[Editor's Note: Email marketing works best when it is to an IN-HOUSE
mailing list, particularly when used as a customer RETENTION tool. Our
business does not rent or sell email lists.]
Mailing lists can be purchased or rented from a variety of sources,
chiefly list owners, list managers and list brokers.
The List Owner is normally the organisation which compiled/generated
and now maintains a list or database from which your selection will
be taken. Many List Owners will deal directly with the end user, although
the vast majority will appoint an exclusive agent known as a List Manager.
Most List Managers will have several list owners in their portfolio,
often with complementary lists.
List Owners and List managers will rarely, if ever, recommend a list
outside of their portfolios.
List Brokers are slightly different & can help with mailing list
selections, etc. Recognised brokers have a commission-sharing agreement
that enables each of them to assess any lists managed by any of the
List Owners/List Managers. Since list brokers earn
their fee by taking a commission from the list owner rather than the
list buyer, you should not pay any more than if you were to source each
list directly.
Since list sales reps usually work on commissions,
they may try to sell you as many names as possible, instead of the best
names for your particular campaign. However, you should remember that
it is list quality, not quantity, that counts.
You should also ensure that any email lists that you rent are DOUBLE
OPT-IN (ie. the recipients have requested AND confirmed their wish to
receive the email). And it would be worth insisting on a warranty (built
into the contract!) that will protect your business should the rented
list fall foul of spam or data protection legislation.
A typical response rate from a rented list is 1%.
Renting email addresses from 3rd parties can provide a quick route
to targeted recipients, but it can become expensive very quickly. You
should also be aware that most reputable list providers will handle
the delivery of your message for you, rather than disclosing the list
to you.
Note: You may also come across email lists for sale. If you don't want
to lose your online business, take our advice and walk away.
Under no circumstances should you ever purchase a CD of millions
of email addresses -- these emails have been harvested and you will
be spamming if you contact anyone on these lists.