Hikkup's FAQ's
We get asked loads of questions: some related to the Hikkup way of life and others of a more philosophical nature. We’re great at answering life’s big questions, but even better at explaining Hikkup. Below are some of your most frequently asked questions and answers so that you can find out exactly what Hikkup is all about:
General
How can Hikkup help me?
Hikkup lets you say all the things you’ve never been able to say before and to find out what other people really think. By allowing you to text your friends anonymously or ask them to reply anonymously to your questions, Hikkup lets you to be as honest as you like.
Sending an anonymous message:
How do I send a message anonymously?
Just provide us with your friend’s name and mobile number and we’ll send them a teaser letting them know that somebody wants to send them an anonymous message and asking them whether they want to receive it. Once they agree to receive your message, you just type it in, select send and leave the rest to us.
Who can I send messages to?
As long as you know their mobile number, you can send a message to anyone whose opinion you want or to whom you want to tell something. The possibilities are endless!
How do I know if my friend has agreed to receive my anonymous message?
Check the Hikkup site. We’ll tell you as soon as they respond. You can also elect to receive your notification by text.
Can my friend respond to my message?
Yup. In fact, your first message is just the beginning. You can have a whole conversation with your friend via Hikkup with your identity remaining a secret the whole time.
Can I keep chatting with my friends via Hikkup?
That’s the idea. After you’ve sent your first anonymous message, you and your friend can keep texting each other and you’ll stay completely anonymous, allowing you the flexibility to take your time getting your message across. After all, it might take you more than one text to express what you need to say.
Is there a limit on the number of messages I can send my friends via Hikkup?
Nope. You can send as many messages as you like.
Teasers
How does a recipient of a teaser reply to it?
Recipients of a teaser can reply to it as they would to a normal text message. They will be charged at their standard network rate.
Why do I have to send a teaser first?
Receiving an anonymous message might not be the easiest thing for everyone. The teaser gives your friends a chance to decide whether they are ready for the truth and also gives you time to decide on what to say.
Can I send a message without sending a teaser?
You have to send your friend a teaser before you can send them your message. It’s all part of the Hikkup way of life.
What will the teaser say?
We’ll give you a choice of teasers so that you can pick the right one for you.
Can I send a teaser directly from my phone?
Not yet, but our technical geniuses are working on that right now.
Hikkup Ask:
When asking your friends a question:
How does Hikkup keep my friends’ identities anonymous?
Each friend is allocated an anonymous alias – actually, we number them friend 1,2,3, etc. - so, when you receive their answers, you don’t know which friend sent any given message.
What phone number will my friends see on their handset as the sender of my question instead of my details?
We send each message through one of our Hikkup numbers. This is the number they will see on their handset and this is the reason you need to write your name in the first message – so they know it’s from you.
How do my friends reply to a question?
To answer a question they need simply use the reply action on the handset, like a normal text. The reply is then sent back to us and we forward it on to you.
Can I write back to friends who answer my question?
Yes, you can keep corresponding with every friend who responds, but you will not know their identity.
I don’t have time to wait in front of my computer for the answers. What should I do?
You can always ask Hikkup to forward the messages to your mobile phone or receive notification to your email address.
Is there a limit on the number of friends to whom I can send one question?
No, you can send each question to as many friends as you want. In fact, the more friends you ask, the better the feedback. The only thing is, you need to send each question to a minimum of 3 friends.
How do my friends reply to a question?
To answer a question they need simply use the reply action on the handset, like a normal text. The reply is then sent back to us and we forward it on to you.
Can I write back to friends who answer my question?
Yes, you can keep corresponding with every friend who responds, but you will not know their identity.
I don’t have time to wait in front of my computer for the answers. What should I do?
You can always ask Hikkup to forward the messages to your mobile phone or receive notification to your email address.
Can I add more friends during a conversation?
Yes, you can add an unlimited number of friends to any conversation, even once it has begun. Just remember that you must always ask each question to a minimum of 3 friends.
Technical Stuff:
How does this anonymous texting thing work?
Text messages are sent through our site’s server directly to your friends’ mobile phones so they receive them without your phone number, name or any of your other details, allowing you to remain totally anonymous.
Just remember not to write your name or any other identifiable details in the message itself – that would be a dead giveaway.
If I receive my messages on my mobile, can I reply via my mobile?
Yes. If you received your messages on you mobile you can reply using your mobile, but you may be charged your standard network rate for a text IN ADDITION to Hikkup’s charge for the message. You will remain anonymous if you were texting anonymously already.
I’ve received a notification to my email account. Can I reply by email?
No. You should reply via the website or using your mobile.
How can I make sure my friends don’t guess the message is from me?
Hikkup makes sure that your phone number and details don’t show up on the message, but the message itself is up to you. So avoid writing anything that indicates it’s from you, such as your name, any nicknames, your phone number or anything that only you would know.
How much does it cost?
Each 10 messages cost £10.00.. If you’re new to Hikkup, a £3.00 joining fee applies. Messages sent from a mobile phone will also be subject to standard network rates.
Recipients of Hikkup messages will not be charged by us for any replies, but will be subject to their standard network rate.
Is there a limit on the length of my messages?
The length of your messages is up to you. There is no limit on message length, but each message is calculated as 160 characters so if you send a message with 161 characters, it will count as two messages for charging purposes.
How do I keep track of my balance?
Your balance appears near your username and in the page after you’ve sent each Hikkup. Keep an eye on it so you know how many messages you have left.
How do you charge for messages?
Your charges will appear in you phone bill.
What if I receive annoying messages?
We created Hikkup as a fun and useful tool for people who want to have honest conversations. Abuse of the system will not be tolerated. If you have been receiving annoying messages or want to block a user or Hikkup as a whole from contacting you, please email us at info@hikkup.com. Don't forget to include your mobile number.
What’s the meaning of life?*
42.
*Yup, we get that one quite a lot