Before you carry out market research to launch any telemarketing campaigns, you need to be confident in the knowledge that the numbers you are going to be calling are happy to be contacted. The simplest way to find this out is to compare your data against the TPS. The last thing you want is to be making unsolicited sales and marketing calls that can get your business in trouble. If you make calls to numbers registered with Telephone Preference Service (TPS) or Corporate Telephone Preference Service (CTPS), you may end up paying hefty fines.
It’s so easy and cost-effective to be TPS checking your data against the TPS, that you don’t have any reason not to. We offer a service that will ensure that this won’t happen. Rather than pay a huge fine of up to £500,000, spend a few quid on TPS checking to be sure that your contacts have not opted out of receiving cold calls.
What Is TPS?
TPS stands for Telephone Preference Service, which is the UK’s only official register. TPS is a completely free service that allows individuals to opt-out of receiving unsolicited sales and marketing calls. A telephone number registered on the TPS is so easy to access for every business.
There is also a register for businesses who also wish to opt-out, called the Corporate Telephone Preference Service (CTPS).
Who Can I Call?
Simply, you can make marketing calls to any telephone number that is not registered on the TPS/CTPS. Even if they are an existing customer of yours.
That’s right, it’s illegal to call any landline or mobile number that is registered on the TPS/CTPS unless they:
- Give their permission to receive your calls
- Your call is regarding a pension scheme; however, you must meet strict criteria
What happens if you’re not sure if they are safe to contact? Well, that’s easy. Don’t call them, if you're not sure if they're on the TPS register. It’s not worth the risk.
What Happens If I’m Reported for Unsolicited Sales and Marketing Calls?
The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) is responsible for enforcing these regulations and taking action against those who are in breach. The ICO can issue fines of up to £500,000 if they determine that this is the appropriate action to take.
You can read all about the recent action the ICO has taken here.
When Should I Screen Against TPS?
If you make unsolicited calls, you are required by law to screen against TPS/CTPS every 28 days. You must check the numbers on your database, every 28 days, even if you have bought data that has already been TPS screened.
Similarly, this also means that if you have recently registered your landline or mobile number on the TPS/CTPS, you should allow 28 days for it to become effective.
TPS Checking with DataSoap
Use our online Telephone Preference Service (TPS) check that makes it really easy to screen the numbers in your database against those on the TPS register.
Not sure how it works? Try our free demo to see the results for yourself.
Learn More about the Telephone Preference Service (TPS)
Still, want to find out more information about the TPS and how it can help you with your sales and marketing calls? Then check out these helpful resources below:
https://www.tpsonline.org.uk/
https://ico.org.uk/
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