The Business List Audit scheme has been a year in the making and comes in response to calls from the data industry -- including clients, brokers and list owners -- for a standard to ensure quality in business lists, and give accredited companies a competitive advantage over rivals.
The scheme allows companies to apply for accreditation at the . However, companies will have to meet strict criteria to win approval.
Companies that successfully apply for the award will be able to use the Business List Audit kitemark to endorse the quality of their lists. Their accredited status will also be highlighted on the DMA List Manager.
Accredited companies will be monitored by a customer satisfaction survey, which will operate alongside the audit. The survey will set a benchmark that companies must adhere to in order to retain their status.
The scheme is open to non-DMA members as well as DMA members, although members will receive 10% off the cost. The price of award is determined by the number of records a company holds, starting at 拢750.
The scheme is being led by David Robottom, director of postal affairs and industry development at the DMA.
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