How to update templates for SMS

In CODKing, SMS template management depends on the regulatory requirements of each country. There are two different approaches based on whether a Sender ID is required or not.

What is a Sender ID?

A Sender ID is a unique, registered identifier used for sending SMS messages. Instead of showing a mobile phone number, the message appears to come from a recognizable brand name, business name, or short code. This helps customers immediately identify the sender and increases brand trust and engagement.

In many countries, a Sender ID must be officially registered and approved by the government or telecom authorities. Only after approval can it be used to send transactional or promotional SMS messages. This system also helps prevent spam and fraudulent messaging.

Countries where NO Sender ID is required:

For some countries, telecom regulations are flexible and do not require a registered Sender ID to send SMS.

In these countries, the process is very simple:

• CODKing can directly update SMS templates from its internal database
• No government approval is required
• No external Sender ID API is required
• All configurations are managed internally by CODKing
• You must be enrolled in the Enterprise Plan.

Countries where Sender ID IS required:

In some countries, SMS regulations are very strict. In these countries:

• It is mandatory to use a registered and government-approved Sender ID
• Messages sent without an approved Sender ID will be blocked or filtered
• You must be enrolled in the Enterprise Plan.

AT (AUSTRIA), BE (BELGIUM) CL (CHILE), DK (DENMARK), FI (FINLAND), DE (GERMANY), GR (GREECE), IL (ISRAEL), JP (JAPAN), MA (MOROCCO), QA (QATAR), ES (SPAIN), TN (TUNISIA), GB (UNITED KINGDOM), AE (UNITED ARAB EMIRATES), LK (SRI LANKA), SA (SAUDI ARABIA)

In these countries, the process is more advanced:

Step 1: Sender ID Registration (Merchant Side)

The merchant must:

• Apply for a Sender ID through a telecom or DLT portal
• Get it approved by the government/telecom authority
• Make sure their business documents are verified

Only after approval can the Sender ID be used for sending messages.

Step 2: Providing Sender ID API Access

Once the Sender ID is approved:

• The SMS provider will give an API (or API key / credentials)
• This API is linked to the approved Sender ID
• The merchant shares this API with CODKing

This API is mandatory for integration.

Step 3: Integration with CODKing Database

After receiving the API:

• We integrate the Sender ID API with the CODKing system
• This is linked to our central database
• The Sender ID is mapped to the respective merchant account

Now CODKing can send messages only through that approved Sender ID.

Template Setup (Two options available)

After integration, template management can work in two ways:

Option A: Merchant-managed (Recommended)

We provide the merchant with a dashboard where they can:

• Create SMS templates
• Edit template messages
• Add dynamic variables like:
  • {customer_name}
  • {order_id}
  • {cod_amount}
  • {store_name}
• Choose which event triggers the message

This gives the merchant full control without depending on CODKing for every change.

Option B: CODKing-managed

If the merchant does not want to manage it on their end:

• They can share the message content with CODKing
• Our team will:
  • Update the template from the backend
  • Attach it to their Sender ID
  • Activate it in the system

To apply for a Sender ID with COD King for India, follow these steps:

1. You must be enrolled in the Enterprise Plan.
2. There is a one-time fee of ₹9,350 (including government fees and taxes) for applying for a Sender ID. COD King will complete the entire process on your behalf.
3. Once the payment and required details are received, we will submit your application through registered agencies to the government.
4. After successful verification, your Sender ID will be approved. This usually takes a few business days.
5. Once activated, you will be able to send SMS messages using your brand name or short code.

Documents required for Sender ID (India)

To apply for a Sender ID in India, a set of business verification documents is required. These documents are used for government approval and sender verification.

https://codking.notion.site/Documents-needed-for-Sender-ID-for-India-1086e71a63f9803ca8faec8cc4ba9c50

What “Country-wise SMS & Sender ID rules” means

When sending SMS internationally (or in multiple countries), SMS regulations vary per country. Some countries allow you to send SMS using an alphanumeric Sender ID (brand name/short code), some require registration/approval of the Sender ID, some only allow numeric sender numbers, and some may block unregistered Sender IDs altogether.

Because of these differences, a global SMS service must adapt: for certain countries you can use default (generic) sender IDs, for others you must register a custom Sender ID, and in some cases — depending on local telecom rules — sending with a brand name may not be possible.

https://msg91.com/help/country-wise-sms-and-sender-id-rules

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at support@notifiktech.com, and we’ll be happy to assist you.