Never used a list?

The following are tips and information if this is your first time using a list;

Your offer:

• Use your first campaign as a test.

• Rent the minimum order for the list being used and send at least two different offers (i.e. You rent 2,000 records and send 1,000 people offer A, and the other 1000 offer B). From here you will gain valuable insight into which offer should be implemented for future campaigns. Also look to use different language, colours, layouts and fonts if you are sending two offers.

• Think about your offer long and hard -  just how strong is it? The offer needs to be attractive for the campaign to work.

• Make sure to include a phone number, fax number, email address and mailing address to make it easy for the recipient to respond.

• Do not inundate the recipient with information. Get to the point and make your offer crystal clear. If they would like more detailed information, provide a link to a website or offer to send further information upon request.

Lists:

• Every list is different and it is the role of the broker to know the relevant details. Always ask your broker if something does not make sense about a list.

• Lists will have a minimum order which in most cases is a set number of records. This figure is usually between 2,000 and 5,000 records. In some cases brokers can negotiate this down by 1,000 records or so depending on how keen a list owner is for an order at that time.

• Ask the broker to supply some sample data from the list being considered. This is often the best way to help visualise exactly what you are getting and may also tell you the selections you have made need to be changed.

• Lists in most cases are emailed as text or excel files. If you require a different format, make this known before ordering.

• Lists are charged on a per 1000 basis. If you order 5,000 records at $300/1000, that equates to $1,500. A setup fee will also be charged and this in most cases is a flat $300.

• A deliverability guarantee is also available with most lists which means you will be refunded at the same cost per 1000 rate for any records that exceed this figure (generally 95%).

The Process:

• Client provides us with their target market.

• We supply all the details relating to the enquiry and recommend the most suitable list.

• Upon receipt of a quote, the client advises they wish to order.

• We send a rental agreement stating the details of the order and conditions of use.

• The client faxes back the signed agreement with a sample of what they are mailing.

• The list owner approves or rejects the mail piece (unless it is something offensive or in competition with the list owner, it is highly unlikely the mail piece will be rejected).

• The data is ordered and emailed to the client or the independent mail-house generally within one to two working days (data can also be supplied on disk).

• The data is then ready to be used for the mail-out.

Privacy Legislation:

• Mailing data: All mailing lists Remington Direct represents comply with the Federal Privacy Legislation. The legislation does not require people to have 'opt-in' to receive offers but does state all offers sent must contain an 'opt out' clause (i.e. Should you no longer wish to receive mail from Company X phone 1234 5678). This is so people can have their names removed from receiving future offers. Once a person makes this request, by law we must facilitate this immediately.

• Email & SMS data: All email and SMS lists Remington Direct represent comply with the Federal Privacy Legislation and the 2004 SPAM act. The law states the person must have 'opt-in' to receive third party offers and that your email or SMS contains an 'opt-out' clause as with mailing data.

• With both of these options you are also required to select people within lists who you believe will see your offer as relevant (i.e. You wouldn't mail QLD people an offer valid only to people in NSW). You are also required to identify your company and provide contact details for the recipient.

• Do Not Call Register: Introduced in mid 2007, the Do Not Call Register gives people the ability to opt-out from receiving telemarketing calls from non-exempt organisations to the Do Not Call Register Act 2006. Any time you place an order and include phone numbers (consumer or business data), the list will need to be washed against the Do Not Call Register prior to the commencement of your telemarketing campaign. Although the DNCR was introduced for phone account holders where the number was primarily for residential use, many businesses have ignored this and signed up. Irrespective of whether a business has registered illegally on the DNCR or not, it is against the law to contact them so even business lists must be washed.