National Do Not Mail List?

Question

I just recently learned of the existence of this list but haven't been able to find out how to determine if a particular address is on it.  I'm guessing that these addresses could be weeded out with companies such as Listsource but this doesn't help much if you're building your own list by driving for dollars.  Does anyone have more information on this?  I've looked here on BP and have googled it but have come up empty.

Barry Pekin · Answer

@Jim S.,

After doing some quick research, I found that the "Do Not Mail" list is managed by the Direct Marketing Association (I was once a member for another business).  Members of the DMA agree not to send mail to people on that list in order to remain in good standing.  That is the limit of their reach.

Now, if you want to honor the "Do Not Mail" list when you're driving for dollars, you certainly can, but there's going to be some effort involved.  I just checked on PropStream, and if I use that to track the properties I find while D4D, it will show (if I dig) who is on the Do Not Mail list.  Other than that, I don't know (without more research) how I would filter out people on that list.  If I'm mailing myself, there's certainly going to be some effort.  If you're using a service (Deal Machine, Post Card Mania, Click 2 Mail, etc.) you should ask if they filter based on that list.

The bottom line is that you won't get into trouble if you mail to someone on that list - unless you're a member of the DMA.

Jim S. · Answer

@Barry Pekin Good information! I guess what it really boils down to is not getting in trouble unless you’re a member of the DMA (which I am not).  Thanks for your help.