setting up a customer database

snaps

Im looking to set up a customer database, with the aim to be able to use it for mailshots, perhaps texting etc.

What software would i need and how would i go about it all?

ten10twenty

MS Access should do it - it'll allow you to export phone addresses etc into Word for mail shots

johnsmith13

snaps wrote: »

Im looking to set up a customer database, with the aim to be able to use it for mailshots, perhaps texting etc.

What software would i need and how would i go about it all?

Before just setting up a customer database with the intention of texting and mailshots you need to check the legal issues behind your idea.

Any text messages been sent to the customer base need to have a reply option where the person can opt out! Also how you obtain the information will be another issue.

With all that said I am a developer with some experience in this area from loyalty software so if you wish to PM me about the project I am be able to build you something that can cover most issues

dbran

Hi

I believe the data protection act only allows you to keep a customer's name if

1) You have done business with them in the last 12 months or
2) They have specifically asked to be included on your mailing list because they are interested in the products or services that you sell.

As mentioned previously, you need to have an unsubscribe facility so people can opt out.

Personally I cannot stand receiving unsolicited spam from people who I have never met or have only just met once. There is a real danger of hurting your company's image if you are not careful here.

Kind regards


dbran

snaps

Thanks guys

Abelloid

Mailchimp is pretty good for mailshots, free up to 5000 per month too (please don't send texts, I really dread that becoming a widely used marketing tool...), the hard part is building the list as your customers need to opt in.