What is It's Elmo Calling!?
It's Elmo Calling! is a service powered by VBlast that allows you to purchase and schedule pre-recorded phone calls from
How does it work?
To send a pre-recorded call from It's Elmo Calling! simply select a call category from the homepage and then click on a call theme. You'll be able to hear a sample and also personalize the call. When you have finished personalizing the call, you'll be taken to a page where you can schedule the time when you would like the call to be made and enter the phone number(s) to receive the call. You can then select another call or go directly to the checkout.
How far ahead can I schedule a call?
You can schedule a call up to one year in advance.
When will I be charged for my call?
You will be charged for all scheduled calls after you complete the checkout process. Please note that once you have completed the checkout process, the call(s) cannot be cancelled.
Can I reschedule a call in advance?
Yes. You can change the call's date, time, and location as often as you like, up to 5 minutes prior to the scheduled call time. See “What happens if the call is missed?” for information about rescheduling a call that has been missed.
Will I receive a reminder that the call is coming?
Yes. After you complete the checkout process, you'll receive a confirmation e-mail that has instructions for setting a reminder and for rescheduling the call, if needed. Be sure to save this confirmation e-mail for future reference.
If I buy a call for someone else's child, how will they know to expect the call?
When you schedule a call for someone else's child, you can enter the e-mail address of the child's parent(s) and they'll receive a notification e-mail. This e-mail will also have instructions for setting their own reminder and for rescheduling the call, if needed. If you choose not to have a notification e-mail sent to the parent(s), please notify them yourself so they don't miss the call.
When the call comes in, how long will the child have to get to the phone?
After answering the phone, you (or another adult) will have 40 seconds to put the child on the line and press "1." If "1" is not pressed before 40 seconds are up, the VBlast system will consider the call rejected, the call will end, and the call will be re-attempted. If this occurs again, the fee will still be incurred.
What happens if the call is missed?
The call fee will still be incurred if the VBlast system can't complete the call.
Listed below are some of the reasons that the VBlast system might not be able to complete your call. If a call cannot be completed, the call will be re-attempted. If this occurs again, the fee will still be incurred, but you will receive an e-mail with instructions for rescheduling the call. However, if you miss the call a second time, a ¢99 fee will be charged to reschedule it again.
How can I be sure all the calls I purchased were successful?
You'll receive a call confirmation e-mail detailing all of the calls made and indicating any that were unsuccessful. You can reschedule unsuccessful calls. See “What happens if the call is missed?” for information about rescheduling a call that has been missed.
Will a real person call my child?
No, all calls are pre-recorded.
How can I contact VBlast Customer Service?
If you have a question not covered above, or if you would like to submit a general comment, give feedback, or report a problem, please send an e-mail using the form on our Help page.