DNC List

Companies are using telemarketing companies to generate new customers. Direct mail, email marketing, appointment generation, inbound sales, lead generation, outbound sales and call centers are all ways to attract potential customers.

Before you outsource a telemarketing company, or train your employees in-house, you will want to learn and understand the laws associated and make sure you abide by them. Credible telemarketing companies understand and abide by these laws so it is best to work with an agency that keeps up-to-date with solicitation laws.

Here are some of the current laws small business owners should understand:

National Do Not Call List

The National Do Not Call List and other Do Not Call Lists were put in place by the Federal Trade Commission in 2003. If businesses and consumers have put their number on the list, it is illegal for telemarketers to call. Note that some businesses are exempt from this list. Specific states also have do not call lists so make sure to check in each state you are marketing to.

TSR (Telemarketing Sales Rule) and TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection of 1991)

Telemarketing is primarily governed by these two statutes and the Federal Communications Commission has authority to enforce violations. Some of these guidelines include that telemarketers must disclose call in the beginning, no calls before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m. in recipient's timezone, and records must be maintained by telemarketing company.

Other Laws

Other rules include the Mail and Telephone Order Rule which governs the delivery of products purchased through telemarketing, the Telephone Disclosure and Dispute Resolution Act and the 900 Number Rule.

There are also numerous laws regarding e-mail marketing that your small business should research and review before implementing.