If you want to prevent a $20K fine ‘talking’ to your database, then you better read this…
It’s a quiet Tuesday so we get this bright idea to individually call our database in one specific location to let them know ‘we’re working in the area’ and ask if they need us to have a look at any dripping taps etc. The girls are ticking through the calls with one booked job and then another, until….
STOP
We realise we haven’t ‘washed’ our database through the ‘Do Not Call Register’. Don’t want to risk a $20K fine from a measly 60cent call.
Have you heard of it?
The public can access the site www.donotcallregister.gov.au and list their home, personal mobile or fax number to reduce telemarketing calls. Registration is free.
Once your numbers are listed on the register, telemarketers and fax marketers must not contact you. The only groups legally allowed to contact you after you register are charities, research companies, political parties and educational institutions.
You can register yourself too. But what does this mean as a business?
In short, if you want to tele-market or fax broadcast your database you need to action this simple step BEFORE you make any calls. The law clearly states that you are only allowed to call a customer about work while you are currently working for them. Once you have completed the job, even if they are a member with your business (and signed documentation to agree to contact), they are no longer considered a customer.
So, if they are a member, why would I get in trouble?
Great question, but the simple fact is, if they have registered on the Do Not Call Register, they could get nasty and complain about you, and we wouldn’t want that! The possibility of a serious fine and an upset customer is really not worth the 60cent call.
Think it won’t happen to you? Think again… there are a number of small businesses listed on the ‘Enforcement Outcomes’ page that received a serious slap on the wrist.
Where to from here?
The simple steps include;
- Work out what you want to do with your database specifically – what is the strategy? (call every member to offer special Spring offer? Fax all the nursing homes in the area)
- because when you ‘wash’ your database it is only available for use for 30 days, then you have to repeat the process
- Cut the database to smaller chunks that are manageable to complete the above strategy
- We cut ours to 1000 at a time. A manageable number to get through within the month.
- Needs to be prepared in a specific format eg. 02 before every Sydney number.
- Go to the ‘Telemarketer Access Portal’ at https://www.donotcall.gov.au/dncrtelem/
Telemarketers and/or fax marketers can use this website to:
- register to create an account to ‘wash’ numbers
- select a subscription
- ‘wash’ contact lists
- check or update account
- make an inquiry
- find relevant information about an industry
- Then get busy using your 30days to contact everyone that was NOT on the list…
For a measly AU$79 you can ‘wash’ a 20,000 database. I think it’s worth the investment… what do you think?
The law is fierce on this one, make sure you comply.
What’s next?
- Join our Kick-Ass Tradies Facebook Group, for access to trade business specific conversations, tips and resources, plus a like-minded community of tradies.
- Book a 15-minute Game Plan Call with Andy, owner of Dr. DRiP plumbing and co-founder of Lifestyle Tradie, to clarify your priorities and get clear action steps.
The Do Not Call Register is managed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) on behalf of the Australian Government.
