For recipients to be able to reply to your SMS, you need a phone number as sender. SMS with an alphanumeric sender (e.g. CompanyABC) cannot technically be replied to.
You have two options:
- Your own phone number as sender, either your existing landline or mobile number or a dedicated inbound number from our stock. Replies arrive reliably and permanently in your account - the recommended way for communicating with customers.
- A shared number provided by seven, ideal for testing the reply function without owning a dedicated inbound number. Replies are delivered to your account for 48 hours.
Using a shared number
Activation
| Channel | How to enable the reply function |
|---|---|
| Webapp | When sending, select A shared number under Sender |
| REST API | Set the parameter get_replies=1 |
| Mail API | Add the parameter get_replies=1 |
In all cases our system automatically assigns you a matching pool number.
Available countries
Whenever possible, we pick a sender number from the same country as the recipient. If no matching country number is available, another pool number is assigned at random.
| Country | Dial code |
|---|---|
| 🇩🇪 Germany | +49 |
| 🇦🇹 Austria | +43 |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | +41 |
| 🇺🇸 USA | +1 |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | +48 |
What to keep in mind
Shared numbers are meant as a testing tool, not for ongoing customer communication:
- 48-hour window: Replies only reach you within 48 hours after sending. Messages arriving later are lost.
- No fixed assignment: When you send again within two weeks, we try to assign you the same number - but we cannot guarantee it.
- Shared with other customers: Several seven customers can use the same pool number at the same time. Replies still land reliably in the correct account.
For ongoing communication with your customers, book your own inbound number.
Pricing
The reply function itself is free of charge. Only the regular SMS sending costs apply.
Forwarding inbound SMS
Inbound replies can be forwarded automatically by email, SMS, Slack or HTTP callback - combinations are possible too. Step-by-step instructions are in the article "How do I receive SMS?" in the section Forwarding SMS.