1. What is SMS Pal and how does it work?
SMS Pal allows consumers to place online classifieds without requiring a computer or Internet access. Classifieds are placed using SMS (Short Message Service) text messages. In addition to the classifieds appearing online, at smspal.com, they are also forwarded to participating, local, newspapers for publication.


2. How much money will SMS Pal charge me to place a classified?
Your cell phone will be billed 99¢ for each classified that you post. Every classified ad is published at smspal.com and it will be forwarded to participating newspapers. Please check with your wireless carrier since they may charge you a small fee for standard text messaging.


3. Do I need to create an account to submit a classified listing?
No. You do not need to create an account to list a classified.
You also do not need an account to browse our online classifieds at smspal.com.


4. Do I need any software on my cell phone?
No. All you need is to be able to send and receive simple SMS text messages. Nearly all recent cell phones - even the most basic ones - have text messaging capabilities. An SMS text message is limited to 160 characters.


5. For Sale: How do I create a classified to sell something?
Send a text message to our server in the following format:
Sell  <Item name>  <$Price>  <ZIP code>  <Optional comments>
The item name, price (including $), and ZIP code are required. You can only list one item for sale per text message, but you can send in an unlimited number of text messages. The ZIP code will let us know which participating newspapers, in your area, will list your classified as well as letting buyers know what city you are located in. All classifieds are automatically listed on our Web site at smspal.com
Prices may be entered as either $95 or $95.00.

For example, if you live in Oceanside, Ca and you are selling a 21" TV for $95:
Sell 21" TV $95 92056 This is a 2006 Sony Trinitron TV in excellent condition.
You'll receive a confirmation text message to verify your listing:
Your new SMS Pal listing:
21" TV
$95
92056
This is a 2006 Sony Trinitron TV in excellent condition.
Reply 'Cancel 198351' to remove this listing.


Just remember: "Name, Price, ZIP".


6. For Hire: I need a job - how can I let people know I'm available for hire using SMS Pal?
Send a text message in the following format:
Skills  <List of skills>  <Zip code>  <Optional comments>
All three fields are required - each skill must be separated by a comma.

For example, if you're looking for work as a babysitter, cook and housekeeper in Vista, Ca:
Skills Babysitter, Cook, Housekeeper 92085 I'm very good with kids.
You'll receive a confirmation text message to verify your listing:
Your skills have been listed:
Babysitter, Cook, Housekeeper
92085
I'm very good with kids.
Reply 'Cancel 198432' to cancel this listing.

Or, if you're looking for work as a busboy, kitchen cleaner, and short order cook in Watsonville, Ca:
Skills Busboy, Kitchen cleaner, Short order cook 95076 I've worked in the food industry for 8 years. Call me at 831-555-1212.


7. Help Wanted: I need to hire someone - how can I list a job opening using SMS Pal?
Send a text message in the following format:
Job  <Job>  <Zip code>  <Optional comments>
All three fields are required - only one job per text message.

For example, send the following text message to SMS Pal to hire a gardener in Miami, Fl:
Job Gardener 33122 You must bring your own tools.
You'll receive a confirmation text message to verify your listing:
Your help wanted classified has been listed:
Gardner
33122
You must bring your own tools.
Reply 'Cancel 398433' to cancel this listing.


8. How do I cancel a classified listing?
Simply send a text message in the following format:
Cancel <Listing number>
Example:
Cancel 19835
You'll receive a confirmation text message:
The following listing has been cancelled: 19835 (21" TV).
Classifieds can only be cancelled from the cell phone used to place it. Once you cancel a listing no one will be able to contact you through smspal.com.


9. What if I need to edit my classified or I made a mistake (typo) in my classified?
Simply cancel it and resend the corrected listing.


10. Where will my classified appear?
Your classified will immediately be listed on our Web site at smspal.com. Also, based on your classified's ZIP code, your listing will appear in participating newspapers.


11. How can people contact me regarding my classified?
People who see your classified online can send a text message to you through the smspal.com Web site. If the sender chooses, he or she can included their phone number so you can contact them (but your phone number is kept private).
Your phone number will appear in classifieds listed in local newspapers so people can contact you directly.


12. How do I contact the person who listed a classified?
After creating a free account at smspal.com and logging in you can click on the Contact link for a specific listing to send a message to the person who listed that classified. Your phone number is not given to the lister, when using smspal.com, unless you explicitly want them to receive it.
Another way to contact the person who listed a classified ad is to send a text message to SMS Pal using the Relay keyword followed by the classified ad listing number. For more details click the Contact link for the specific classified you're insterested in.


13. How can I see a listing's details, on the Web site, such as the classified ad listing number or the date and time it was posted?
You can see the details of a listing such as the classified ad listing number, date and time it was posted, and the lister's ZIP code by holding your mouse's pointer over each of those three fields. By placing your mouse's pointer over each of these fields (outlined in green in the following diagram) a "tool-tip" will appear after a few seconds.


14. Will my information be shared with anyone?
Yes, we will share your information with your local, participating, newspaper so they can publish your classified if it meets their criteria.