Frequently Asked Questions

To help you get the most out of our mailing lists we have some extra information to help you put your direct marketing campaign together. 

 What is a single-use list?
This is a list which you are only permitted to use once. If the list contains two or more contact fields, e.g. mailing address and phone number, you are allowed to contact the prospect once by post and once by telephone.

 What is a multi-use list?
The period over which you can use the list varies between suppliers. At Whichlist.com, multi-use refers to a twelve month period within which you can use the data as many times as you wish.

 What if a contact comes back to me?
As soon as a record responds to you they become part of your customer database. This means you are able to contact them as often as you want.

 How can you tell if I have used the list more times than I have paid for?
Every mailing list bought includes bogus records - i.e. the seeds. If a client illegally uses a list more times than they have paid for, or after the expiration date, the seeds will alert the supplier to the offence. 

 What is an SIC code?
The Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code refers to a numerical code that is used to specify which industry a company belongs to. Lists are often selected by SIC code for clarity.

 What are the mps, tps and fps?
These initials stand for the Mail Preference Scheme, the Telephone Preference Scheme and the Fax Preference Scheme. These are suppression files, listing all people who do not wish to receive information via mail, telephone and fax. All data is legally required to be passed through these schemes regularly to ensure the relevant records are removed.

 Why does Whichlist.com not sell lists online?
We believe it is the responsibility of the list supplier to, not simply sell lists but to sell the right lists. All databases are unique and so compiling an effective list requires in-depth knowledge of that data. Selling lists online denies our clients free professional advice and guidance, leaving the chances of buying the wrong list a lot higher.

 Why would I add additional fields?
Whilst some people will respond after your initial contact, research shows that most people are contacted at least twice before they buy. Additional contact fields give you the opportunity to follow up on your initial impact, building on the interest already generated with the objective of progressing towards a sale.