Do Not Call List!

Real Estate is an industry that requires numerous lead sources to generate business. You need to act on referrals, walk-ins and your presence on social media networks, even past clients can come knocking at your proverbial door - if you’re still in contact with them when they decide to move again. However these aren’t the only methods through which that you can obtain new leads. A common tactic of the modern REALTOR® is to cold call. This mode of communication is non-invasive and time-saving for both you and the recipients. If they don’t have the time or energy to commit to the conversation, they can end the call. On the flip side, for you, if you feel the call is leading nowhere, you too can end the call. By using the phone, you are able to quickly determine the ‘type’ of person you’re working with (potential, hot, cold) and that can go a long way in helping maximize your time spent calling.

Just for the facts… In September 2008 the National Do Not Call List was implemented, and affords every Canadian the right to register their home phone, mobile and fax numbers to a database which is distributed to subscribing telemarketing companies for them to adhere to; by registering one dramatically reduce the number of telemarketing calls they receive. Since this change in law, the way in which telemarketing is handled has too changed dramatically. Because of this, while prospecting you now need to follow a strict set of guidelines. This not only will keep you on the legal side of things, but also ensure the people you are calling are at the very least, not outright objectionable to being solicited by you.

What are some of the regulations that telemarketers MUST follow?

• You cannot contact someone whom has been registered on the National Do Not Call List for more than 31 days; unless given express prior consent.
  
• Telemarketers must display the originating calling number or an alternate number where the call originator can be reached (except where the number display is unavailable for technical reasons).
  
• Sequential dialling is prohibited.
  
• Telemarketers must subscribe to the National Do Not Call List and pay any applicable subscription fees.
  
• Telemarketing calls made on behalf of certain organizations or made for certain purposes as listed below, are exempt from the National Do Not Call List Rules: Calls to those who have given express consent to be called and also to pre-existing business consumers.
  
• Calling hours are restricted to weekdays between 9:00 AM and 9:30 PM and weekends between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM (restrictions on calling hours refer to the time zone of the customer receiving the telephone call).
  
• You are required to put a consumer’s name and telephone number on their own do not call list within 31 days of their request.
  
• A telemarketer calling on behalf of another organization, such as a brokerage, is required to ensure the consumer’s name and number is added to that organization’s or clients own do not call list within 31 days if the request is made.
  
• A consumer’s request not to be called must remain active for 3 years effective within 31 days from the date of the consumer’s do not call request.
  
• Telemarketers caught violating these and other National Do Not Call rules may be subject to penalties of up to $1,500 per infraction for individuals and $15,000 for corporations.

Other important resources for telemarketers:
Key Facts for Regular Telemarketers (http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/info_sht/t1032.htm)
Information for Telemarketers (http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/dncl/brochure_telemarketer.htm)

Authored By: Bryan Coughlin, Client Relations