(or, "Lists 101" as we like to refer to these questions!)

As list brokers we are frequently asked questions about various topics. Here is a list of some of the most commonly asked questions. If your question is not addressed, please contact
T. Lynn Associates at: 1-888-4-tlynnassociates.

(Luckily we have a whole lot of patience and will help you to understand the business of direct mail/marketing!)

1. "How do I buy a list"?

Lists are the property of the list owner and you actually rent lists on a 1 (one) time usage basis rather than buying the data (some lists are available for multiple usage) Normally you would submit a copy of your mail piece or telemarketing script for list owner approval, discuss with us the criteria you need us to select the list by, pay the rental charges and the data is shipped to you.

2. "How can I find the lists that identify my audience"?

We will ask you a bunch of questions to describe the target universe of people/businesses that you want to reach and we will supply the lists. We have access to over 40,000 lists through our databases. We then identify the lists that best meet your specifications and present you with our recommendations (also called "list reco's"). Once we determine the lists you are interested in, we run counts based on your specific criteria. We take all those many pieces of papers and give you a customized proposal in writing that outlines EXACTLY what your options are.

List research is done at no cost to you (FREE!).

3. "How much does a list cost"?

The price of the list is set by the list owner, and you are charged based on the quantity of records (Names) that you rent.

4. "What the heck is a List Broker"?

As list brokers we are responsible for conducting all the list research and making list recommendations for the mailer (you or your client). In addition, as list brokers, we perform price negotiation, clear the sample mail piece, track the orders, and in general are the go-between for the mailer and the list owner.

5. "Why use a List Broker"? (Detail, details, and more details!)

As list brokers will do the work that most people hate to do: - research, consultation, price negotiation, tracking of all those annoying little details. The services of the list broker are provided to you at no cost. (As list brokers we are paid our commission by the list owner). So, the better the list broker, the better the lists, and at no added charge for the mailer.

6. "What is a data card"?

A data card is an informational brief that describes in detail a specific list. The data card will reveal the list description, pricing structure, list selectability, delivery etc. Click here for sample

7. "What does the "/M" on the data card mean"?

This is the most commonly used unit of measure for pricing. The /M stands for the cost per every one-thousand records ordered. The mailer is charged a base rate dollar amount for every one-thousand names. Therefore, a list that costs $90/M is the same as 9 cents per name. In addition, there is a per-thousand charge for each selectable item (also called selection charges).

8. "Can I order just a segment of the list"?

Absolutely! Many lists can be segmented by a variety of selects so that you or your mailer can further refine your criteria to identify and target the correct audience. For most lists, if your offer is geared towards a specific geography, age range, business type, etc, you are permitted to select just those records.

9. "What is the difference between a response list and a compiled list"?

Response and Compiled lists are the two main types of lists on the market. A Response list is comprised of individuals or companies who have taken an action.. These people/companies have purchased from a catalog, have subscribed to a magazine, have replied to a space advertisement, or have 'opted-in' to receive an e-mail solicitation.

A Compiled list is made up from such sources as public records, questionnaires and registration forms, telephone directories, business incorporation papers, and realty filings. (Dun and Bradstreet/InfoUSA/Chain Store Guide are a few examples of popular compiled list sources).

10. " Why is the minimum order quantity usually 5,000 records"?

For almost all response lists, the minimum order quantity is 5,000 records. 5,000 is typically the minimum number of records needed to mail in order to determine if the list has actually worked successfully. Compiled lists sometimes have greater flexibility in this respect.

11. "How long does it take to receive a list"?

Once the sample mail piece or telemarketing script is approved, it usually takes three to five business days for lists to be shipped (sometimes faster!) Some list owners require a third-party, bonded ship-to address while others will ship directly to the mailer. In some cases lists can be obtained in less than 24 hours. The more time you give us to get your order done, of course the better.

12. "Once I order and receive a list, are the names mine to keep"?

No. Your list order is placed with the condition that you will only mail or telemarket the records one time (unless arrangements have been made for multiple use). If a prospect responds to your offer, then they become part of your database. If you want to re-solicit the list, we can place a 'reuse' order and you will be entitled to contact the records from your original order again. Normally you would be charged a slightly lower cost for the second usage of the same list.

13. "How would the list owner know if I used the list more than once"?

List owners include 'seed' (also called "dummy" or "decoy") names in each list. Seed names are dummy records that become part of the mailer's campaign. If a seed gets solicited more than once, then the list owner will know that the record was mailed a second time. They will come after us/you (hopefully without a gun) and request payment for any unsolicited usage of their data.

14. "What is my guarantee that the list will be successful for me"?

There is no guarantee (are there really any in life?). We can guarantee that to the best of our abilities and expertise in the list business we will go to great lengths (moving mountains if we have to!) to ensure that you will be mailing to your targeted audience. The responsiveness of the list depends on many variables, such as the effectiveness of your offer and the time of year in which you mail. We offer free consultation on your mail piece/telemarketing script as well.

Find out the ten (10) ways that lists can turn your prospects into clients

Direct Marketing Glossary

CALL NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!

1-888-4-T LYNN ASSOCIATES
1-888-485-9662

Headquarters: 5772 Northpointe Lane, Boynton Beach, Fl. 33437-2018 Phone: 561.742.3955   Fax: 561.742.7311   24 hour voicemail:1.800.937.6952

E-mail: info@TLynnAssociates.com