A2P 10DLC Messaging Policy

Effective Date: October 27, 2025
Last Updated: October 27, 2025

1. Introduction

This A2P (Application-to-Person) 10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) Messaging Policy ("Policy") governs the use of SMS and MMS messaging services provided by Fresh Start Marketing Inc ("Company," "we," "us," or "our") through FreshStarts.io. This Policy applies to all customers, users, and recipients of messages sent through our platform.

Application-to-Person (A2P) 10DLC is an industry standard for application-based SMS messaging in the United States, designed to improve message deliverability and reduce spam while supporting legitimate business messaging.

Contact Information:
Fresh Start Marketing Inc
16113 Emiline St
Omaha, NE 68136
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 402-990-6988

2. Compliance and Legal Requirements

2.1 Regulatory Compliance

Our messaging services comply with:

  • Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)

  • CAN-SPAM Act

  • CTIA Messaging Principles and Best Practices

  • Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) Guidelines

  • Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) Consumer Best Practices

  • Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Regulations

  • State-specific telecommunications laws

2.2 A2P 10DLC Registration

Fresh Start Marketing Inc is registered with mobile carriers and The Campaign Registry (TCR) for A2P 10DLC messaging. Our messaging campaigns are properly vetted and approved to ensure compliance and optimal message delivery.

3. Message Types and Use Cases

3.1 Permitted Message Types

We support the following types of business messages:

  • Customer Care: Customer support, service notifications, account updates

  • Marketing: Promotional offers, product updates, sales information (with proper consent)

  • Account Notifications: Account alerts, security notifications, billing information

  • Appointment Reminders: Scheduling confirmations, appointment reminders

  • Lead Generation: Business inquiries, quote requests, information requests

  • Conversational Messaging: Two-way customer interactions, AI agent conversations

3.2 Message Content Standards

All messages sent through our platform must:

  • Clearly identify the sender (business name)

  • Provide accurate and truthful information

  • Include opt-out instructions in the first message and periodically thereafter

  • Be relevant to the recipient's relationship with the business

  • Comply with character limits and formatting guidelines

  • Not contain prohibited content (see Section 4)

4. Prohibited Content and Activities

4.1 Strictly Prohibited Content

Messages sent through our platform must NOT contain or promote:

  • Illegal Activities: Any illegal products, services, or activities

  • Adult Content: Pornography, adult entertainment, or sexually explicit material

  • Gambling: Casino services, sports betting, lottery, gaming

  • Controlled Substances: Cannabis/marijuana, CBD products (in restricted states), illegal drugs, unauthorized pharmaceuticals

  • Tobacco and Vaping: Cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping products, tobacco

  • Firearms: Weapons, ammunition, firearms sales

  • Hate Speech: Discriminatory, harassing, or threatening content

  • Deceptive Practices: Phishing, fraud, scams, pyramid schemes

  • Debt Collection: Debt consolidation or collection services (without proper licensing)

  • High-Risk Financial Services: Payday loans, get-rich-quick schemes, cryptocurrency schemes

  • Alcohol: Direct sales or promotion of alcoholic beverages

4.2 Prohibited Messaging Practices

The following practices are strictly prohibited:

  • Spam: Unsolicited bulk messages or unwanted commercial messages

  • Message Pumping: Artificially inflating message volumes

  • Shared/Forwarded Content: Messages designed to be forwarded or shared

  • Phishing: Attempts to acquire sensitive information through deceptive messages

  • Fraudulent Activity: Impersonation, misleading claims, scams

  • Malware Distribution: Links to malicious software or harmful content

  • Age-Gated Content: Content requiring age verification without proper mechanisms

  • Third-Party Advertising: Sending messages on behalf of unaffiliated third parties

5. Consent Requirements

5.1 Express Written Consent

Before sending any marketing or promotional messages, you must obtain express written consent from recipients. Valid consent requires:

  • Clear and Conspicuous Disclosure: Recipients must clearly understand they are agreeing to receive SMS messages

  • Affirmative Action: Active opt-in (checking a box, submitting a form, replying with a keyword)

  • Disclosure of Message Frequency: Inform recipients how often they'll receive messages

  • Disclosure of Purpose: Explain what types of messages they'll receive

  • Disclosure of Standard Rates: Include "Message and data rates may apply"

  • Company Identification: Clearly identify your business name

5.2 Consent Language Example

Compliant consent language should include:

"By checking this box and submitting this form, you agree to receive marketing and promotional SMS messages from [Your Business Name] at the phone number provided. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to unsubscribe or HELP for assistance."

5.3 Consent Methods

Acceptable methods for obtaining consent include:

  • Online Forms: Web forms with clear opt-in checkboxes and disclosures

  • Point of Sale: In-person sign-ups with written consent

  • Text-to-Join Keywords: Customers text a keyword to opt in (e.g., "Text JOIN to 12345")

  • Verbal Consent (AI Agents): Clear verbal agreement captured during phone conversations with AI agents, with proper disclosures

  • Appointment Requests: Consent obtained when customers request appointments or information

5.4 Consent Record-Keeping

You must maintain records of consent for all recipients, including:

  • Date and time of consent

  • Method of consent (form submission, keyword, verbal, etc.)

  • Phone number consented to receive messages

  • Consent language presented to the recipient

  • IP address or device identifier (where applicable)

Consent records must be retained for at least 4 years from the date of consent or last message sent.

5.5 Exceptions to Written Consent

Express written consent is NOT required for:

  • Transactional Messages: Order confirmations, shipping notifications, account alerts

  • Appointment Confirmations: Messages confirming appointments the recipient scheduled

  • Customer Service: Responses to customer inquiries or support requests

However, recipients must still have a reasonable expectation to receive these messages based on their relationship with your business.

6. Opt-Out and Opt-In Management

6.1 Required Opt-Out Mechanism

Every marketing message must include clear opt-out instructions. Recipients can opt out by:

  • Replying "STOP" to any message

  • Replying "UNSUBSCRIBE" to any message

  • Contacting us directly at [email protected] or 402-990-6988

Opt-out requests must be honored immediately and automatically, with no delays or additional requirements.

6.2 Opt-Out Response

When a recipient opts out, the system must:

  • Immediately stop sending messages to that number

  • Send a confirmation message acknowledging the opt-out (e.g., "You have been unsubscribed from [Business Name] messages. Reply HELP for assistance or contact us at [phone/email]")

  • Add the number to a suppression list

  • Not send any further marketing messages unless the recipient explicitly opts back in

6.3 Opt-Out Compliance Period

Opt-out requests must be processed:

  • Immediately: Within seconds of receiving the STOP request

  • No grace period: No additional messages after opt-out, except the confirmation

  • Permanent: Opt-outs remain in effect indefinitely unless recipient re-consents

6.4 Help/Info Requests

Recipients who reply "HELP" or "INFO" must receive:

  • Business name and contact information

  • Instructions on how to opt out

  • Customer support contact details

Example Help Response: "This is [Business Name]. For help, call 402-990-6988 or email [email protected]. Reply STOP to unsubscribe. Msg&Data rates may apply."

6.5 Opt-In Management

If a recipient has previously opted out and wishes to opt back in:

  • They must take an affirmative action to re-consent

  • Previous opt-out cannot be automatically overridden

  • New consent must meet all requirements in Section 5

7. Message Frequency and Timing

7.1 Message Frequency

Message frequency should be:

  • Disclosed at consent: Tell recipients approximately how often they'll hear from you

  • Reasonable: Avoid excessive messaging that could be perceived as spam

  • Consistent with expectations: Match the frequency disclosed at opt-in

7.2 Message Timing

Marketing messages should be sent:

  • Between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM in the recipient's local time zone

  • Not on major holidays unless contextually relevant

  • At reasonable intervals (avoid sending multiple messages in short timeframes)

Exception: Transactional and time-sensitive messages (appointment reminders, order updates) may be sent outside these hours when necessary.

7.3 Message Volume Guidelines

While we don't impose strict usage limits, customers should:

  • Maintain reasonable message volumes appropriate to their business

  • Avoid sudden spikes in volume that may trigger carrier filtering

  • Monitor delivery rates and engagement metrics

  • Adjust frequency based on recipient engagement and opt-out rates

8. AI Agent Messaging Compliance

8.1 AI-Powered Conversations

When using our AI phone agents to collect phone numbers for SMS messaging:

  • Clear Disclosure: AI agents must clearly inform callers that they will receive SMS messages

  • Verbal Consent: AI agents must obtain explicit verbal consent before enrolling callers in SMS programs

  • Consent Confirmation: System must log and timestamp verbal consent

  • Follow-Up Message: First SMS message must confirm enrollment and include opt-out instructions

8.2 AI Agent Script Requirements

Compliant AI agent scripts should include:

  • Business name identification

  • Purpose of message program

  • Request for permission to send SMS messages

  • Disclosure of message frequency

  • Standard rates disclosure

  • Confirmation of caller's agreement

Example AI Agent Script:

"Thank you for your interest in [Business Name]. To keep you updated about your appointment/inquiry, may I have your permission to send you text messages? You can unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP. Standard message and data rates may apply. Do I have your permission?"

9. Customer Responsibilities

9.1 Customer Obligations

As a customer of Fresh Start Marketing Inc, you are responsible for:

  • Obtaining proper consent from all message recipients

  • Maintaining consent records for audit and compliance purposes

  • Providing accurate information about your business and messaging practices

  • Complying with all applicable laws and regulations

  • Monitoring message content to ensure compliance with this Policy

  • Responding to recipient inquiries and complaints promptly

  • Honoring opt-out requests immediately

  • Maintaining accurate contact lists and removing invalid numbers

  • Training staff and AI agents on compliance requirements

9.2 Prohibited Customer Activities

Customers must NOT:

  • Send messages to purchased, rented, or scraped contact lists

  • Send messages without proper consent

  • Use misleading sender IDs or business names

  • Include prohibited content (see Section 4)

  • Ignore or delay opt-out requests

  • Share phone numbers with third parties without consent

  • Use messaging for illegal purposes

  • Violate TCPA, CTIA, or other regulatory requirements

10. Company Responsibilities and Rights

10.1 Our Commitments

Fresh Start Marketing Inc commits to:

  • Maintaining A2P 10DLC registration and compliance

  • Providing compliant messaging infrastructure

  • Processing opt-out requests automatically and immediately

  • Monitoring for spam and abuse

  • Cooperating with carrier and regulatory audits

  • Updating this Policy as regulations evolve

10.2 Monitoring and Enforcement

We reserve the right to:

  • Monitor message content for compliance with this Policy

  • Review campaign practices and consent procedures

  • Request documentation of consent and compliance practices

  • Suspend or terminate services for policy violations

  • Report violations to carriers, regulators, or law enforcement

  • Implement filters to block prohibited content

10.3 Violation Consequences

Violations of this Policy may result in:

  • Warning: First-time or minor violations may receive a warning

  • Service Suspension: Immediate suspension of messaging services

  • Account Termination: Permanent termination of account

  • Legal Action: Potential legal action for damages or regulatory fines

  • Regulatory Reporting: Reporting to carriers, TCR, or regulatory authorities

11. Message Delivery and Carrier Filtering

11.1 Delivery Factors

Message delivery depends on:

  • Campaign Registration: Proper A2P 10DLC registration and vetting

  • Content Quality: Compliance with carrier content standards

  • Sending Patterns: Consistent, reasonable message volumes

  • Engagement Rates: Recipient responses and opt-out rates

  • Complaint Rates: Spam reports and recipient complaints

11.2 Carrier Filtering

Mobile carriers may filter or block messages that:

  • Contain prohibited content or suspicious links

  • Have high opt-out or complaint rates

  • Show spam-like characteristics

  • Come from unregistered or low-trust campaigns

  • Violate carrier-specific policies

11.3 Delivery Rates

While we strive for high delivery rates:

  • We cannot guarantee 100% delivery of all messages

  • Carriers have final authority over message delivery

  • Compliant messaging practices improve delivery rates

  • Customers should monitor analytics and adjust practices accordingly

12. Data Protection and Privacy

12.1 Phone Number Data

Phone numbers and messaging data are protected according to our Privacy Policy. We:

  • Store phone numbers securely

  • Do not sell or share phone numbers with third parties

  • Maintain opt-out lists indefinitely

  • Process data in compliance with applicable privacy laws

12.2 Message Content

Message content and conversation records:

  • May be monitored for compliance purposes

  • Are stored securely and encrypted

  • Are accessible to customers through their accounts

  • May be retained for legal and compliance purposes

13. Fees and Charges

13.1 Messaging Costs

Messaging costs are determined by:

  • Your service plan and pricing model

  • Message volume and type

  • Carrier fees and surcharges

  • Campaign registration and vetting fees (if applicable)

13.2 Recipient Charges

Recipients may incur:

  • Message charges from their mobile carrier

  • Data charges for MMS messages

This is why "Message and data rates may apply" must be disclosed at opt-in.

14. Reporting and Complaints

14.1 Recipient Complaints

If a message recipient files a complaint:

  • We will investigate the complaint promptly

  • You may be required to provide consent documentation

  • Repeated complaints may result in service suspension

  • You are responsible for responding to recipient inquiries

14.2 Reporting Violations

To report spam, abuse, or policy violations:

  • Recipients can reply STOP to opt out

  • Complaints can be sent to [email protected]

  • Serious violations can be reported to the FCC or FTC

15. Policy Updates

We may update this A2P 10DLC Messaging Policy as regulations and industry standards evolve. Updates will be:

  • Posted on our website with a new "Last Updated" date

  • Communicated to customers via email

  • Effective immediately upon posting unless otherwise stated

Your continued use of our messaging services after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.

16. Contact Information

For questions, concerns, or compliance assistance regarding this A2P 10DLC Messaging Policy, please contact:

Fresh Start Marketing Inc
16113 Emiline St
Omaha, NE 68136
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 402-990-6988

Acknowledgment:
By using Fresh Start Marketing Inc messaging services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to comply with this A2P 10DLC Messaging Policy and all applicable laws and regulations governing SMS/MMS messaging.