Address For CAN-SPAM In Your Autoresponder??

by dv8
10 replies
I assume the only way to somewhat hide your identity is to get a PO Box and use that?

I only ask because for some lists I don't care if it is my home address. But for others, I don't want my home address being known. Or, people putting two and two together and finding out what niches I am in or what pen names I use.

So do I just rent a PO Box and use that for the address in my autoresponder? Someone would still be able to put two and two together, but it's not that big of a deal. The odds of someone doing it are slim I suppose. I'd assume they'd have to be on two of my lists to even notice it.

Thanks.
#address #autoresponder #canspam
  • Profile picture of the author globalpro
    Hi,

    I ahve used a PO Box (actually a UPS mail drop box) for several years and it works fine. You have to have something, but I am in a small town and didn't want my home address listed.

    Thanks,

    John
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  • Profile picture of the author designfuschion
    dv8,
    thanks for asking. I've been wondering this myself. also,I think the chances of 1 person being on more than list is very slight. They'd only notice it if they absolutely needed to contact you due to problems or questions in both niches..and if that's the case..well..that's a worry.

    I have a question to add-
    So long as we have a valid address,we don't need a valid phone number?
    I paid for an autoresponder(i won't name the company)-stupid me forgot to renew the po box in time and so the account was suspended after failing to contact me on phone. (becuase the po box was invalid) .
    There is no point in listing my phone becuase we unplug the phone during the day(my mother is a shift worker and sleeps during the day).
    I'm guessing they terminated the account based on the fact i was totally uncontactable (by mail and phone).
    So long as i have a valid po box,they wouldn't need a phone number correct?

    If this is the case i'll go out this week and get a po box.


    I think having a PO Box for online business is a must,to maintain some privacy from a residential address(to appear professional,and in my case boarding with family or others).

    cheers and thanks,
    df
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  • Profile picture of the author DogScout
    Personally, I know and they know that a person cannot work out of a post office box. If someone on my list has a problem with a residential address or a problem that I try to help people with information in more than one subject, then I think someone with that mindset wouldn't be likely to actually buy anything anyway.
    (I could be wrong)
    Most likely that is the type of person that is too much trouble to be marketing to anyway. The kind of person likely to use a sidewiki to trash you no matter what you did.
    But then, I won't put up with a lot of abuse. Once when I was a GSM at a car dealership, I threw a customer out that called one of my salesmen a liar in front of a packed showroom. The funny part was, everyone in the place, even other customers clapped as the guy left. Lol.
    Personal opinion is transparency is always best, but that is just me.
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  • Profile picture of the author globalpro
    I don't include a phone number in the emails. You may need to supply one for the AR service, can't remember.

    Like Dogscout said, make every attempt to be accessible. I do this through a help desk that I keep up with, respond, etc. I also have skype for people that need to follow up and will give out a phone number if really needed. No problems so far.

    Communication is the key.

    Thanks,

    John
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  • Profile picture of the author designfuschion
    thanks for your answers.


    I understand the need for transparency but at the same time I am entitled to privacy.
    The only few times i've put my residential address online is when signing up and paying for a service. I am just not confortable broadcasting my residential address everywhere or my phone number (I'm just boarding here). Possibly this is due to domestic violence between my parents and being in hiding from my father. Even though all that was 10yrs ago,it's second nature to be very private.
    Not to mention godknowswhat crazies might come out the woodworks. I am a very cautious person online.

    Also,it's not about whether someone on the list won't like a po box at the bottom of the emails.

    I think what i'll do is once i get my po box again i'll contact the AR and explain i cant be contacted via phone. OR i get a virtual phone number and connect it to msn or something like that.
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    • Profile picture of the author dv8
      Thanks for the replies.

      I am not looking to "hide" from my list. I just have no interest in people knowing my home address. None of their business as far as I'm concerned.

      They obviously have my email if they need to get ahold of me.
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  • Profile picture of the author jacktackett
    You use your business address. For various reasons you need to separate your personal life from your business. Mainly tax reasons, but here is a perfect example of another reason.

    While it probably won't happen - if you're home address is not zoned for business, then using a personal address could even get you into trouble as well for zoning violations.

    I know everyone wants to minimize expenses starting out, but if you're in this for the long haul you should seriously consider a seperate bank account, a PO box or PBM etc, and a separate phone line (Skype and MagicJack are inexpensive) or just a service that provides voice mail.

    For CAN-SPAM, most service providers will insist on a permanent office address. This typically EXCLUDES USPO PO Boxes. Don't ask me why - not sure - but aWeber and iContact both frown on PO boxes. But a PMB - like from the UPS store, Kinkos, or firms like Postnet, are ok.

    Maybe its because PMB's (Private Mail Boxes) usually have someone there during business hours to accept/sign for mail, packages, summons, etc.

    In NC they can not be used for incorporating (your registered agent's address), but for most other business activities they are fine.

    Please note IANAL nor a CPA etc. Just a business person.

    best,
    --Jack
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    • Profile picture of the author halfpoint
      Getting a PO Box was probably the first thing I did after signing up to Aweber.

      I don't have anything to hide but I definitely didn't feel comfortable with the idea that my home address would be sent out to people I didn't personally know all over the world.

      There are too many twisted people out there to take the chance, in my opinion.
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  • Profile picture of the author designfuschion
    jack,
    Makes sense to separate business from personal. Makes it easier come tax time too.

    I'm thinking of signing up to imnicamail,they offer a 14day free trial.

    Can anyone recommend any voicemail companies?
    Thanks
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