> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.ekho.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Text message

> Buyers text your dealership number and get an answer in seconds.

Turn it on under **Product settings → Sales Agent → SMS**.

## Getting a number

Enabling SMS provisions a dedicated phone number for your dealership automatically. While that is in progress a warning appears in the **Status** section. Once ready, the number is shown next to the toggle.

<Note>
  You can flip the toggle on before the number finishes provisioning. SMS starts working once the number is assigned.
</Note>

## How it differs from website chat

Text is a plain-text channel, so some things work differently:

|                             | On text                                                 |
| --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------- |
| Vehicle results             | Sent as links, not cards                                |
| Page awareness              | Not applicable, there is no page                        |
| Pre-qualification           | The link is sent straight in the message body           |
| Escalation                  | Immediate, since your team already has the phone number |
| Skill pills and suggestions | Not available                                           |
| Reply ratings               | Not available                                           |

## Pre-qualification links

The agent puts the link directly in the message, for example *"Get pre-qualified: [https://your-dealership.example.com/](https://your-dealership.example.com/)..."*. There is no "reply YES" step. It is your own branded checkout URL, so the buyer stays in your flow.

<Warning>
  If no checkout URL is configured for your dealership, the agent invites the buyer to contact you instead of sending a broken link. Set your checkout URL to enable in-message pre-qual.
</Warning>

## Shared memory with website chat

Both channels feed one [inbox](/sales-agent/conversations/inbox) and share conversation memory. A buyer who chatted on your site last week and texts you today does not start from scratch, and your team sees one continuous history.

Buyers can move themselves from chat to text using the **Text us** pill, which appears when SMS is enabled.

## Compliance

A lead is created once the buyer provides contact details **and** TCPA consent. Consent gating is built in, not something you configure.

The age and safety guardrail also applies here. When a conversation implies a minor may operate the vehicle, the agent sends a legal notice once per conversation. It cannot be turned off.