preference service

The Preference Service files provide individuals with the opportunity to register an objection to receiving unsolicited sales and marketing communications.

Failure to observe the choices of consumers is not only a poor commercial decision, but in some cases can lead to a breach of legislation that could ultimately result in heavy fines from the Office of the Information Commissioner. Although companies are not legally obliged to screen business lists against the preference services (other than the CTPS & FPS), it is adviseable as many small businesses have residential telephone numbers and addresses.

myb2bonline.com receives regular updates of the preference service files, enabling companies to satisfy their legal obligations and operate within the best practice guidelines set out by the DMA and ASA.

Telephone Preference Service (TPS)

Companies must screen all lists for cold calling activities against the TPS within the 28 days preceding the call
The file is updated daily and is currently experiencing an average increase of almost 10,000 records per day
Failure to screen against the TPS file can result in fines of up to £5,000 for every TPS registered number that is called
In addition to avoiding fines, TPS screening avoids wasted effort and the potential to annoy consumers with unwanted calls

Corporate TPS

Following Government consultation, companies are now able to opt-out of receiving unsolicited sales and marketing telephone calls
Both switchboard and direct dial numbers can be registered and must be suppressed from cold calling lists
All calling lists must now be screened against the CTPS file within the 28 day period preceding the call
Failure to screen against the CTPS can result in fines of up to £5,000 for every registered telephone number that is called

Fax Preference Service (FPS)

It is unlawful to send Direct Marketing faxes to an individual, sole trader or (except in Scotland) a partnership
Those companies not covered by the above criteria can register with the FPS to have their fax numbers removed from lists for unsolicited fax campaigns
All numbers for fax campaigns must be screened against the FPS register within the 28 day period preceding the campaign
Failure to screen against the FPS not only undermines the corporate image of the sender, but can result in fines of up to £5,000 for every fax sent to an FPS registered number

Mailing Preference Service (MPS)

The MPS provides the opportunity for consumers to register their objection to receiving unsolicited direct mail
Although there is no legal requirement to screen addresses against the MPS, it is a condition of the DMA Code of Practice to which all member companies must adhere
With UK consumers spending over £27 billion every year on goods bought through direct mail, it makes sense to respect the stated preferences of the consumer and avoid sending mail to those who do not wish to receive it