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Ethical List Question

by Jacqueline Smith
11 replies
Hi.... I own a brick and mortar business and am now expanding that business online. I have approximately 4000 subscribers to my monthly newsletter. I have always promised not to share anyone's information. That being said, because I am still the only one using that list, is it ethical for me to just add them to my "online" lists? My online business is directly related to my offline buisness so I feel the content would be of value to my current client base.

I have worked very hard to establish a great reputation in my business and don't want to jeopardize that in any way.

I don't see a problem with it but wanted other's opinions before I proceed.

Thanks!
#ethical #list #question
  • Profile picture of the author jasonmorgan
    Shouldn't be a problem. I don't really see the difference since your new online store is an extension of the old brick n' mortar.

    It's even a great excuse to send out a new letter announcing your expansion into cyberland.
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  • Profile picture of the author ArtofBlog
    Jaqs,

    You ask a very good question. Here's my take: You promised not to sell their information or exchange it with any other business entity in any other way, right? If that is the case, you should make sure that the online store remains tightly integrated with your regular operations. It would also be a good idea to offer subscribers some value in exchange, perhaps exclusive (short) how-to's or whatever via e-mail.

    Remember to follow CAN SPAM to the letter! This gives them total control to opt out when they see fit. If you feel that you are on the edge, then make that apparent in an opening letter. BTW, what e-mail system are you using?
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    • Profile picture of the author tyroneshum
      Originally Posted by ArtofBlog View Post

      Jaqs,

      You ask a very good question. Here's my take: You promised not to sell their information or exchange it with any other business entity in any other way, right? If that is the case, you should make sure that the online store remains tightly integrated with your regular operations. It would also be a good idea to offer subscribers some value in exchange, perhaps exclusive (short) how-to's or whatever via e-mail.

      Remember to follow CAN SPAM to the letter! This gives them total control to opt out when they see fit. If you feel that you are on the edge, then make that apparent in an opening letter. BTW, what e-mail system are you using?
      I can agree on this. Since you already told us that your online community is highly connected with your offline network then you'll just have to be certain with all the information you see and make sure everything runs relevantly in place.
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  • Profile picture of the author glynlafferty
    hey Jaqs,

    My idea on it would be to send them out a letter asking them to go to a web page that you have set up with an optin form from your autoresponder there they can decide wither or not they want you to use their email address to contact them.

    I have recently added a guy on facebook and he is pretty well known too but not long after I have started getting emails to my personal account from his autoresponder. I have both unsubscribed from the list and deleted his friendship status from facebook.

    Some people have a nerve
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    • Profile picture of the author Justinfm
      Originally Posted by glynlafferty View Post

      My idea on it would be to send them out a letter asking them to go to a web page that you have set up with an optin form from your autoresponder there they can decide wither or not they want you to use their email address to contact them.
      In my experience, if you make them opt in, you will have a shockingly low number of subscribers. I would suggest that you have a short welcome message explaining how you have created an electronic version of the newsletter (same list we are just delivering it this way) and explaining in the body as well as the bottom of the email how to unsubscribe if they don't want to receive emails.

      If they already gave you their email addresses, I don't see how you will have a lot of blow back from using them. It's not selling them to another person when you use them for your business. That said, you probably will still get some spam complaints as people forget they signed up, or just are fast to hit the button. You could add them in batches to help prevent enough spam complaints in one day, to shut you down. That's probably not necessary but wouldn't hurt.

      If you really want to get them to opt in, and decide not to just add them. You will want to create a promotion with a pretty good prize for the people who opt in. I wouldn't suggest cash, but a night out at a local restaurant, or a weekend trip, or something like that. If you give out a $300 prize and you have an extra 1000 people opt in, that's only .30 each to get them on your list.
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  • Profile picture of the author johan_malmo
    Just ask them if it's ok to use their e-mails. If they say no, they will let you know and you can just remove them from the list.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dave Lianelli
    Why not send your original list an enticing message about your new business. Invite everyone to signup to your new list and give them a freebie for doing so.

    That way you can filter out anyone that's not interested and prevent a lot of (spam) complaints. Follow the law and your own promises to the list!
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  • Profile picture of the author Jacqueline Smith
    Thank you for all the feedback.

    ArtofBlog - I don't currently have an email system. Up until now I've just been sending the monthly newsletter out from my business email account....don't ask....it's not been an easy task!!!!

    I think the idea of sending an email out announcing the new online buisness is the best way to go. I definitely want people to have the chance to opt out. The suggestion for a link to a sign up page is perfect. I'll provide more info about the new business on the sign up page and will, hopefully, then only get those that are interested.

    Once again....Warrior Forum to the resuce!!!! Thanks!
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  • Profile picture of the author ArtofBlog
    Jaqs, I would suggest looking into MailChimp or other similar systems. If your list is small (I think yours is too big) it can be free. Still, it is easy to use and very cost effective in my opinion.
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  • Profile picture of the author MarshallWayne
    I don't see a problem with it either. You're not selling it to anyone else. You're just transferring how you use the list.
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