Gathering consumer opt-in preferences for SMS

This article explains how Betterbot collects consumer opt-in consent for SMS communications in compliance with A2P 10DLC requirements. The process uses a verified two-step double opt-in flow: a web consent checkbox on the booking form, followed by an SMS confirmation that requires the user to reply START before automated messages begin.

Overview

The opt-in flow consists of two mandatory steps:

Web Opt-In: The user actively checks an unchecked consent checkbox on the Betterbot booking form.
SMS Confirmation (Double Opt-In): The user receives a text message and must reply START to activate ongoing automated messaging.

Step 1: Web Opt-In (Book a Tour Form)

When a prospect schedules a tour through the Betterbot chatbot, they are presented with a submission form. The form collects name, email address, and phone number. SMS consent is presented as a fully optional, standalone checkbox — independent from the tour booking action. Once the required fields are filled in, the Book a Tour button turns green, and the prospect can complete the submission without checking the SMS consent checkbox.

1. Example of the web from

2. You can complete the form without agreeing to Opt-In for Sms

Form Element Annotations

Form Element	Compliance Notes
Phone Number Field	This is a technical requirement to complete the tour scheduling flow; it is not a condition of SMS consent.
Privacy Policy & Terms of Use	The Privacy Policy and Terms of Use are included in the message flow. These links are live, publicly accessible, compliant, and easy to locate on the form.
SMS Consent Checkbox	The checkbox is unchecked by default. The user must actively select it to consent. Consent is never pre-checked.
Transactional vs. Marketing	The marketing consent checkbox is optional; it is not required to continue or submit the booking form. Users can complete tour scheduling without opting in to SMS.

Opt-In Disclosure Language (Checkbox Text)

The following disclosure text appears directly beside the consent checkbox on the form:

"I agree to receive SMS messages and/or phone calls regarding my appointment and related leasing or resident services from {Property Name}. Message frequency varies based on your interactions. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out and HELP for assistance. Consent is not a condition of purchase."

Step 2: SMS Confirmation (Double Opt-In)

After a user checks the consent box and submits the form, Betterbot sends an automated SMS confirmation message. This second layer ensures the opt-in is verified and carrier-compliant.

Initial Confirmation Message (Sent to User)

"Hi! This is [Property]'s AI assistant. Reply START to confirm automated texts on availability, tours, and updates. Msg freq varies. Msg/data rates may apply."

Only users who reply START will receive further automated messages.

Confirmation Response (Sent After START Reply)

"Thank you for agreeing to communicate via text. Reply STOP anytime to opt out. Reply HELP for help."

Example shown below:

Entity & Brand Relationships

Betterbot operates as a technology platform facilitating SMS communication on behalf of property management companies. The following entities are involved in message delivery:

Entity	Role
BetterBot	Technology platform. Manages the opt-in flow, sends messages on behalf of the property, and is the registered A2P 10DLC campaign sender.
Property	The Brand we are registering, a community or property management company whose name appears in the opt-in disclosure. The consumer consents to receive leasing and resident service messages related to this property. The Brand we registered might have a different marketing name.
Twilio / SMS Carrier	Underlying telecommunications provider (Twilio) used to route and deliver SMS messages. Phone numbers are registered under A2P 10DLC campaigns per carrier requirements.

Privacy & Data Policy

Betterbot is committed to protecting consumer privacy in line with carrier and regulatory requirements for A2P 10DLC:

Betterbot does not sell or share phone numbers with unaffiliated third parties for marketing or promotional purposes.
Phone numbers collected through the opt-in form are shared only with: the property (for leasing communication), Betterbot (as platform operator), and SMS service providers (for message delivery).
Mobile opt-in data will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes at any time.
Full privacy policy: https://www.betterbot.com/privacy-policy

Opt-Out Instructions

Users can opt out at any time by replying STOP to any message received. Upon receiving a STOP reply, Betterbot will immediately cease sending messages to that number. Users may also reply HELP at any time to receive assistance information.