What detail is included in a Sparklist invoice?

View a detailed explanation of a sample invoice.

What is overage?

Your plan may include a set number of message units. Message units in excess of those included in your plan are considered overage, and are charged at your plan's cost per thousand messages (CPM). In some cases, your plan may include a set amount of bandwidth; for those plans, bandwidth usage in excess of the plan is charged as overage.

How is overage calculated?

A message unit is a message up to 10kb (10,240 bytes) in size. Messages above 10kb use proportionately more message units. For example, a message that is 31,230 bytes would be 3.05 message units (31,230 divided by 10,240, rounded). If you sent a message of this size to a list of 100 people, you would be using 305 message units altogether. Note that smaller messages (under 10kb) are still charged as one message unit.

If your plan includes 50,000 message units, and you send 62,000 message units, you have an overage of 12,000 message units. If your plan's cost per thousand (CPM) is $1.00, you would owe $12.00 in overage. For example:

• Number of message units sent: 62,000
• Number of message units included: 50,000
• Number of message units in excess of your plan (overage): 12,000
• CPM (cost per thousand): $1.00
• Amount owed for overage: $12.00 (12,000 message units divided by 1,000, times the CPM of $1.00).

Note that the cost is rounded to the nearest penny, so most test mailings are free.

How can I calculate costs so I don't get overage?

To get a rough idea of how large your message is, copy and paste the contents into a plain-text file (such as notepad). Save the file, and see how large the file is. In Windows, you can do so by double clicking on 'My Computer' on your desktop, and then opening folders until you find your file.

Your file size will be displayed in kb (kilobytes) in Windows. To determine approximately how many message units this message will be using, divide this number by 10 (a message unit is 10kb). Then, multiply this number times the number of users on your list. For example:

• Message is 12kb, being sent to 500 members
• 12kb/10= 1.2 message units per message
• 1.2 * 500= 600 message units

Note that this is only a rough idea of how large your message will be; your message will be slightly larger with email headers and footers, or if your message is encoded by your email client. Attachments will also greatly increase your message size.

You may avoid overage by keeping your message size low, or by maintaining a smaller list. If you are consistently paying overage, it may be that your lists have outgrown your plan; if so, contact your Account Representative for more information about the right plan for you based on your usage.

How will I receive Sparklist invoices?

Sparklist sends invoices by email to your main administrator account. Each email invoice includes a url that goes to a printable invoice. Please note that we do not send invoices by postal mail.

How often is my account billed?

Sparklist bills monthly for your previous month's subscription and overage. Prepayment is no longer necessary. Remember: minimum monthly fees always apply, even if there is no mailing activity during the month. Please also note that set-up fees are non-refundable, and all new and upgrade accounts have a six (6) month minimum term.

Can I pay annually or quarterly?

No. Our accounting system is set up to create monthly invoices. It cannot be changed to bill clients at different times (quarterly or annually, for example, or on a different day of the month).

Which payment forms does Sparklist accept?

Sparklist accepts all major credit cards, wire transfers, checks, and money orders. For packages with monthly fees of $500 or less, we require credit card payment. For packages above $500 per month, we accept purchase orders (North American companies only) and credit cards.

Where is your credit card charge authorization form?

Download our Credit Card Authorization Form, and fax the completed form to our Sparklist Accounting Direct Fax: (510) 844-1598 .

How can I change my credit card information?

Generally, the easiest way to change any information with your account is to contact your Account Representative. You may also submit your changes online (securely).

Whom do I contact if there is a mistake on my invoice?

If you find any billing problem, send an email and our Accounting Department will contact you.

When does my account expire?

Your Sparklist service continues automatically until you specifically discontinue it. It is not necessary for you to renew your account. To make changes to your service, contact your Account Representative.

Will my service be disconnected if I am unable to pay?

If your account becomes past due for more than 60 days, one of our Collections Specialists will attempt to contact you. If you have not contacted Sparklist prior to this time, you will need to arrange payment to avoid any interruption of service. Sparklist is willing to work with our clients on these matters, however, we also expect you to work with us.

How do I discontinue service?

To discontinue your Sparklist service please contact your Account Representative and fill out the Discontinue Service Form.

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