Scrapers for offline, available, illegal or?

28 replies
I'm working on my wso from bob ross about the giant mailers, the "make $5000 a month and be a hero" thread. My problem is I'm kind of far away from civilization and even though cold-walking is the preferred method, I'd like to email.

Searching for email addresses through google is time-consuming so I thought if I could find a simple scraper at an affordable price, that would be the way to go. Now, someone said it is illegal to scrape and just like the "do not call" list where you can be fined up to $11,000 per incident, that would also apply to a scraped email address.

I find that hard to believe and any light on this would be greatly appreciated. Also, If you have info about a simple, affordable scraper, I would be grateful for that as well.

Thanks in advance, Eva
#illegal #offline #scrapers
  • Profile picture of the author TheCG
    This is the first I have heard about scraping email addresses being illegal. There sure are alot of scrapers available for that to be true.

    I am currently using Places Scout to contact business owners. I prefer calling them but it does also scrape their email addresses if that is the way you prefer to go.

    You can check it out at the link below which is not an affiliate link.

    http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-...-business.html

    It is a bit pricy but that thing does so much more than scrape email addresses...it is wicked.
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    • Profile picture of the author Vikuna2009+
      Thank you CG for the link, seems to be able to do a whole bunch off stuff. For my purpose, a bit of an over-kill and as you said, a bit pricey.

      Anyone else?
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  • Profile picture of the author bob ross
    I don't know anything about scrapers although I don't know why they would be illegal. I know you're not supposed to send out spam emails, but I don't know why "scraping" would be illegal.. the information is out there anyways.

    I'm interested to hear any responses as well.
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    • Profile picture of the author Vikuna2009+
      Yeah, I don't get it either, the illegal part that is. I am sure there's this perfect simple scraper out there that would work like a charm for this purpose. Hopefully somebody with the correct knowledge will jump in here and give us the lowdown , Eva
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  • Profile picture of the author kenmichaels
    Originally Posted by Vikuna2009+ View Post

    If you have info about a simple, affordable scraper, I would be grateful for that as well.
    what kind of data are you looking for?

    that will determine which scrapers to look at.
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    • Profile picture of the author Vikuna2009+
      Originally Posted by kenmichaels View Post

      what kind of data are you looking for?

      that will determine which scrapers to look at.
      For this purpose, email only. However there is one that sold here in the wso section for like $17 and it is a google places scraper. Un-fortunately the offer is closed since from what I can understand, they are working on upgrading it. I think it is called the "Localizer" or something like that. Tried to get it but to no avail
      , Eva
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      • Profile picture of the author kenmichaels
        Originally Posted by Vikuna2009+ View Post

        For this purpose, email only. However there is one that sold here in the wso section for like $17 and it is a google places scraper. Un-fortunately the offer is closed since from what I can understand, they are working on upgrading it. I think it is called the "Localizer" or something like that. Tried to get it but to no avail
        , Eva

        i meant more like, data from yellowpages, facebook, google places
        yellow book, manta, ect

        I don't know of any scrapers that just get email addresses.
        and if you did find one, you might find your self in the spam
        category, and you really don't want that.
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        • Profile picture of the author Vikuna2009+
          Originally Posted by kenmichaels View Post

          i meant more like, data from yellowpages, facebook, google places
          yellow book, manta, ect

          I don't know of any scrapers that just get email addresses.
          and if you did find one, you might find your self in the spam
          category, and you really don't want that.
          Oh, I see !

          Since I don't know ANYTHING about scrapers, I'm kind of lost. The "Localizer" scraper that scrapes google places is the one I REALLY want but its not for sale anymore.

          If the "information" scraped is coming from somewhere else, doesn't really matter, a lead is a lead. I hope I've made myself understood a little better
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          • Profile picture of the author kenmichaels
            Originally Posted by Vikuna2009+ View Post

            Oh, I see !

            Since I don't know ANYTHING about scrapers, I'm kind of lost. The "Localizer" scraper that scrapes google places is the one I REALLY want but its not for sale anymore.

            If the "information" scraped is coming from somewhere else, doesn't really matter, a lead is a lead. I hope I've made myself understood a little better
            OK ill try to help you out.

            First your correct a lead is a lead. with that said, a fast hand with copy and paste can get you hundreds of leads per day from any of the major business directories.

            If you want to automate the process. first thing you really want to do
            is decide on what your selling.

            such as. offline stuff, websites, graphics, hosting, seo ect ...

            One you know that , then you have a general idea of what type of scraper you need. .. you can always goto google type in
            ( name of directory service and the word scraper ) and you will get a list
            of scrapers. example: "yellowpages scraper"

            You mentioned google places.

            as far as i know there are 3 google places software.

            One is GPscraper , i think its about 300$
            one is MapI i think that's also about $300
            there is a 3rd one in the main forum that has been givin away for free
            i don't know the name of it. but i'm sure a quick search can find it.
            but its FREE, and i hear its pretty good.
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            • Profile picture of the author Vikuna2009+
              Originally Posted by kenmichaels View Post

              OK ill try to help you out.

              First your correct a lead is a lead. with that said, a fast hand with copy and paste can get you hundreds of leads per day from any of the major business directories.

              If you want to automate the process. first thing you really want to do
              is decide on what your selling.

              such as. offline stuff, websites, graphics, hosting, seo ect ...

              One you know that , then you have a general idea of what type of scraper you need. .. you can always goto google type in
              ( name of directory service and the word scraper ) and you will get a list
              of scrapers. example: "yellowpages scraper"

              You mentioned google places.

              as far as i know there are 3 google places software.

              One is GPscraper , i think its about 300$
              one is MapI i think that's also about $300
              there is a 3rd one in the main forum that has been givin away for free
              i don't know the name of it. but i'm sure a quick search can find it.
              but its FREE, and i hear its pretty good.
              I will try to find the free one, thank you. If anyone can past a link to it, even better, lol.

              Chaddo has a free one but I'm not sure if it gives you the email, will have to find that one. With Chaddo's, you have to find some kind of "code" first and the code you have to buy somewhere else I think.

              I will also try and google your suggestions, Eva
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  • Profile picture of the author sadiecopywriter
    I don't know if it's illegal, I'm actually trying to find that out myself.


    However I do know that the do not call list does not apply to B2B, only B2C.


    I don't know where individuals like realtors or artists, who ARE their business fall.
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  • Profile picture of the author RedShifted
    I just started learning about scrapers myself and got the impression they are legal like others said due to how many are out there.
    They seem like useful tools for CPA but for what you're doing (which is what I started doing a week ago and so far love) I don't think they will be that effective. Emails are too easy for most people to just ignore and I don't like wasting leads like that especially when its local (although in your case being forced to reach out far may change the game a bit). I'd just much rather go in the field. If you have to drive even an hour or 2 it may be worth it to just hang outside your town and have less days/longer hours where you just try to sell as many spots as possible.

    I mean how far are you from any type of decent towns? I am doing better than I expected and overall very thankful for Bob being around. But I am finding warm leads of which there are thousands if you just think outside the box a little bit. I think in terms of email scrapers you don't even need them. PM me if you want to know how I get my leads its been working great. And fairly simple to do too imo. This business has lots of potential (at least where I live) and tbo I am glad the wso is being taken down when it is. I have tons of positive kharma to send Bobs way and like I said I'll be glad to share what I'm doing its just too valuable for me to wanna write about here. Hope you understand & g/luck!
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  • Profile picture of the author RedShifted
    Hey Vikuna I tried to pm you back but for some reason can only PM a select list of users. I thought I'd be able to pm anyone if they pm'd me but apparently not.

    Anyway I lost my message if you send me your email I can just rewrite it there. Same way you can harvest cold leads you can also harvest many warm leads just due to the nature of this service. Within another month or 2 I have about 1000 *warm* leads I can market too just in surrounding towns and counties. Will prob be harder for you to employ where you're at but I still think you can use it to your advantage either way.
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  • Profile picture of the author Matthew Iannotti
    Check out my Power Leads Pro X and stay AWAY from scrapers that do only Google Places.. PLPX can do up to 22 different sources..

    http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-...n-act-now.html

    Software that does google places only means you missing thousands of businesses in a search.

    Ex; One of the products someone suggested above. You can ONLY get 100 results per search term/city ; ie dentists miami

    So if there are 5000 dentists, you are not getting the other 4900 businesses.

    This is why PLPX features Yellowpages, Super Pages, Yahoo Local, Manta, Yellowbook, Yelp, as these plugins get all the businesses as there is no cap of 100 like Google places

    Yes we do also have Google places and maps, but to only use those for leads is simply foolish.
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  • Profile picture of the author KabirC
    Calling a business if they are on the do not call list is not illegal if you are another business. Those rules don't apply for a B2B call.
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    • Profile picture of the author Vikuna2009+
      Matthew, I'm sure your software is top notch but at present time, your price point is out of my league. I'm sure other Warriors though will find it to be exactly the lean mean machine that they are looking for, Eva
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      • Profile picture of the author Matthew Iannotti
        Originally Posted by Vikuna2009+ View Post

        Matthew, I'm sure your software is top notch but at present time, your price point is out of my league. I'm sure other Warriors though will find it to be exactly the lean mean machine that they are looking for, Eva

        Thanks eva, but do not look at it from a price stand point. If you can make 1-2 clients per month and charge them a modest 200 p/m (thats very very low end) that would equal 4800 per year in income from a $197 investment. So you profit a net of 4600 dollars, which means the software didn't cost anything.

        Many times we misconstrue price and costs when in essence we should be saying investment. I could say well to get xyz developed it costs me 50k dollars, or I can say I made 500k dollars from a 50k investment.

        2 very different statements.

        Back in June, I came out with the X version as the original PLP was released in September 2010. When I killed the old activation server and forced everyone to upgrade to the X version, I was VERY surprised to see almost all customers that purchased almost 12 months prior, used it for the daily business. I say that because many times, folks make a purchase and simply let it collect dust and do not put it to use.

        So the question is, can you afford not to get it?
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        • Profile picture of the author Vikuna2009+
          Originally Posted by Matthew Iannotti View Post

          So the question is, can you afford not to get it?
          I am fully aware of what you are saying Matthew and you are def right. However, I am, as I stated, not in a position where I can afford it. I don't know how everyone else handles their purchases but I for one, do not just pull out my credit card and "rack it up" when I feel like it. I have actually opted for NOT having a credit card.

          I've spent a few hours trying to find something but at this point, I am just going to leave it alone. If somebody else comes around eventually and guides me in the right direction as far as a scraper goes, or any other method, fine.

          Yes, I might be foolish but foolish has kept a roof over my head for many years when others just spent without thinking losing their homes etc. just because of it. I guess a scraper is out for now. Cold-walking it is, Eva
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          • Profile picture of the author RRG
            Eva, I'm not going to say that email prospecting absolutely won't work. But think about your own inbox. How much value do place on an unsolicited email from someone you don't know? You might be better off using the phone to set up appointments. Try to set as many as you can for a certain day, then drop in on other businesses in between appointments. Hope that helps.
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            • Profile picture of the author Vikuna2009+
              Originally Posted by RRG View Post

              Eva, I'm not going to say that email prospecting absolutely won't work. But think about your own inbox. How much value do place on an unsolicited email from someone you don't know? You might be better off using the phone to set up appointments. Try to set as many as you can for a certain day, then drop in on other businesses in between appointments. Hope that helps.
              None, I just won't open it and i have only once checked my spam folder. In that one, there were like 262 emails, I just hit delete them all, lol. Even with the lists that I have signed up with, if I get more than 2 a week from that one sender, un-subscribe. No matter how good the reason for first signing up for a list, if they keep pushing other peoples or even third hand, out they go.

              I might be an extreme example myself but I still believe emailing can give you results. Just got a little ticked yesterday of the whole thing. I am not a mega player in the IM field and some things you just have to invest in but I'm ok now with my decision of not worrying too much about a scraper.

              I will pick 10 emails a day manually, that"s 300 in a month. If I get 1-2 customers out of that, fine.

              Have a great day< Eva
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  • Profile picture of the author bryson
    You can use auto pager on firefox then copy paste all the data into an email extractor. Should be able to find a free one online.

    I don't see how scraping would be illegal. If email addresses are posted on a web page, what does it matter how you get it?

    As long as you follow the anti spam rules you should be fine. Which if you are going to randomly start emailing, you better read.
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  • Profile picture of the author sadiecopywriter
    I got this qoute directly from a yellow pages scraper's website:

    "You agree that by using this program, you may be infringing on the relevant Yellow Page's website copyright, just the same as if you copy anything from any web site and use it, regardless of whether for commercial gain or private use and accept full responsibility and consequence from the use of this program."


    I don't know. Does it sound legal? Didn't they used to give the same warnings about VCRs?
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  • Profile picture of the author kymobilemedia
    I have hired someone on odesk to make me a script for scraping manta.com

    He is going to make the script with a user interface for $75. I think it will be a good investment since it takes a really long time to do it manually.

    You could do the same for any site you wanted I would assume.

    Thanks
    Jason
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  • Profile picture of the author Eddie Spangler
    Just a comment on you comment
    "I will pick 10 emails a day manually, that"s 300 in a month. If I get 1-2 customers out of that, fine."

    You are going to have to do WAY better than that if you plan to fill spots on the card. Its not that email WONT work its just that you have to send a shipload of unsolicited emails /per response.

    What I would do if I were in your position is to cold call on telephone and then set up the appointment. Then send a confirmation email to them to show you are professional (dont give away too many details, build the anticipation and word it so they are looking forward to meeting you.)
    Then while you are out or in between appts in an area you can do the cold-walking part. You will fill the spots fairly quickly if you make good use of your time.
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    • Profile picture of the author msdobe
      Hi Eva,
      I just wanted to let you know I'm putting a post in the Classified Ad section about getting leads for offline consultants. The cost will be $10 for up to 1,000 leads (which comes out to .01 a lead!). You'll get the business name, address, phone, website and email address.

      I thought the ad would be up today, but it will be tomorrow.
      Jenny
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  • Profile picture of the author webmazter
    All this scraping talking got my scalp itching
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  • Profile picture of the author dblakeslee
    Thanks for asking this question. I was have been looking into scrapers and wondering about pros and cons of each.

    As for as "Do Not Call" (of course I am not giving legal advice) I believe it only applies to residential phone numbers. Businesses cannot opt out of sales calls.

    Oh, I think KabirC already said that.
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  • Profile picture of the author lembone
    lol, Thats news to me, i use to be with leadnetpro and the only problem you could have is with your Hosting company who will get complaints about you Spamming and they will shut you down, but you can always find another one and start all over.
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