You'll see a message letting you know your contact isn't a WhatsApp user, and ask if you'd like to send an SMS instead.
  2. Select Yes to go to the SMS message screen. Select No to return to contacts.
2. Contact has WhatsApp- customer receives opt-in request
  1. Contact accepts Opt-In request
    1. You'll see a confirmation message letting you know the contact has chosen to opt-in.
    2. Your contact will see a message letting them know they've opted-in.
  2. Contact rejects Opt-In request
    1. If your contact rejects the Opt-In, you'll see a message letting you know. The message templates and send message field will be disabled for the contact.
    2. The customer will be informed of their Opt-Out status, and that it is possible to Opt-In at any time by replying "yes".
  3. Contact doesn't respond to Opt-In request
    1. If your contact doesn't respond to the Opt-In, you'll be able to send a new one every 24 hours.