How do I use SMS on the Paytia platform?

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

Templates are used to apply custom wording and insert system variables into messages. 
  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.

      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.

    • Related Articles

    • How do I use the test platform?

      How to Use the Test Platform in Paytia The Paytia platform allows administrators to simulate payment processes using a test gateway. This guide will walk you through how to enable test mode, manage accounts, and perform specific actions within the ...
    • How do I use Payment links to create a payment?

      Using Payment Links to Create a Payment on Paytia Step 1: Login Ensure you are logged into the Paytia merchant portal to begin. Starting a Payment Access Payment Links: On the left-hand side menu of the merchant portal, click on the Payment Links ...
    • How do I add my own email service to send payment links?

      Configuring Your Business Email for SMTP Emails in Paytia To enhance your business branding and ensure professional communication, you can configure your business email domain for sending SMTP emails through Paytia. Follow these steps to set up your ...
    • Payment history

      Payment History for Transactions This section provides an overview of the payment history feature in the Paytia platform, including its contents, functionality, and configuration. Accessing Payment History Navigate to Reports and Alerts: On the ...
    • Payment Types Supported by Paytia

      Payment Types Supported by Paytia The Paytia platform integrates with banks and payment service providers to enable secure telephone payments for merchants. Paytia supports a variety of payment types to cater to different business needs. The ...