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Sending an email to ask for a contribution

by chrisj
5 replies
I'd like to send an unsolicited email to a couple of businessses in my community asking them if they'd like to contribute something about their business for a community blog. Is there any legal/legitmate way to do this? If I add the unsubscribe verbage at the end of the email, does that make this one-time email legal?

Being that it's a one-time email, it seems strange to ask them if they'd like to unsubscribe, since they aren't being subscribed. I look forward to being enlightened, thanks.
#contribution #email #sending
  • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
    Banned
    Originally Posted by chrisj View Post

    I'd like to send an unsolicited email to a couple of businessses in my community asking them if they'd like to contribute something about their business for a community blog. Is there any legal/legitmate way to do this?
    I'm no lawyer, but I wouldn't think there's anything illegal or illegitimate about it, anyway?

    (I'd also expect a phone call to their owners/managers to be a much better chance than an email, though?).
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  • Profile picture of the author ItWasLuck3
    Originally Posted by chrisj View Post

    I'd like to send an unsolicited email
    I think that sentence alone is enough to say that the legality of the matter isn't there.

    However, I get "cold emails" all the time in my work email, and I don't think twice about it. Despite me asking "how'd you get my email?" I could care less about the legality. If they have a good proposition, I'm willing to listen. Of course, I work in sales so it's tough for people to sell stuff to me.

    Having said all of that, I'd go for it. Just don't spam, and if they don't respond, don't email them again (respect their privacy). Furthermore, be concise. I know I get tons of emails a day, and I don't have time to read the next Harry Potter iteration in every email.

    Cheers.
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  • Profile picture of the author sziszi555
    If you are nice and not pushy in the email and not trying to scam anyone and the email is relevant then no one will get very angry I guess especially if their address is publicly available.
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      If someone has a publicly available business email address, and you send relevant business-related email to that address, you're fine. You don't need any unsubscribe link, as there is nothing to unsubscribe from.

      Some folks seem to have the notion that any unsolicited email of any kind is spam. Those folks are wrong. While it's easy to label anything you don't like as "spam", the term is generally applied to Unsolicited Bulk Commercial Email.

      Sending a one-off query to the representative of a business is not the same thing.

      That said, go back and read the advice ItWasLuck3 gave - get to the point. I'll add, be respectful.
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      • Profile picture of the author Steve B
        When all else fails, why not go to the source and check the law?

        Here is the pdf of the Can-Spam Act of 2003

        Here are the main cautions, as I see them, important to Internet marketers:
        • You must not use false or misleading header information. Any domain names, URLs, email addresses, etc that you send must be accurate and not deceptive.
        • Deceptive subject lines are also red flags. Your marketing should be the "truth" and not be intended to deceive the recipient.
        • The email should include your valid physical address, either a street name/number, P.O. box registered in your name, or the address of one of the private commercial mailboxes that you've rented.
        • You must be truthful about how the recipient can opt-out of any future email communications from you. The law requires a "clear and conspicuous" notice. Your instructions should be plain, easily found, and easily understood - again no deception or attempts to hide the opt-out method on your part.
        • It is your responsibility to ensure that all opt-outs are honored in a timely manner (I believe within 10 business days) and that in-coming opt-outs don't go to your spam folder. You have to continue to ensure opt-outs for at least 30 days after your email goes out.
        • You have to specifically identify commercial emails and solicitations or advertisements as such.
        • No emails can be sent after you have received an "opt-out" from the prospect.
        • You are responsible to oversee what others are mailing for you so even if you hire an email marketing company you still are responsible to comply with the law.
        Many feel that the Can-Spam Act doesn't go far enough to counteract the growing spam deluge . . . and I happen to agree. Some say the "Can-Spam" act means exactly that!

        Some also say absolutely no unsolicited commercial email is allowed, but as others have said, it is possible if you follow the law.

        And, according to the Cornell University Law School, "It is important to understand that, while the usual meaning of "spam" is email sent in bulk to recipients who didn't ask for it, the CAN-SPAM Act (despite its name) only regulates commercial email, whether sent individually or in bulk. The CAN-SPAM Act does not address non-commercial, bulk email." (Emphasis mine)
        Source

        Another source of information on this topic is the US Federal Trade Commission.
        False Claims in Spam

        The very best to you,

        Steve
        Signature

        Steve Browne, online business strategies, tips, guidance, and resources
        SteveBrowneDirect

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