What to Ask Before Buying Telemarketing Data
Posted: Wed May 21, 2025 5:52 am
Buying telemarketing data can be a great shortcut to filling your pipeline—but it can also backfire fast if you're not asking the right questions. One bad list can mean hundreds of wasted dials, frustrated reps, compliance risks, and money down the drain.
Whether you're buying your first list or looking to upgrade your provider, here are the essential questions to ask before making a purchase. These can help you avoid junk data, stay compliant, and get the results you're paying for.
1. Where Does the Data Come From?
This is the most important question.
Is it self-reported, publicly available, or scraped?
How recently was it collected or updated?
Does the provider use opt-in methods or third-party aggregators?
If the vendor can’t tell you exactly where the data comes from—or gets cagey when you ask—walk away. Reputable providers are transparent and can explain their sources clearly.
2. Is the Data Verified and How Often Is It Refreshed?
Telemarketing success hinges on accuracy.
Ask: When was the last time this list was validated?
What percentage of contacts are typically reachable/live?
Do they use phone validation, email verification, or human QA?
Fresh data = better connect rates. Old or unverified lists will lead to high bounce rates, call fatigue, and wasted time.
Bonus tip: Ask for a sample to test before committing to a full purchase.
3. Is the Data Compliant with TCPA, GDPR, and Other Laws?
This is non-negotiable. If you're calling U.S. consumers, TCPA rules apply. In the EU (or involving EU citizens), GDPR is the law. Violating these regulations can cost you big—think $500 to $1,500 per call in fines under TCPA.
Ask the provider:
How do you ensure the data is compliant with regional laws?
Is consent or opt-in information included with each record?
Do you provide DNC scrubbed lists or tools for suppression?
If they dodge the question or aren’t sure, that’s your answer: don’t buy.
4. What Data Fields Are Included?
Some lists are just names and numbers. Others come with full contact profiles. Ask:
Does it include name, phone number, email, company, job title, location?
Is there segmentation (industry, company size, etc.)?
Can you filter or request custom targeting?
Pro tip: The more targeted your data is, the more effective your outreach malaysia whatsapp data will be. Avoid generic bulk lists unless you’re doing mass cold calls.
5. What’s the Guarantee or Return Policy?
Reputable vendors will stand behind their data.
Ask: What happens if 30% of the numbers are disconnected or wrong?
Can I get a refund, credit, or replacement?
What’s your typical success rate on calls with this list?
If the answer is “you get what you get,” you might want to keep shopping.
Whether you're buying your first list or looking to upgrade your provider, here are the essential questions to ask before making a purchase. These can help you avoid junk data, stay compliant, and get the results you're paying for.
1. Where Does the Data Come From?
This is the most important question.
Is it self-reported, publicly available, or scraped?
How recently was it collected or updated?
Does the provider use opt-in methods or third-party aggregators?
If the vendor can’t tell you exactly where the data comes from—or gets cagey when you ask—walk away. Reputable providers are transparent and can explain their sources clearly.
2. Is the Data Verified and How Often Is It Refreshed?
Telemarketing success hinges on accuracy.
Ask: When was the last time this list was validated?
What percentage of contacts are typically reachable/live?
Do they use phone validation, email verification, or human QA?
Fresh data = better connect rates. Old or unverified lists will lead to high bounce rates, call fatigue, and wasted time.
Bonus tip: Ask for a sample to test before committing to a full purchase.
3. Is the Data Compliant with TCPA, GDPR, and Other Laws?
This is non-negotiable. If you're calling U.S. consumers, TCPA rules apply. In the EU (or involving EU citizens), GDPR is the law. Violating these regulations can cost you big—think $500 to $1,500 per call in fines under TCPA.
Ask the provider:
How do you ensure the data is compliant with regional laws?
Is consent or opt-in information included with each record?
Do you provide DNC scrubbed lists or tools for suppression?
If they dodge the question or aren’t sure, that’s your answer: don’t buy.
4. What Data Fields Are Included?
Some lists are just names and numbers. Others come with full contact profiles. Ask:
Does it include name, phone number, email, company, job title, location?
Is there segmentation (industry, company size, etc.)?
Can you filter or request custom targeting?
Pro tip: The more targeted your data is, the more effective your outreach malaysia whatsapp data will be. Avoid generic bulk lists unless you’re doing mass cold calls.
5. What’s the Guarantee or Return Policy?
Reputable vendors will stand behind their data.
Ask: What happens if 30% of the numbers are disconnected or wrong?
Can I get a refund, credit, or replacement?
What’s your typical success rate on calls with this list?
If the answer is “you get what you get,” you might want to keep shopping.