When you're sending messages to a group that includes members across different time zones, knowing how your CallingPost plan handles delivery times is key. This helps ensure your important communications reach everyone, no matter where they are.
Understanding Your Plan's Sending Hours
Your CallingPost plan dictates the standard hours messages can be sent. Keep these in mind, especially when considering different time zones:
Premium Plans: Allow 24/7 communications. You can send messages any time, day or night.
Essentials Plans: Allow sending from 5 AM to Midnight (your account's time zone).
Pay-as-you-Go (PGO) Plans: Messages can be sent during standard hours (9 AM to 9 PM, your account's time zone). You have the option to send during extended hours (5 AM to Midnight) by paying an extra credit per number called.
Best Practices for Multi-Time Zone Delivery
To ensure all your members receive their communications, here are your best options:
Option 1 (Recommended): Use the Web Portal. For the most user-friendly and reliable experience with groups across multiple time zones, always use the CallingPost web portal. When you select "Send Now," the system automatically ensures delivery to all numbers without time zone restrictions, aligning with your plan's available sending hours.
Option 2 (Phone System - Specific Steps Required): If you're using the phone-in system, be aware that it often defaults to your account's standard business hours.
Always select Option 5 ("Send after hours") when prompted, especially if you're sending outside your account's standard hours or to members in later time zones.
After choosing Option 5, you can then select either "Send Now (Extended Hour Messaging)" to send immediately or "Schedule (Extended Hour Messaging)" to pick a time that works best for all time zones.
DO NOT simply choose "Send Now" without first going through Option 5, particularly if your message is recorded outside your account's 9 AM - 9 PM window or if you have members in later time zones (especially for Essentials and Pay-as-you-Go plans).
Consider Group Segmentation: For ultimate control over delivery times, you can divide your members into separate groups based on their time zones. This allows you to send messages to each specific group at their ideal local time.
By following these guidelines and understanding your plan's capabilities, you can effectively reach all your members, regardless of their location.