FAQ
frequently asked questions FAQ
Q - Do Intelligent Data Services own their database, or do they broker the information in from another company?
A - Intelligent Data Services own all the intellectual rights to their complete B2B file, which currently stands at approximately 2.46 million records.
Some companies who claim to be data owners may have bought a database as an outright purchase - typically around 100,000 records (for example, the Top 100,000 companies by turnover) but need to broker in information from other companies when required. We own EVERY record on our database, from Mrs Miggin's Pie Shop all the way through to the massive, international companies.
Q - Why is it important to use a data owner, rather than a broker?
A - Data Owners are responsible for updating their information on a regular basis if they are regulated by the DMA. If you go to a data broker, there is no guarantee where they are buying the data from. You therefore have no guarantee of the accuracy of the database, when it was last checked, and whether or not you will get any compensation should the database be out of date.
Q - How often do Intelligent Data Services update their database? What methods are used to do this?
A - We actually cleanse the database in a number of different ways, over and above those recommended by the DMA:
- Call Centre verification and updating of around 6000 companies per week
- Live feeds from Companies House, BT, Royal Mail, Department of Trade and Industry and the London & Edinburgh Gazette alert us of any changes that are due to take place, this is reverified by call centre before the information is updated
- CTPS / FPS checks are updated weekly to ensure that companies are happy to be contacted by this method. Although companies have 28 days 'grace' to call such companies we do appreciate that this often causes embarrassment. CTPS registered records can either be flagged for you, or deleted altogether from your database.
- Updates by sales staff while calling - this is invaluable in researching - in particular - middle management contacts who are then opted-in (if they wish) by the call centre.
- Every 28 days the entire file is audited by an external data bureau, where it is checked against at least five of the UK's leading databases. We are currently the only data owner who send their entire file for independent audit every month.
Q - What accuracy guarantees do you offer? How do you get these guarantees?
A - We offer a 97% accuracy guarantee on mailing data, and 95% on telephone numbers. This is verified by ABC audit whereby a mailer and telemarketing campaign is undertaken to a random 100,000 records from all industry sectors each quarter. With email, we guarantee a 85% deliverability rate providing that the campaign is sent out using a recognised bulk email software package. Further information on this is below.
Q - What compensation do you offer for inaccuracies?
A – Mailing and Telemarketing - We are very pleased to offer you a two-for-one replacement on any inaccuracies on mailing and telephone data, even if they fall within the 3% or 5% margin above. Even if you only get one inaccuracy out of a database of 10,000 records we will still replace this for you with no quibbles whatsoever. All we ask is that you send us back those inaccuracies within the first three months of you taking the data, so we can investigate how the inaccuracy occurred.
Email Data - We guarantee a 85% deliverability rate providing that the campaign is sent out using a recognised bulk email software package. Attempting to send out a bulk campaign via Outlook and other standard server / desktop email packages is certainly not recommended by Intelligent Data Services, and we are unable to replace any data if an email is sent out using this method. We will replace any HARD BOUNCES over 15% on receipt of the delivery report provided with your email software, which will be able to ascertain whether an email address has been rejected due to an incorrect name or domain. We will not replace emails, for example, where the mailbox is full, or your company or ISP has been blacklisted by the recipient company.
Q - How is the data supplied?
A - We send the data as a CSV file, which is easily imported into all databases, regardless of your operating system. Should you wish to undertake a mailout, we can also provide you with a Word document set out to suit your choice of Avery labels. Data is emailed to you within four working days of receipt of payment.
