Turn SMS into a two-way conversation

Transform one-way notifications into real dialogues. Faster support, instant feedback, smoother interactions — all within a single two-way SMS conversation.

Try two-way SMS for free View number options & pricing

Trusted by 18,081 businesses that value real customer interactions

Unlock the key benefits of two-way SMS

Turn simple messages into effective interactions that drive results.

Faster customer support

Provide instant support directly in the SMS conversation and significantly reduce resolution times.

Collect instant feedback

Make it easy to share feedback, confirmations, or survey responses while strengthening relationships and gathering valuable data.

Automate and streamline interactions

Cut manual work on appointment reminders, confirmations, and status updates to free resources and lower costs.

Try two-way SMS for free

See how two-way SMS can work for you

Two-way SMS support chat with agent resolving customer inquiry through text conversation

Customer support Provide quick assistance and answer questions directly via SMS chat for faster resolution.

SMS appointment booking where customer confirms or reschedules visit with text reply

Appointment management Let customers easily confirm, cancel, or reschedule appointments with a simple text reply.

Feedback & surveys Instantly collect valuable customer opinions or short survey responses through interactive SMS.

SMS feedback survey collecting satisfaction ratings and opinions via two-way messages

Interactive SMS lead qualification engaging prospects with automated qualifying questions

Lead qualification Engage prospects with interactive questions for efficient lead qualification.

SMS order status notification with reply option where customer asks delivery questions via text

Order updates & inquiries Allow customers to reply to order notifications with follow-up questions for quick clarification.

Interactive marketing Run engaging contests, polls, or promotions that users participate in by replying via text message.

Interactive SMS marketing contest and poll where customers participate by replying with keywords

Conduct two-way SMS conversations in 125 countries

The key to global SMS conversations is the right number type. Our platform clearly displays available options for each country.

Sender type options and two-way SMS capabilities vary by country. Check the specifics for your destination.

View coverage & pricing

Choose how to manage your conversations

Get started quickly and easily engage customers through two-way text messaging.

Powerful API

Build your own conversational flow

Integrate two-way SMS directly into your systems for full control and automation.

RESTful API with detailed documentation

Real-time webhooks for inbound SMS

Process replies in your existing tools

Explore 2-way SMS API

Ready-to-use integrations

Connect without coding

Add two-way SMS capabilities to your e-commerce system, CRM, or marketing automation tools with pre-built connectors.

No developer skills required

Automate conversation triggers

Seamless data sync across platforms

Find your integration

Web portal

Manage conversations instantly

Use our user-friendly web portal to view, manage, and reply to SMS conversations without any setup.

Intuitive conversation interface

Manual reply handling

No technical skills required

Try the web portal for free

Need more than just text replies?

Two-way SMS is great for direct text conversations, but sometimes you need more visual or interactive elements. BulkGate offers a complete suite of business messaging channels.

RCS Business Messaging

Enhance SMS with rich media, carousels, branding, and interactive buttons delivered natively.

Explore RCS Business Messaging

Viber for Business

Reach users in specific markets with visually engaging messages, stickers, and interactive buttons for promotions or support.

Learn more about Viber for Business

WhatsApp Business API

Engage customers on the world's most popular chat app with rich features, verified profiles, and interactive scenarios.

Explore WhatsApp Business API

Frequently asked questions

What is two-way SMS and why should you use it?

Two-way SMS allows your customers to reply directly to messages sent through our SMS gateway, turning one-way notifications into interactive SMS conversations. In practice, it works like an SMS chat — the customer simply replies and you see the response in real time. Use it for faster support, instant feedback, easy appointment management, and better customer engagement through the familiar SMS channel.

What Sender ID types are required for two-way SMS?

To receive replies, you need a Sender ID that functions as a phone number capable of receiving responses. Standard text Sender IDs (e.g., "MyCompany") do not work for receiving replies. Supported Sender ID types in BulkGate are:

Your verified Own Number (your existing mobile number)
Short Codes (short phone numbers that cannot be customized)
System Numbers (phone numbers that cannot be customized)
Dedicated phone number (dedicated VLN, available on request)

How do customers reply to my messages?

Customers simply tap 'reply' in their standard phone messaging app, just like texting a friend. It's easy and uses the familiar SMS interface they already know.

Can I use my existing business mobile number for two-way SMS?

Yes! Our "Own Number Sender ID" feature lets you verify your existing mobile number. You can then send messages using this familiar number, and when customers reply, the response arrives directly on your phone, outside the BulkGate platform.

How do I view and manage inbound SMS replies?

It depends on the number type you use for sending:

System Numbers / Short Codes: All inbound SMS replies appear in the BulkGate portal, where you can easily manage them. For automation, you can also process them via our API or integrations.
Your Own Number: Replies to messages sent from your verified mobile number arrive directly in your phone's messaging app, just like any other SMS. You manage the conversation outside the BulkGate platform.

Is receiving SMS free?

If the price list does not show a price for inbound messages in a given country, receiving them is free. In some countries, inbound SMS may be charged. Outbound messages are billed at standard rates.

Can I automate replies to inbound messages?

Yes. Using our API or integrations, you can set up automated workflows to instantly process common replies, answer frequently asked questions based on keywords, send confirmations, or route messages to the right team.

How does two-way SMS improve customer service?

It provides instant and convenient text-based support. Customers don't have to call or email for simple inquiries — they can just reply. This leads to faster resolution, reduced support load on other channels, and higher satisfaction thanks to the ease and speed of two-way SMS communication.

Is two-way SMS effective for marketing or promotions?

Yes, especially for interactive SMS marketing campaigns. You can run polls, contests (reply with a keyword), collect feedback, or offer discount codes through text replies. This makes two-way SMS marketing more engaging and measurable. Always ensure proper opt-in consent for sending marketing messages.

Can customers start a conversation with me via my two-way SMS number?

It depends on the number type. If you want customers to start the conversation, request a dedicated phone number (dedicated VLN) through our form. With a verified Own Number, they can text your phone directly, but the conversation takes place outside BulkGate. With a System Number or Short Code, customers generally do not start the conversation unless you explicitly publish the number for inbound contact.

In which countries is two-way SMS available?

The ability to receive replies depends on the availability of a suitable Sender ID type in each country. We support two-way SMS in 125 countries through a verified Own Number, System Number, Short Code, or dedicated phone number (dedicated VLN). Available options vary by country.

Is using two-way SMS GDPR compliant?

The BulkGate platform is GDPR compliant. However, your business is responsible for properly handling customer data (consent, privacy policies, data subject rights) in accordance with GDPR principles when using any communication channel, including two-way SMS.

Ready to start real SMS conversations?

Start real conversations with two-way SMS and join 18,081 businesses using BulkGate to communicate with customers.

Get started with two-way SMS Contact sales about Sender IDs