Company Press Releases
May 2006: FREE 'DONATION BY TEXT' SERVICE, txt4giving OFFERED BY FORMATION
txt4giving, a new text messaging and donations system for charities, is being offered free by London-based innovation company Formation.
The system is accessed through the web - so there's no need to install any software - and no charge is made for setting up the keywords and shortcodes for taking donations by SMS. Mobile phone users can donate to any charity set up on the system by texting to a premium rate number.
The donations by text will attract Gift Aid, because a clear audit trail is automatically stored.
This flexible system allows campaigns to be set up quickly, including the choice of sending an automated reply message to thank donors, provide more information about the charity, send relevant weblinks, as well as providing unique, numbered receipts to users.
The charity advertises a shortcode number for donations.
The donor texts a keyword to the shortcode number 85122. The texts cost the donor £1.50 plus the standard network charge*, taken automatically from the existing credits on their mobile.
The donor receives an acknowledgement which is composed by the charity - for example: 'Thankyou for your donation, please visit our website to see how your money is being put to good use.'
Of the 150 pence donated, 17.5% (26.25p) is paid in VAT,
the mobile phone networks take 39p
This leaves 84.75p
Formation take 4p, and 80.75p is received by the charity
GiftAid of 28% (22.61p) is claimable.
So each text donation is worth 103.36p
'Charities should be freely given the benefit of systems which have been developed for business. Text messaging is a powerful tool, ideal for generating charity donations. These donations can qualify for GiftAid as there's a clear audit trail. It's important that there's a system that both charities and donors can trust, which follows good practice. Transparency is vital as charities need to know exactly what happens with every penny donated, and we are completely open about the costs.'
*This procedure conforms to ICSTIS regulations
Note to editors
Formation has been developing web and mobile applications since 1994. The company provides messaging systems for business and the education and health sectors.
March 2006: FORMATION LAUNCHES Resellers SMS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, txt4ever IN RESPONSE TO RISING DEMAND FROM BUSINESSES
Formation have announced the launch of their web-based text and media messaging system, specifically for the Telecom Reseller market.
The system is easy to use and can quickly deliver bulk text messages, pictures, sound or video files.
To mark this launch Formation is offering txt4ever free to resellers. They can easily add their own branding, set up customer accounts and manage the message price features that are not available in other text messaging systems.
Formation MD Mark Brill explained: 'txt4ever was developed with the telecoms reseller in mind. It offers fantastic opportunities for telecommunication resellers to offer new products and value added to their existing clients.'
A fully functioning System Administrator enables the reseller to set up accounts - whole customer bases can be directly imported. The system will automatically send a report of texts used, so billing is simple and accurate.
Resellers can offer their customers a powerful text and media messaging system to aid any business or organisation with: staff and customer contact, emergencies and business continuity, marketing and promotions and appointment reminders- unique feature is that we will offer a basic console free to resellers.
Mark Brill added: 'Businesses are increasingly turning to SMS for efficient, cost-effective marketing as text messaging allows companies to communicate instantly and cheaply with customers, informing them of developments such as new products, discounts and special offers. Since over 95% of text messages are delivered within 10 seconds, SMS is considered to be one of the most efficient technologies for promoting businesses. We developed this system for businesses to work smarter not harder.'
About Formation
Founded in 1992 Formation are a leading developer of web and mobile applications. The company has pioneered systems for text messaging between the internet and mobile. They were the first company to successfully develop a system for vehicle checks and insurance by SMS. Formation offers customers decades of combined experience and excellent customers service.
For more information, please visit www.formatie.com.
