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Credits & Notifications


PlayerPing uses a credit system for sending notifications. This guide explains how credits work, how to purchase them, and how to configure your notification preferences.


Understanding Credits


What Are Credits?


Credits are the currency used for sending certain types of notifications:

  • Email notifications - Free (no credits required)
  • SMS notifications - 1 credit per player
  • WhatsApp notifications - 1 credit per player (coming soon)

Starting Balance


New accounts start with 50 credits to get you started.


Credit Usage


Credits are deducted when you:

  • Send SMS notifications to players
  • Send WhatsApp notifications (when available)
  • Credits are NOT used for email notifications

Viewing Your Credit Balance


In Settings


  • Navigate to Settings from the menu
  • View "Current Balance" in the Credits section
  • Balance updates automatically after purchases

Credit Display


Your balance is shown as:

  • Large Number - Current credit count
  • "Credits" label
  • Updates in real-time after transactions

Purchasing Credits


Available Packages


Three credit packages are available:


  • 671 Credits - $5.00
  • 1,383 Credits - $10.00
  • 2,097 Credits - $15.00

Larger packages offer better value per credit.


How to Purchase


  • Navigate to Settings
  • Click Settings in the menu
  • Scroll to "Purchase Credits" section

  • Select Package
  • Click on the credit package you want
  • Package highlights when selected

  • Complete Purchase
  • You'll be redirected to Stripe Checkout
  • Enter payment information
  • Complete the payment

  • Credits Added
  • After successful payment, credits are added automatically
  • You'll see a success message
  • Balance updates immediately

Payment Processing


  • Payments are processed securely through Stripe
  • Credit cards are accepted
  • Transactions are secure and encrypted
  • Receipts are emailed automatically

After Purchase


  • Credits are added instantly
  • Balance updates automatically
  • You can start using credits immediately
  • Transaction history is maintained

Notification Settings


Accessing Settings


Navigate to Settings from the main menu to configure:

  • SMS notifications
  • Email notifications
  • WhatsApp notifications (coming soon)

SMS Notifications


Enable/Disable:

  • Toggle switch in Settings
  • When enabled: SMS sent when pinging players (costs 1 credit per player)
  • When disabled: No SMS notifications sent

Cost: 1 credit per player per invitation


Best For:

  • Urgent invitations
  • Players who prefer text messages
  • When email might not be checked

Email Notifications


Enable/Disable:

  • Toggle switch in Settings
  • When enabled: Email sent when pinging players (free)
  • When disabled: No email notifications sent

Cost: Free (no credits required)


Best For:

  • Standard invitations
  • Detailed event information
  • Cost-effective communication

WhatsApp Notifications (Coming Soon)


Status: Feature coming soon


Enable/Disable:

  • Toggle switch available but disabled
  • Will be enabled when feature launches

Cost: 1 credit per player per invitation (when available)


Best For:

  • International players
  • Popular messaging platform
  • Rich media support

Managing Notification Preferences


Recommended Settings


For Cost Efficiency:

  • Enable Email (free)
  • Disable SMS (saves credits)
  • Use SMS only when needed

For Maximum Reach:

  • Enable Email (free)
  • Enable SMS (for urgent events)
  • Enable WhatsApp when available

For Budget Management:

  • Enable Email only
  • Purchase credits for special events
  • Use SMS selectively

Changing Settings


  • Open Settings
  • Navigate to Settings page

  • Toggle Preferences
  • Click switches to enable/disable
  • Changes take effect immediately

  • Save Settings
  • Click "Save Settings" button
  • Settings are saved automatically

Credit Costs by Action


Individual Invitations (Pinging)


  • Email: 0 credits (free)
  • SMS: 1 credit per player
  • WhatsApp: 1 credit per player (coming soon)

Example: Pinging 10 players with Email + SMS enabled = 10 credits


Broadcasting


  • Email: 0 credits (free)
  • SMS: Disabled for broadcasts (to reduce costs)
  • WhatsApp: 1 credit per player (when available)

Note: Broadcasts use email and WhatsApp only to keep costs manageable.


Credit Management Tips


Maximize Free Options


  • Use Email - Always free, reliable delivery
  • Reserve SMS - Use for urgent or important events
  • Monitor Balance - Check credits before large invitations

Budget Planning


  • Estimate Usage - Calculate credits needed per month
  • Purchase Wisely - Buy larger packages for better value
  • Track Spending - Monitor credit balance regularly
  • Adjust Settings - Disable paid notifications when not needed

Cost Optimization


  • Email First - Use email as primary notification method
  • Selective SMS - Enable SMS only for important events
  • Bulk Purchases - Buy larger credit packages for savings
  • Monitor Balance - Keep track of remaining credits

Notification Delivery


Email Delivery


  • Sent immediately when invitation is sent
  • Includes event details and RSVP link
  • Clickable links for easy response
  • May take a few minutes to arrive

SMS Delivery


  • Sent immediately when invitation is sent
  • Includes brief event details and RSVP link
  • Shortened URLs for SMS compatibility
  • Usually arrives within seconds

Delivery Status


  • Notifications are sent asynchronously
  • Delivery may take a few moments
  • Check spam folders if email not received
  • SMS delivery depends on carrier

Troubleshooting


Credits Not Updating


  • Refresh the Settings page
  • Check payment was successful
  • Verify Stripe transaction completed
  • Contact support if issue persists

Can't Purchase Credits


  • Check internet connection
  • Verify payment method is valid
  • Ensure Stripe checkout loads properly
  • Try a different browser

Notifications Not Sending


  • Check notification settings are enabled
  • Verify you have credits (for SMS/WhatsApp)
  • Check player contact information is correct
  • Ensure notification preferences are saved

Credits Deducted But No SMS


  • Check SMS notifications are enabled
  • Verify player phone number is correct
  • Check carrier delivery status
  • Contact support if issue persists

Email Not Received


  • Check spam/junk folder
  • Verify email notifications are enabled
  • Confirm player email address is correct
  • Check email server status

Best Practices


Credit Conservation


  • Use Email Primarily - Email is free and reliable
  • Enable SMS Selectively - Only for urgent events
  • Monitor Balance - Check credits regularly
  • Purchase in Advance - Buy credits before running low

Notification Strategy


  • Email for Standard - Use email for regular invitations
  • SMS for Urgent - Use SMS for last-minute events
  • Combine Methods - Use both for maximum reach
  • Track Results - Monitor which methods work best

Budget Management


  • Set Limits - Decide monthly credit budget
  • Track Usage - Monitor credit consumption
  • Optimize Settings - Adjust based on needs
  • Plan Purchases - Buy credits before needed

Related Guides




*Need help with other settings? Check out the Settings guide!*


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