What a small business needs to know about the Do Not Call Registry

The Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) gives consumers the choice about whether or not they want to receive telemarketing calls. Consumers who choose to be placed on the National Do Not Call Registry (DNC) cannot be contacted for a campaign to sell goods or services. Here’s what you need to know:

Who does the DNC cover?

The DNC applies to any plan, program or campaign, including telemarketers and third party sellers. However, the DNC does not limit calls from political organizations, charities or telephone surveyors.

But what if I have an established business relationship?

There are exceptions to the rules in place by the DNC. A telemarketer or salesperson may contact a consumer with whom they haven an established relationship. This means that the consumer made a purchase or received a delivery in the last 18 months. Additionally, a company may call a consumer if they made an inquiry in the last three months, even if they’re on the DNC registry.

Where can I find The National Do Not Call Registry?

Check out the list online at www.telemarketing.donotcall.gov.

How does this all work?

So how do telemarketers and sellers know who not to call? Since January 1, 2005, they’ve been required to search the registry and drop names from their call lists every 31 days. The online list is secure and fully automated, making it easy for telemarketers to update their lists each month. If a consumer receives a telemarketing call while on the registry, they can file a complaint with the FTC. Violators could be fined up to $16,000, so this is something to take seriously.

For more information on the FTC’s rules, check out this Q&A or the FTC’s Business Center. It’s important to comply with these rules to both protect consumers and grow your business.