The technology called SMS billing services allows customers to pay for merchandise or services through their cell phones. Customers like this option because it lets them pay with a seemingly easier and safer method than cash or credit cards. Retailers love the option because they can bill for smaller amounts for services, such as $1.99 for a vote or $.99 for a ringtone. These micro purchases add up for retailers.

Purchases through SMS billing services allow payments at a location, on television, over the phone, to a cell phone or online. SMS billing services enable a retailer to conduct billing throughout the world with the flexibility of making purchases in the local currency. While not everyone chooses to have a credit card, more and more people have cell phones, which they can use for purchases. Customers see the charges as part of their phone bills.

Here are some ways to put SMS billing services to work for you:

1. Get SMS billing services information about additional billing options.

2. See how other companies use SMS billing services to benefit their business.

3. Find an SMS billing services provider.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Evaluate SMS billing services products for your business

You may be able to use the available SMS billing services technology for your business. See how other businesses currently use the technology to provide efficient options for their customers and keep their billing streamlined. These services allow customers to pay for items they purchase online or via their cell phones by having it billed to the phone rather than a credit card.

I recommend: Take a look at mENABLE's SMS billing services list. This site describes multiple billing options, including SMS, and directs you to pages for obtaining these services. SMS premium billing allows customers to pay for items on the Internet with their cell phones. Then learn about mFUSION's SMS services, which range from "shouts" customers can text to a display in a public forum to getting data for marketing lists

Get demos of SMS billing services

Find out how you and your clients can utilize SMS billing services. Find out how your competition uses the technology to make their billing easier and add money to their cash registers. You'll see how easy it is for your customers to use the billing services on their cell phones.

I recommend: Look at an SMS billing service in action. Walk through the billing process when you try the MobiCart demo to see what your clients see from GoLive!Mobile. Then find out what Easy Bill Online offers its business customers. Check out the demos to see the benefits of SMS billing services for your business.

Find SMS billing services for your company

Sign up now for SMS billing services online. You can tap into this product right now to get your business billing customers via their cell phones.

I recommend: Sign up with SMS Coin, an SMS aggregator that offers a variety of SMS billing services in many countries around the world. Global Electronic Technology also provides these types of services; you can apply online to get your company on board.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Use caution when choosing an SMS billing services provider. Some are located overseas and deal primarily in currency other than U.S. dollars. This could lead to an accounting nightmare or conflict with local or federal business laws.