Just wondering what Councils are currently using Bulk SMS runs as reminders before and after instalments are due, who you use and what privacy is required to issue these?
Are you required to provide an opt in and/or out option for this?
We are looking at implementing this function and just issuing generic msgs about upcoming instalments or instalments that have been due with no personal information in the msg
Thanks,
Hi Courtney,
Wollondilly issues a generic SMS reminder 3 days after each instalment due date to every overdue account that we hold a number for. ‘Friendly reminder! Rate instalment was due DD/MM/YY. Please refer to rate notice for payment options or contact Wollondilly Shire Council on (02) 4677 1100’
We don’t have an opt in but collect mobile numbers from enquires & other applications & hold a number for about 30% of ratepayers. Ratepayers can opt out by phone.
The first couple of times we issued them they had a big impact & reduced the number of missed instalment notices that we issued (which are always issued 2 weeks after the instalment due date) compared to the previous quarter.
This initial impact has died down more recently though & at some point we’ll commence having alook at a way we can commence using our recently implemented rates customer portal to push out a more personalised SMS.
Kind regards,
Simone
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