[epub] Re: "legitimate email marketers"

["Jeantheau, Mark" <MJeantheau@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Bobby,

Technically, the sort of contact your scenario proposes would be spam.
It is "unsolicited commercial email"---the term the US FTC uses.
However, I do see what you are getting at---that email can be used the
same way a sales call or a snail-mail proposal/offer could be used.

Here are some criteria that might keep your scenario in the "OK"
category:
(1) Your email is clearly on-topic (relevant to my business).
(2) It demonstrates that you have taken the time to investigate my
operation.
(3) The message was uniquely composed for me about a specific
opportunity related to my operation.

If you meet all three of these criteria, I personally would not be
offended to receive an email from you, and I suspect most people would
not label you a spammer for sending it. (Note I said MOST---there will
always be some people who are looking for a fight.)

The messages I consider true spam do not meet all three of my criteria,
and usually fail to meet ANY of the three.

Mark


-----Original Message-----
From: Shelby Trading [mailto:shelbytrading@xxxxxxxxx] 
Sent: Wednesday, August 27, 2003 2:32 PM
To: epub@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [epub] Re: "legitimate email marketers"

Assume you own a company manufacturing BBQ grills.   Your customers
(retail stores) reject any attempts you make to increase prices, but you 
have to do something to cover your ever increasing expenses for things 
such as insurance, taxes, raw materials, etc.  You need to find ways to 
generate more revenue.

I own a company manufacturing vinyl covers for automobiles.  I have
excess capacity in my manufacturing operation.  I find your email
address on your website as a result of a web search.  I don't know you,
have never talked with you, and certainly don't have a prior business
relationship or your prior permission to contact you by email.  I send
you an email inquiry to see if you would be interested in my
manufacturing covers that will fit your BBQ grills.  You can retail them
as an option and increase your profits and
I can better utilize my manufacturing capacity.   It's one of those
"win-win" type arrangements.

In your opinion, is my contacting you by email to inquire about your
level of  interest in my proposal a legitimate use of email or is it
spam?


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