Ethical considerations if flipping a domain including a mailing list?

[zimzalabim]

Becoming interested in domain/site flipping and have a few "dormant" sites out there that I could live without. They just sit there and get the odd opt-in and that's about it.

If I do sell/flip the site(s) are there any particular considerations around including the opt-in list with the deal?

Should I not include the list or not. Or if I do include it, should I inform the current subscribers what's going on. And if so, do I tell them that their details are going to the new owner or instead do I give them the option of opting in to whatever the new owner will do and then delete the existing list.

Grateful for advice/opinion please. Want to ensure it's dealt with ethically.

Thanks,

Andy.

[Denise Hall]

You should keep the list if you could still sell products to them (if you're still working those niches).

But if not, then take into consideration if you have any disclaimer on your optin forms such as "we will never rent, sell or trade your personal information."

If you do decide to sell the lists with the domains, then definitely let the list members know the site is under new ownership and let them know they can opt out if they want to.

Denise

[R Hagel]

hey Andy,

That's going to depend on what the subscribers agreed to when they joined the list -- e.g., what did/does the terms of service say?

Many TOS I've read usually have the "we won't sell, share, rent your contact info blah blah blah." If you have that sort of TOS, then the list can't be sold along with the site.

You could, however, personally write to your list and encourage them to join the list of the person buying the site.

Cheers,
Becky

[JamesFraze]

I think Denise hit the important part: follow your privacy policy.

Other than that, try to keep the list if possible (if there is enough on it to make it useful)

[zimzalabim]

Thanks guys - wasn't entirely sure though you've all put me right!

ATB,

Andy.

[Gene Pimentel]

Brick & Mortar businesses do this all the time... especially banks. Before you know it, you're now a customer and your funds are held by xyz-bank when you were a member of abc-bank. There is nothing unethical about the practice, BUT there must be full disclosure. If your privacy statement says you will never provide their info to another party, don't even consider selling the name to another entity unless you get each subscriber to agree individually. You could create a new opt-in form where the terms state that their info may be transferred to another entity if the website is sold, then give the current list a great incentive to use that opt-in form. Then you could sell the site and list as one unit.