Frequently Asked Questions

How are the lists compiled?

The Consumer Database is comprised of nearly 200 million households, compiled a great number of sources. More than 80 sources each month are used to update and compile names. These include the three major credit bureaus, motor vehicle, voter registrations, warranty and registration data, census data, phone directories, and many more. This multi-sourced method increases and enhances the overall quantity, quality and accuracy of the names. The Business Database is comprised of over 18 million businesses and is continuously updated and enhanced. A few major sources include financial and company publications, annual business reports, The Yellow Pages, Business White Pages, government directories and reports, and many more. Specialty Lists are individually compiled from a specific subscriber list, catalog buyer, or direct reported source. Telephone numbers are usually not available on very specific lists.

Are tax returns used to source income information?

No. Only public records are available. Income information is primarily self-reported through credit bureaus, surveys, warranty registry information, mortgage data, census information, as well as many other self-reported sources and modeled statistics.

Are your lists checked against the National Do Not Call registry?

All residential lists are scrubbed against this list every month. Regulations now state that once a telephone is added to this registry, it does not "expire", and remains until the owner removes it. For more information, refer to the link under our ‘Resources’ tab. (Can also insert the link right here)

How often are the lists updated?

Several times each month new data is added and old names are removed. It is a perpetual process. Then once a month, all data is “scrubbed” against the National Do Not Call registry.

Are your lists CASS Certified?

Yes. All of our mailing lists are CASS Certified and DPV Processed.

How accurate is your data? How often do you scrub/clean it?

We update our data monthly, and our data is run through DPV (Delivery Point Validation) every month. We also perform NCOA Link processing on our consumer and business files on a quarterly basis. Accuracy averages 95% to 97%.

Do you replace or refund for bad or unusable names? What about duplication of my current customers or prospects?

No. We set our prices to accommodate a small error rate averaging 5 to 10%, while keeping the lists as clean and accurate as possible. This no-replace policy has allowed us to keep our overall prices down.

How often will my list be re-sold?

There is no true exclusivity to any list seller’s names. Names that we offer will also be on a myriad of other databases across the country, as there are many compilation methods. So while our company policy states a 30 Day Protection, it only pertains allowing us to monitor what we sell at Affinity Marketing.

How are your lists sorted?

The most popular request is by zip code, then street sequence. This is the actual Walk Sequence of the postal carrier, thus the Carrier Route sort, then zip+4, then house number. It is ideal for door-knocking and face-to face marketing. Also, since the list is (unless requested otherwise) in an Excel® spreadsheet, it can be sorted by any of the column headings: Surname, Age, Income, etc. There are no restrictions on changing the content once you receive it.

What about these companies who claim to have a list of people who have responded to a survey indicating they are unhappy with their current broker, have $400K+ in their 401K, and are wanting to be contacted by a new broker?

There are no such surveys being conducted by mail or telephone. If it sounds to good to be true, it usually is.

What formats can I get my list in?

The most popular format is the Excel® spreadsheet. This is ASCII Format, comma-delimited and can be delivered via e-mail or CD. We also offer a telephone manuscript printout, sorted in street sequence, unless otherwise requested. You may have all formats for an additional $25.00 flat charge, regardless of order quantity.

Can I get something more specific than demographic overlays?

Yes. We offer specialty lists of all types. However, the more specific the list, the smaller database it will be derived from, therefor the more expensive, with 5,000+ name minimums. Many times there when utilizing a Specialty List, in order to meet minimum order requirements, it is necessary to expand the geography to include several counties or go state-wide.

Do you have a question not answered here?

Please contact us by email or telephone and we will be happy to answer. Thank you.