Email retail stores question

[pgaming]

A store has a prize draw once a month throughout the year. The customers are required to fill out their name, telephone number, and email address (email address optional). A year passes the store collects over 20,000 entries 90% include email addresses. The store uses this information and sends out promo emails once a week.

Question is using this method ethical, moral, or legal. I for one have been asked at some retail outlets for my email address but always say no. But others do all the time only to have the store send out their weekly flyer. People seem okay with it.

It leaves me undecided?

greek39

[Renee]

A store has a prize draw once a month throughout the year. The customers are required to fill out their name, telephone number, and email address (email address optional). A year passes the store collects over 20,000 entries 90% include email addresses. The store uses this information and sends out promo emails once a week.

Question is using this method ethical, moral, or legal. I for one have been asked at some retail outlets for my email address but always say no. But others do all the time only to have the store send out their weekly flyer. People seem okay with it.

It leaves me undecided?

greek39

I think in this case if the T&Cs of the competition say that they will be emailed regularly with other offers (which they usually do - I never give my email without reading them at a store) then it's ok because you've agreed to them.

I think it's a little different when it comes to a store too because it's something people know they are interested in.. because it's a real life store where they can go inside etc I reckon that's why people don't have as much a problem when the store emails them. They know they aren't getting scammed, so to speak.

[pgaming]

Part of me is dreading the thought of entering all 20, 000 names and emails lol. Been asked to do this but feel the T&C’s should be clear what the emails may be used for other than a monthly draw. But then again, hate to destroy the list.

I wonder if the first email run I highlighted the opt out feature.

But I agree Renee one would assume it would be okay for several reasons. If a retail cashier asks for my email address I automatically assume I would be receiving promotional email. But this draw box people are only entering for a draw.

So I said to my client the T&C’s must be changed to let customers know exactly their entering.
Dam confusing if you ask me lol.

Thanks Renee for your input maybe I be putting 1000 free at CR just kidding.

[AWH-Gemma]

I would also say it comes to down to Ts & C's, I was asked to fill in something similar recently at the gym although in an attempt to get your details they said 'would you like to fill this is so we can send you a birthday card,' how sweet they are lol

You could give your email add along with address but also next to email address was the option whether to receive any promotional materials

[GFPC]

I always fill those in with the name "Dirk Diggler"

Taken from wiki - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boogie_Nights

"He gives himself the screen name Dirk Diggler, and becomes an instant star because of his extraordinarily large penis, good looks and youthful charisma."

I mean its totally factual!

Note: Sometimes I use Fred Flintstone as well. I have even used Barney Ruble.

I would also say it comes to down to Ts & C's, I was asked to fill in something similar recently at the gym although in an attempt to get your details they said 'would you like to fill this is so we can send you a birthday card,' how sweet they are lol

You could give your email add along with address but also next to email address was the option whether to receive any promotional materials

[Lee-Ann]

I say - over the years of being "spammed" I've learnt to read the fine print

Usually store competitions have a tick box for accepting other information from 3rd parties - if it's relevant and I'm interested I may take this 3rd party offer up - if not - it gets "binned" unopened.

[universal4]

Like others have said, if the terms state they can mail to the recipients then there is no reason to feel bad about the job.

Depending on the spam law there whether you must include an opt-out method.

The CANSPAM Act requires an opt-out method on all mailings as well as the physical address being displayed.

Other than recommending the client makes sure the opt-outs are handled correctly, you should not feel wrong about taking the job.

The client should also be made to understand there will likely be a few spam complaints in the beginning if you are in fact starting with a list where some of the recipients signed up 10 to 12 months in the past as some will forget they signed up. The complaints will taper off almost immediately after a few mailings, if done on a regular basis.

Aol will be the most difficult to stay off their blacklist.

I would even consider a disclaimer that stated where the recipient physically signed up for the list if that is in fact a single location for all recipients.

Be sure to explain to them that the lists they generate inside the store is probably one of the most powerful lists they could ever acquire, and the $$ they pay you to set this up might even be considered more valuable to them then almost any marketing $$ in the next year or more, and certainly the most valuable money they will spend for the holiday shopping time frame.

After the system is in place, only keeping up with it will retain the value of the $$ spent.

Rick
Universal4

[pgaming]

Hey thank you all for your input. I find it really amazing what a knowledgeable bunch we are. We tend to know things on a higher level!!

What we’re doing is running the first 20,000 and changing the T&C’s on the draw box plus an opt-in check box on each entry form. I am providing an opt-out option as well on each mailer. As mentioned there will always be few who will class it as spam at first. The first promo I am hoping it is good enough this does not happen.

And just in and another 5,000 just arrived from another retail outlet. Yes I am scared holding onto this data.

Rick I am swamped and may need your help. Busy all day but if possible throw me a PM with number.

greek39

[universal4]

How is the data coming to you?

Comma seperated, tab delimited?

Don't forget about using excel if you have to. Often you can even paste space delimited data into excel and then export as comma or tab delimted to import it into a db.....

I will drop you a note with my number, but not sure how much I could wrap myself around code this week....

Rick
Universal4

[pgaming]

Please do Rick Houston I have knowledge base problem.

greek39

[universal4]

Sorry Peter, I forgot to do this yesterday but have just taken care of that....

I thought I had given this to you before but be sure to put it in your database of contact information.

Rick
Universal4