Do Not Call compliance asks a lot of businesses. You have to keep track of two and often three independent sets of lists. You must monitor your transactions and communications with consumers carefully. You must be careful not to call outside the allowed times of day, or inadvertently call a cell phone.
With the price for failure in Do Not Call compliance so high-thousands of dollars per call-it's important not to make mistakes. Below is a list of the Do Not Call compliance mistakes that could land you in hot water-and how to prevent them.
Calling someone just a little too late. According to Do Not Call compliance law, you are allowed to call those with whom you have an existing business relationship. Under the Do Not Call compliance law, this includes anyone with whom you have had a financial transaction within the last 18 months. You can also call those who have made an inquiry or filled out an application in regard to your business in the last three months. Of course, according to Do Not Call compliance, if you're a day or two over these limits, you could be liable for violation charges. Do Not Call compliance requires that you be vigilant in monitoring who has had contact with your company-and when.
Not keeping close enough tabs on your telemarketing service. Your company is responsible for the Do Not Call compliance of any telemarketing service making calls on your behalf. If they violate Do Not Call compliance, it's you who could be footing the bill. With those fees so high, you can't afford not to investigate their Do Not Call compliance practices thoroughly.
Forgetting about the state list. You can be exacting about your company's Do Not Call compliance in regard to the federal list-but it won't help you if your state keeps a separate list. State Do Not Call compliance laws vary widely. Some are more strict than federal law, and some are less. Some states use the federal list as their own, some keep their own list, and some have no list. To ensure Do Not Call compliance, you need to know the law in your state.
Not keeping your employees properly trained. Do Not Call compliance requires that companies keep an in-house list of numbers not to call. If a consumer asks to be put on that list-no matter whether they have an existing business relationship or are not on the federal or state list-you are not allowed to call again. Your employees need to be vigilant in following this and all other Do Not Call compliance practices. Make sure you engage them in thorough training and always have a written Do Not Call compliance policy available for them.
Calling a cell phone number. It's illegal to call a residential cell phone number according to Do Not Call compliance law. However, it's getting more and more difficult for companies to tell which are the cell phones and which aren't-especially now that consumers can keep their numbers when switching carriers. But calling cell phones is still a Do Not Call compliance violation-so watch your step.
Do Not Call compliance law can be complex-and look daunting to new businesses. If you have questions about your company's Do Not Call compliance, it's best to speak with an attorney before starting your next telemarketing campaign. An attorney will be able to give your company the most specific advice regarding its Do Not Call compliance.
Also see:
Do Not Call Compliance FAQ
Do Not Call List Services
Do Not Call List Softwares
