This applies specifically to:

  • Outbid notifications

  • Winning bid notifications

Why SMS Is Blocked for These Items

Mobile carriers enforce strict rules around marketing or transactional messages that reference alcohol and controlled substances. These rules are part of 10-Digit Long Code (10DLC) and other carrier-level compliance frameworks designed to:

  • Prevent unauthorized marketing of age-restricted products via SMS.

  • Protect minors and ensure responsible promotion of adult-only products.

  • Mitigate legal risks for messaging providers and their customers.

Because of these regulations, any SMS notification that references an item description containing terms related to alcohol (e.g., “wine,” “beer,” “spirits,” “liquor”) or drugs will be suppressed.

How the Block Is Implemented

  1. Keyword Detection

    • Our system scans each item’s title and description for a predefined list of alcohol—and drug–related keywords.

  2. Notification Suppression

    • Any SMS notification that would normally be sent (outbid or winning bid) is automatically blocked if a match is found.

  3. Email Notifications Remain Unaffected

    • Customers will still receive email notifications about outbids and winning bids for these items.