How do I use SMS on the Paytia platform?

Using SMS on the Paytia Platform

Overview

Paytia allows users to send SMS messages for secure payment processing. This guide explains how to purchase, manage, and customize SMS messages on the Paytia platform.

Accessing SMS Services

1. Login to Paytia

   • Visit Paytia Login and enter your credentials.
   • Navigate to the Dashboard.
     
     
     

2. Verify SMS Service Access

   • If you have purchased SMS services, the SMS panel will appear on the dashboard.
   • The panel displays:
     • Purchased SMS (Qty): Total SMS credits.
     • Used SMS (Qty): Number of SMS messages sent.
     • Available SMS (Qty): Remaining SMS credits.
   • Click SMS Purchase to buy more credits. Note: there is a minimum purchase of 50 messages.
   • Click SMS Report to review sent messages.

Configuring SMS Message Templates

1. Navigate to Settings

   • From the left-hand menu, go to Settings > SMS message templates.
     
     
     

2. Understanding Default Templates

   • Paytia provides two default templates:
     • Payment template: Used for sending payment links.
     • Secure code template: Includes a secure code with the payment link.
   • Default templates cannot be edited directly, but they can be cloned for customization.
     
     
     

3. Cloning and Customizing Templates

   • Click the Clone button next to a template.
   • The cloned template appears under the Cloned Templates tab.
   • Click Edit to modify the template:
     • Template Name: Assign a unique name.
     • Template Content: Customize the message using placeholders:
       • {firstname} – Customer’s first name.
       • {customer_name} – Full customer name.
       • {company} – Your business name.
       • {agent_name} – The agent’s name.
       • {secure_code} – Unique secure code.
       • {url} – Payment link.
         
         
         
     • Click Update to save changes.
       
       
       

4. Activating a Custom Template

   • Toggle the Is Default switch to green to activate.
   • Inactive templates appear with a red toggle.
   • Click Delete to remove unwanted templates.
     
     
     
     

     Using the SMS Service on the Paytia Platform

     Overview

     The SMS payment service on the Paytia platform allows users to send secure payment links via SMS to customers. Users can enable a secure code for additional verification and track payment progress through the Ecommerce Payment Report.

     Steps to Use SMS Payment Links

     1. Selecting the Payment Link Service

     1. Login to the Paytia merchant portal.
     2. Navigate to the Agent Capture Assist Interface.
     3. Select the Payment link service from the dropdown menu.
        
        
        

     2. Configuring SMS Payment Details

     1. Choose Payment link via SMS.
     2. Enter the customer’s phone number.
     3. Optionally, enable Secure code for enhanced security.
     4. Input the following required fields:
        • Description of the payment purpose.
        • Amount to be charged.
        • Appointment date and time (if applicable).
          
          
          

     3. Previewing the SMS

     Before sending the message, the system provides a preview showing the dynamically populated fields:

     • {firstname} – Customer's first name.
     • {customer_name} – Full name of the customer.
     • {company} – Business name.
     • {agent_name} – Agent's name.
     • {url} – The secure payment link.
       
       
       

     The SMS template used depends on whether the Secure code option is enabled:

     • Enabled: The Secure Code SMS template is used.
       
       
     • Disabled: The standard Payment Link SMS template is used.
       
       

     4. Sending the SMS

     1. Click Send SMS to customer.
        
        
     2. The system redirects to the Ecommerce Payment Report for tracking.

     5. Monitoring SMS Payment Progress

     1. Access the Ecommerce Payment Report from the dashboard.
     2. View details such as:
        • Customer’s phone number.
        • Unique transaction ID.
        • Payment reference number.
        • Payment date and time.
     3. If needed, click Resend SMS to reissue the payment link.
        
        

     Additional Notes

     • Ensure you have sufficient SMS credits for sending messages.
     • If SMS templates need customization, navigate to Settings > SMS Message Templates to edit or create new templates.
     • To enable a cloned template, activate the Is Default toggle.

     By following these steps, agents can efficiently collect secure payments via SMS while maintaining transaction visibility in the Paytia platform.