inmatesales com

November 15, 2025

What is InmateSales

InmateSales is a platform run by Combined Public Communications (CPC) (based in the U.S.) that enables friends and family of incarcerated individuals to pay for and manage services that facilitate communication — phone calls, video visits, texts, etc. (CPCJail)
The website is at inmatesales.com. (inmatesales.com)
There are mobile apps: one simply called “InmateSales” and another called “InmateSales View” for video visitation. (Google Play)

Services Provided

Here are the main offerings:

Fund deposits: You can add money to an inmate's calling or communication account (via the platform) so they can contact you. (CPCJail)
Video visits: For facilities that support it, the app allows scheduling and initiating remote video sessions with an incarcerated person. (App Store)
Text / messaging features: In some facilities there’s a “chirping” service (texting device) or email-style services for inmates. (Better Business Bureau)
Account management: Via the web or app you can set up an account, select facility, choose service, and pay via card. (CPCJail)

How It Works (Step-by-Step)

Here’s a rough breakdown of how one would use InmateSales:

Go to the website or download the app and create an account. (CPCJail)
Select the facility where the incarcerated person is housed (if supported). If the facility is not listed, the service may not be available there. (CPCJail)
Choose the service you want to fund: calls, texts, video visits. Some services may not be available at all facilities. (Google Play)
Make payment using a debit or credit card. Fees will apply. (CPCJail)
For video visits: you may need to register identification, upload photo, and schedule the session. (CPCJail)
After service is funded, the incarcerated person uses their side of the system (phone line, video session, etc) to connect.

Pros – What It Does Well

It provides a centralized platform where families/friends can fund and monitor multiple communication services rather than relying on less-integrated systems.
It offers remote video visitation, which can be especially helpful when in-person visits are difficult or impossible.
The company appears responsive to complaints in some cases (as seen via BBB reviews) which suggests some level of support infrastructure. (Better Business Bureau)
Multiple devices/platforms supported (web, mobile apps).

Cons / Things to Be Aware Of

Fees can be steep. Several user reviews and public complaint records highlight that besides the base service cost (calls or video) there are extra processing or service fees. For example: “$6 fee for $15 towards video minutes”. (App Store)
Service reliability issues. Some users report that calls drop, video visits fail to connect, texts don’t go through or there’s no clear indication of how many “chirps” are left. (Better Business Bureau)
Lack of transparency. Reviews suggest that some charges are hidden or unclear; e.g., bundling of services is criticized for being non-available. (App Store)
Facility dependence. The availability of certain services depends on the specific correctional facility’s infrastructure and policy. Just because InmateSales offers a product doesn’t guarantee it’s supported at every jail/prison.
Blocked numbers / account restrictions. Some complaints mention their phone number being blocked for calls, or accounts not properly credited. (Better Business Bureau)
Regulatory scrutiny: Because this type of service deals with incarcerated individuals and their families, cost and fairness issues can draw legal/regulatory attention.

Costs & Fees – What We Know

App store review: one user says 20 minutes video for “$6 is reasonable. But wait… add an additional $5 fee to it, so now it’s $11 for 20 minutes.” (App Store)
BBB review: “The prices are insanely ridiculously high … It’s a shame it costs so much to see family members that are incarcerated!” (Better Business Bureau)
In the FAQ of the company: “Yes, a processing fee will be applied. Yes, a customer service representative fee is higher.” (CPCJail)

So: base service cost + processing/transaction fees + possibly additional service/access fees. You’ll want to check the breakdown before paying.

Compliance, Transparency & Customer Feedback

According to its BBB profile, InmateSales has received many complaints (~43 in last 3 years) with issues around service, billing, support. (Better Business Bureau)
The business is not BBB accredited. (Better Business Bureau)
The company (CPC) states their mission includes “Keep families and friends connected and provide resources… through innovative solutions” and mentions “Accountability” as a core value. (CPCJail)
Because each facility sets its own policy and hardware, performance and price will vary significantly depending on where the incarcerated person is housed.

Is It Right For You / When to Use It

You might consider using InmateSales when:

The facility your friend or loved one is in is listed as being supported.
You want convenience (online funding, scheduling video visits).
You understand upfront what you’re paying for and are comfortable with the fees.

You should be cautious when:

You are on a tight budget; the fees may significantly raise the cost of communication.
You are in a facility where video/communication services are known to be unreliable.
You don’t have clarity on how the funds you deposit will convert into usable minutes, visits, or texts.

Key Takeaways

InmateSales is a platform to enable communications (phone, video, text) between incarcerated persons and their contacts.
It is operated by CPC (Combined Public Communications) and offers web/app access.
The service has value in enabling access when alternatives may be more limited, especially for remote video visits.
Costs are higher than many expect — base service + processing + fees — and transparency and reliability have been points of user frustration.
Always check facility support, service availability, fees, and terms (refunds, transfers) before funding an account.
If you have issues (failed calls, blocked numbers, undisclosed fees) there are recourse options via customer service and complaint filing, but it can be frustrating.

FAQ

Q: Does InmateSales handle commissary accounts (money for inmate purchases)?
A: Not necessarily. According to their FAQ they do not accept commissary funds for many facilities; commissary funds might be handled through other vendors. (CPCJail)

Q: If I deposit funds and the inmate is released or transferred, do I lose the money?
A: According to the company: you should contact them with your transaction ID for refund or transfer; but refunds are not guaranteed. (CPCJail)

Q: What payment methods are accepted?
A: They publicly state Visa, Mastercard, Discover cards are accepted. (CPCJail)

Q: Are video visits free?
A: No — video visits are a paid service. You must fund the service. The cost varies and there are described processing fees.

Q: What if the call drops or the visit fails?
A: Many user complaints cite poor service. The company responds that poor internet/data connection or being late to a scheduled start can affect full time allocation. (Better Business Bureau)