[Doug in NC]

I understand that realtors can be key in the selection process for relocation appraisals. We are already on the approved lists of many relo companies, so now it is a matter of having realtors refer us to homeowners, to appraise their homes for relocation.

I was wondering what the legal requirements are for emailing from business to business. As long as I could do this legally, this would be the fastest and cheapest method of getting our name out. I also think I could produce a very professional-looking email piece using an html software. Anybody done something like this or know of commercial email regulations?

I would try to make it as professional as possible, like other major companies are doing on the internet.

[Jeff Horton]

I dont think there are any laws. But if it is unsolicited it is SPAM. Plain and simple.

[TEL2002]

Doug,

There are probably a limited number of neighborhoods where owners will fall into the RELO category. You might try post cards or letters to those specific neighborhoods. 2-3 mailings will probably get you name recognition.

[Anthony Torres]

I believe emailing even business-to-business falls into the CAN-SPAM Act. Basically, you cannot email anyone for commercial purposes unless there is a prior existing business relationship.

I believe the law itself absolutely hurts legitimate online companies trying to establish themselves. For example, marketing your appraisal services to realtors and mortgage companies should be allowed. The reason the Act was passed to begin with was to eliminate individuals receiving information on Viagara, Online Casinos, and porno sites even though the information was not requested.

There is currently talk of establishing a national do not email registry similar to the do not call registry. I myself would love to be able to send emails to companies that I feel would want to receive information on my site. Unfortunately, as the companies did not request it, I would be in violation of the law if I sent out the emails. If you have a website, use an email address affiliated with the site, and send out emails that have not been requested, your web host will be contacted quickly and your site shut down. Even if you didn't send out the email but there is a link to your site included in the email your site can still be shut down.

Unfortunately, the only way to legally conduct email marketing is through double opt-in lists or through newsletters (ezines) They used to be inexpensive but since the Act went into effect, most have increased their prices tremendously. Even the companies with opt-in lists are required to post their companies information with the body of the email.

Here is a link to the Can-Spam Act in case any of you wants more information. http://www.spamlaws.com/federal/108s877oct22.html

Hope this post helps.

[OCApp]

don't know about you, but i hate junk emails...especially from real estate related firms who obtain my name from appraiser or broker lists. just as bad as junk faxes.