FAQ's – Postal Lists
List Rental Terms and Conditions
- Direct mail and telemarketing script samples must be provided for approval.
- Names are delivered only to a licensed mail house or telemarketing firm. Lists are never released directly to a list renter.
- There is a minimum order of 5,000 names (Minimums are flexible under special consideration).
- Are lists rented or sold to a customer?
- What is a list agreement?
- What is a sample piece?
- How are the lists priced?
- What selection criteria are available?
- What is an SIC code?
- What are the available output formats?
- What is the turn-around time for an order?
- Is prepayment required?
- Are there duplicates in the list?
- How often are the lists updated and are they guaranteed?
- What are the first steps if I am interested in renting a list?
- Are lists rented or sold to a customer?
It is industry standard that mailing lists are rented for one time use only; however, multiple use can be requested. Mailers will be required to sign a list rental agreement. All lists are seeded with decoy names to track the usage.
- What is a list rental agreement?
A list rental agreement serves as a contract between the list renter and the list owner. The list is to be used for the purposes set forth in the sample piece and for one time usage.
- What is a sample piece?
The sample piece is the written copy detailing what the mailer is offering. It is preferred that the actual mailer be provided as a sample. In the case of telemarketing list rentals, a telemarketing script should be provided.
- How are the lists priced?
Lists are normally rented on a per thousand (/M) name basis. There is an additional charge for each list selection.
- What selection criteria are available?
It will depend on the list you are interested in. Standard list selections include: job function, industry, employee size, and buying influence. Please see datacards or inquire for additional selects.
- What is an SIC code?
SIC code stand for Standard Industrial Classification code. This is a code issued by the government for use in classifying a business by type of activity. To access an index of industrial classification codes and their corresponding descriptions please visit: www.osha.gov/oshstats/sicser.html.
- What are the available output formats?
- Diskette
- Email transmission
- CD-ROM
- What is the turn-around time for an order?
From receipt of the confirmed order, prepayment, signed list rental agreement and a copy of sample piece, a list will be delivered within two to three business days.
- Is prepayment required?
Prepayment of amount due is required for all first time orders with Thomas Publishing. Next order will be billed on a net 30 basis.
- Do lists include multiple contacts per company?
Yes, Thomas Publishing lists have multiple contacts per company. If you are interested in one contact per company count it will be considered an additional select and will be charged on a per/M name basis.
- How often are the lists updated and are they guaranteed?
Thomas Publishing lists are updated biweekly to four times a year depending upon the list. The lists are guaranteed to be 90% deliverable if mailed within the year. Telephone numbers are not guaranteed. Non-deliverables in excess of 10% will be refunded at the base rate.
- What are the first steps if I am interested in renting a list?
- Review the datacards for all list offerings
- Refer to the "contact us" form for requests or inquiries.
- A representative will contact you with counts and price quotes.