SMS marketing lets you reach customers directly on their phones with promotions, updates, and announcements, and is included with ChowNow Grow and Elevate plans.

Before you can send your first message, your business needs to be registered through a process called 10DLC — the industry standard for sending marketing texts from a business number. ChowNow handles the registration on your behalf. All you need to do is provide a few business details.

What is 10DLC?

10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) is the carrier-approved framework that allows businesses to legally send SMS marketing messages in the U.S. Registration is required by mobile carriers to verify your business, protect consumers from spam, and ensure your messages are delivered reliably.

ChowNow manages the technical registration steps for you. You just need to submit your business information.

How to Enable SMS Marketing

Step 1: Watch for an email from the ChowNow team

During onboarding, you’ll receive an email from our team with a form to complete. This is where you’ll provide the business details required for 10DLC registration.

Step 2: Gather the required information

To complete the form, have the following ready:

  • Legal business name — exactly as it appears on your tax or registration documents
  • EIN or Tax ID — your federal Employer Identification Number (or Tax ID for sole proprietors)
  • Business type and status — e.g., LLC, corporation, sole proprietorship, and whether the business is active
  • Primary contact details — name, email, and phone number for the person responsible for your account

Tip: Make sure your legal business name and EIN match what’s on file with the IRS. Mismatches are the most common reason registrations get delayed.

Step 3: Submit the form

Once you’ve completed and returned the form, ChowNow will handle the rest. This includes submitting your registration to the carriers and configuring your SMS sending number.

Step 4: Wait for confirmation

Standard turnaround is approximately 5-10 business days, provided all information is submitted correctly. If carriers request additional details, our team will reach out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register if I’m only sending to existing customers?

Yes. 10DLC registration is required for any business sending SMS marketing messages, regardless of audience size or recipient relationship.

What if my registration is rejected?

Rejections are usually due to mismatched business information. Our team will let you know what needs to be corrected and resubmit on your behalf.