Switching to SMS payments might sound technical, but it’s actually pretty straightforward – and it can have a big payoff. With text-to-pay, you can go from sending an invoice to receiving payment in minutes instead of weeks. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to implement SMS payments in your small business, from picking a platform to sending your first text invoice.
1. Choose the Right SMS Payment Platform
The first step is finding a service or platform that enables SMS payments for businesses like yours. Not all payment solutions are created equal, so do a bit of research. Look for a platform that is easy to use, secure, and fits your budget. Key features to consider include:
- Security: Make sure it offers encrypted payment links and is PCI-compliant (so your customers’ data stays safe).
- Integration: Check if it can integrate with your current invoicing or accounting software (like QuickBooks or Xero) to make your life easier.
- User Experience: It should be simple for both you and your customers. A clean dashboard for you and a one-click payment experience for them.
Take Xipster, for example – it’s a solution designed for small businesses that ticks these boxes. Xipster lets you send secure payment links via SMS or email, integrates with popular business tools, and keeps the payment process simple. Compare a few options and pick the one that feels right for your business needs.
2. Set Up Your Account and Tools
Once you’ve chosen a platform, sign up and get your account set up. This usually involves providing some business details (for payment processing) and linking a bank account to receive funds. Follow the platform’s onboarding steps – many services have a setup wizard or support articles to guide you.
Next, integrate the SMS payment system with your existing workflow. If you use invoicing software, see if you can connect the two systems so that when you create an invoice, you can easily send it via SMS. Some platforms have plugins or built-in integrations with accounting software or offer an app you can use on your phone. Setting up integration upfront will save you time later because everything will be connected.
If possible, add your business logo/name to the payment page so customers see it’s you. Now is also a good time to send yourself a test invoice to make sure everything (like notifications and links) is working correctly.
3. Inform Your Customers and Get Consent
Before you start texting invoices, it’s good practice (and often a legal requirement) to get your customers’ permission to send payment requests via SMS. Start by gathering your customers’ mobile phone numbers if you haven’t already. Update your client contact list with the most current cell numbers.
Let your customers know about the new payment option. You can do this via an email announcement, a note on your next paper or email invoice, or even a quick personal heads-up at the end of a job. For example: “We’re excited to offer a new easy payment option. We can now send your invoice via text message so you can pay securely right from your phone. If that’s okay with you, we’ll give it a try on your next invoice!” Most customers will appreciate the convenience, but giving them a notice ensures they’re not caught off guard.
By informing them and getting a nod of approval, you also increase the chances that they will pay promptly. They’ll be expecting the text and know it’s coming from your business. Always respect if someone prefers traditional invoices, but in practice, you’ll likely find the majority are on board with text payments once you explain the advantages.
4. Craft a Clear and Friendly Payment Message
When sending mobile payments via SMS, the wording of your text message is important. You want to be clear, concise, and courteous. Your SMS should include:
- A greeting and your business name (so the recipient immediately knows who it’s from).
- The purpose of the text (to pay their invoice for a recent product or service).
- The amount (or this can be shown on the payment page after they click the link).
- The secure payment link.
- A brief thank-you or note offering help if they have questions.
For example: “Hi [Name] – thank you for choosing BrightStar Plumbing! Your invoice for today’s service is $150. You can securely pay online via this link: [Payment Link]. Let us know if you have any questions. Thanks!”
Keep it short enough that the key info appears without needing to open a long message. Most platforms will shorten the payment URL automatically. Always double-check that the link works properly in a test (send one to yourself or a colleague) before sending it to a customer.
5. Send Your First SMS Invoice (Test and Launch)
Now comes the exciting part – sending out your first SMS payment request. It might be wise to do a small test run first. Perhaps choose a friendly client or even your own phone number to simulate the experience. Make sure the text comes through correctly, the link leads to the right invoice page, and the payment process is smooth.
Once you’re satisfied that everything works, start incorporating SMS invoices into your regular routine. When a job is done or a product is delivered, pull up your platform (on your computer or an app) and send the invoice via text in real time. Many business owners find that sending the payment link immediately – when the service is fresh in the customer’s mind – dramatically increases the odds of instant payment.
Pay attention to the results as you launch. You might be pleasantly surprised to see payments coming in faster than ever.
6. Monitor, Refine, and Integrate into Your Workflow
As you start using SMS payments regularly, monitor how it’s going. Most platforms provide some dashboard or analytics – for example, you can see when invoices are viewed and paid. Track how quickly invoices get paid now compared to before – you’ll likely see a big improvement.
Also, pay attention to any feedback. If a customer finds something confusing or praises how easy it was, use that info to tweak your message or process if needed.
Finally, make SMS invoicing a standard part of your workflow. Get mobile numbers (and consent) from every new customer and train your team (if you have one) on how to send texts for payments. Before long, it’ll be second nature – and you’ll wonder how you ever waited weeks for checks in the mail.
Conclusion
Implementing SMS payments is a small project that can deliver big benefits. By choosing a solid platform, setting it up correctly, and communicating with customers, you’ll create a much smoother payment process. If you want more tips or a deeper dive into the details, check out this SMS Payments guide for small business owners. Soon, you’ll be sending invoices with a quick text and watching payments roll in faster than ever.