Our company has an email list from an event we held last year. The email list was from people who registered online or via faxed form for the event, but we neglected to include an “opt-in” check box for future emails.
Are we allowed to send a one-time email blast out to those people (with opt-out information in the email) for the same event this year without being considered spammers?
Please provide any links to interstate emailing rules that you can cite. Thank you!
December 28th, 2009
No, technically speaking you are not allowed. Usually the option has to be hidden in lengthy “terms & conditions”.
However, most people will be OK with a one-time blast.
December 28th, 2009
I would search for a copy of the CAN-SPAM Act to be sure. I think you can email a list you’ve had previous contact with as long as you provide two ways for them to opt-out (via email and snail mail.) It’s also a good idea to let them know right away that they are receiving the message because they attended your similar event in the past.
I do agree that most people will be cool with a one time blast.