⚠️ IMPORTANT: This policy is legally binding. Violations can result in account suspension, fines of $500-$1,500 per contact, and civil lawsuits.
Overview
ReviewCatalyst's messaging features (SMS, WhatsApp, Email) require compliance with federal and state laws. You are solely responsible for ensuring all contacts have consented to receive messages from you.
Your Responsibility
Golden Rule: Get Consent First
Before uploading any contact to ReviewCatalyst, you must have prior express written consent that they want to hear from you.
Valid Consent Examples
- Customer checked "Yes, send me SMS" on your website
- Customer texted you asking for updates
- Customer signed up for alerts during checkout
- Customer filled out your opt-in form in-store
Invalid Consent (DO NOT USE)
- Purchased contact lists
- Scraped numbers from social media
- Old customers without new consent
- General "contact us" form submissions
- Numbers found online
How to Get Consent
- Option 1 (Easiest): Use ReviewCatalyst's built-in opt-in page — embed it on your website, tablet, or link it to customers
- Option 2: Collect consent yourself using your own form or method — you must keep records
Laws You Must Follow
TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act)
- Covers SMS and WhatsApp messaging
- Penalty: $500-$1,500 per non-consented contact
- Requires opt-out option ("Reply STOP") in every message
- Honor opt-outs within 24 hours
CAN-SPAM Act
- Covers email campaigns
- Requires unsubscribe link in every email
- Include your physical business address
- Honor unsubscribes within 10 days
GDPR (EU Residents)
- Requires explicit opt-in consent
- Penalty: Up to €20 million or 4% of revenue
CCPA (California Residents)
- Requires opt-out option
- Penalty: $2,500-$7,500 per violation
Specific Requirements
SMS & WhatsApp
- Only message people who explicitly consented
- Include "Reply STOP to unsubscribe" in every SMS
- Never use purchased or scraped lists
- Don't message between 8pm-8am recipient's time zone | ReviewCatalyst provides scheduling tools within campaign setup to help you comply with timing requirements
Email
- Only email addresses with consent
- Include unsubscribe link in every email
- Include your physical mailing address
If You Violate This Policy
ReviewCatalyst Will
- Immediately suspend your messaging access
- Require proof of consent for flagged contacts
- Permanently terminate your account for serious violations
You May Face
- $500-$1,500 per non-consented contact (TCPA)
- Up to €20M or 4% of revenue (GDPR)
- Civil lawsuits from customers
- Loss of messaging access on all platforms
Example: Messaging 100 non-consented people could cost you $50,000-$150,000 in TCPA penalties alone.
Common Questions
Q: Can I buy a contact list and message them?
A: No. Purchased lists violate TCPA and will result in suspension.
Q: What if I'm not sure I have consent?
A: Don't message them. Ask first. Getting permission is free. Getting fined is expensive.
Q: What about old customers?
A: No consent. Send an email first asking if they want to opt in to SMS/WhatsApp.
Q: Does ReviewCatalyst verify consent?
A: No. You're responsible. If you use our opt-in page, we store records. Otherwise, you must maintain proof.
Q: What if my account is suspended?
A: You'll need to resolve the violation. Serious violations result in permanent termination.
Acknowledgment
By signing up for ReviewCatalyst, I agree to the Messaging Compliance Policy and understand that I am solely responsible for obtaining consent from all contacts before messaging them.