I was asked by a Private Coaching Student about buying email addresses. I am sure that you have come across advertisements that read: “1,000,000 email addresses for $29.99”. As an added bonus, these email collecting and selling companies will even provide the emails on a CD or DVD.
Sure, having 1,000,000 subscribers is the best thing that could ever happen to any Internet Marketer and often sounds too good to be true. But very often, it always sound too good to be true.
What many beginning marketers do not really know is that these bulk companies harvest the email addresses using robots and other wares on the Internet. That is how the 1,000,000 email addresses come about, whatever the amount is.
Now, the really awful part is that if you purchase the so-called 1,000,000 names even at a low price, not only is it a waste of money, you are risking being accused of spamming. It is no longer a surprise how you often receive spam mails on Viagra, OEM Software and things you do not even need in your inbox.
That is so possible, because of the 1,000,000 names, no one knows you or even ask to be subscribed to your mailing list.
On top of that, not all 1,000,000 email addresses are really in use because a portion of them can either be own by the same owners (one owner can own more than 1 email accounts) or are obsolete.
When you read such ads again, tell yourself that it is a waste of money.
And depending on the law of the country you are running your business from, it might also be illegal to send people unwanted marketing-mails via email!
So double trouble might be ahead!
Great point, Helen!
It is so refreshing to see someone say this. I agree that buying email addresses is a complete waste of time and money. Most of these people will simply detest you for spamming them!
Yes, Sam! It is funny to see how many people are still doing it (OK, maybe funny is not the best word to use!) Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks Paul! Yes, we always have to make sure we are spending our marketing dollars wisely…Hughie 🙂
I have often wondered about this Paul! Thanks for setting me straight! Good info to have…
From long experience, I concur with your conclusion, Paul, that most email lists are junk. Years ago, there was more integrity in the business, but nowadays, I get emails to email addresses that were taken down years ago… the robots even find coded pages that have been turned off, but are in the background. Go figure!