02/11/2013
We all know there are hundreds of data suppliers out there. You are looking at buying data, where do you start? Who do you choose?
Here at Diamond Data Solutions, we have listed some key questions that you should always ask when buying data.
- How often is your data updated?
Data is like fruit and vegetables, it goes off very quickly. Always ensure that the data supplier you are using refreshes the data at least every 30 days, this will ensure that the data you are ringing is fresh and up to date! - Is your data TPS-Screened?
TPS stands for Telephone Preference Service. This is an opt-out register where individuals can request that they do not receive any unsolicited sales and marketing telephone calls. It is a legal requirement that companies do not make any calls to those telephone numbers registered on the TPS. Ring someone on the TPS and you could receive a fine, so definitely a question worth asking! - Are you registered with the Data Protection Act 1998?
If you want to make sure that the list owner you are buying data from is trading data lawfully, this question should always be asked. All list owners in the UK must go through the process of registration with the Information Commissioner’s Office. Your alarm bells should start ringing if the company you are dealing with is not registered with the Data Protection Act 1998. - What volumes have you got available?
Many times, unrealistic data volumes are quoted, for example a million records available for one small postcode in the UK. This is something to be very wary about as it might be a quote from a company who want to make a quick buck and run off with your money. Always make sure that volumes quoted to you are realistic! - How much is your data?
Think about the cost of the data you are buying – is it realistic? If someone wanted to sell you a Ferrari for a £100 you would probably think the car was stolen or doesn’t work properly – same goes with data. When an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
