As technology advances, daily lives are becoming more and more convenient as well. Many work tasks are automated, communication across the world has been made possible, and many more. Nowadays, people in the field of business and sales do not need to dial numbers manually in hopes of a receiver to which they can sell their products to. The existence of auto dialer software has made this process so much easier with little to no human assistance at all. However, before investing in a good auto dialer software, there is a need to be informed about auto dialer laws.
It is important to note these laws so as to avoid breaking them or paying a fine. Since telemarketing has built a reputation for itself and it is now commonly assumed and labeled as invasive and assertive. The authorities felt the need to draw some lines and limitations to keep these telemarketing calls in their track and avoid going overboard. It is of a company’s benefit to comply and stay in their lanes.
As different countries view various fields differently, their implemented laws also differ in areas. This is where researching beforehand comes in handy. Researching the region and their auto dialer laws will be of your benefit. Since each region has its own peculiarities, it will help your company adjust accordingly. With a prior grasp of the situation, you can make better informed decisions in planning and budgeting.
While each country has its own unique view and enforcement of its telemarketing laws, every single one of them pretty much tackles and confronts the same concepts and issues.
Important Initialism To Remember When Learning About Auto Dialer Laws
- FTC – Federal Trade Commission
- FCC – Federal Communications Commission
- TSR – Telemarketing Sales Rule
- DNC – Do Not Call
- TCPA – Telephone Consumer Protection Act
Common Auto Dialer Laws in Most Countries/Regions
- Time or schedule during the day. This rule states the importance of time in the business. Your company is refrained from making calls in hours earlier than 8:00 am and later than 9:00 pm. Taking notes of these times is essential. Knowing these time zones can also help you calculate easily. That means if you are calling from another region, you will see whether you can or can’t call people from outside your area.
- Specific identities you cannot call. It is prohibited to call emergency lines such as 911, hospitals, doctors/physicians, fire agencies, and police agencies. These lines are essential lines to the public. Therefore, calling these lines might interrupt more critical emergency calls.
- Try not to abandon any of your calls. A call is considered abandoned once an agent is not connected within two seconds after the “greetings” and “intros.” You may know it as the pause you hear when you get these types of calls. If there’s no one to reach you by then, the call is considered abandoned. As a company, you should avoid leaving your calls. The total of your “allowed” abandoned calls is limited to three percent at most. Anything above that is not allowed.
- DNC. In every region or country, there is a set of Do Not Call lists. There are lines you are restricted to call. Otherwise, your company will get a fine. However, in certain unprecedented times, a company can make mistakes. If they do, the FTC provides exceptions for calls made by accident.
- National registry
A company should employ rules as to prevent calling lines from the National DNC Registry. Companies can do the following:
- Provide your company with written procedures. These procedures should strictly observe the DNC rules.
- Provide proper training to your team about these procedures.
- Provide and keep a record of the numbers included in the DNC list. Update your list every 31 days to keep your team and company posted.
- Institution-specific
Aside from the National DNC registry, consumers (e.g., private institutions) can ask you not to call them. If so, you should add them to your DNC list.
- Disclose your identity. The TSR states that disclosing your identity, describing the purpose of the call, and providing a succinct description of the items the company is trying to sell is a requisite before starting the sales pitch.
- Misleading calls and withholding information are not allowed, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Engaging and stirring up calls meant to deceive customers are subject to corresponding fines. When a customer is paying for your company for your products or services, you must disclose necessary information as per your customer’s request. Essential information includes the details of transactions shall include but is not limited to; total cost, restrictions, and refund policies.
- The process of keeping up with Pre Recorded Messages and their intricacies. If your company plans to incorporate a pre-recorded message in the voicemail or an answering machine, you need to issue a written consent. An “interactive opt-out mechanism” must also be included in your constructed message.
There are also pre-recorded messages allowed and accepted. These messages are informational types of messages. However, it would be best if you made sure not to involve any attempt to make a sale. Not only these types of messages earn an exemption—messages like updates on prior sales transactions and appointment reminder calls. Health care organizations and charity fundraisers are also exempted.
Getting To Know Auto Dialer Laws For Your Company
Having prior knowledge about auto dialer laws helps you conceptualize your plans of business better. Not only this, but you are also helping your company grow and continue on the right path. Research is an integral part of business, especially in marketing. Marketing is a vast field that conducts various researches ranging from their goods and products, services, small to giant businesses plans, and strategies. Prior research is a strategic move that can save your company time and money in the long run. Failure to be informed might result in extra costs because of fines and potential mistakes. It is for your benefit that your company is knowledgeable. This allows for more informed decisions.
