Home / Update to the Telemarketing Sales Rule

An Update to the Telemarketing Sales Rule

Ventriloquist's Guide to Successful Compliance.

In 2008, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced its amendments to the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) specifically related to pre-recorded solicitation calls that induce the purchase of any good or service. These amendments ONLY apply to solicitation calls. They DO NOT apply to informational calls.

The major amendments are:

- As of December 1, 2008, pre-recorded solicitation calls must provide an automated opt-out mechanism via keypress or voice.

- As of September 1, 2009, telemarketers must obtain an Express Agreement (Permission) from customers in order to make pre-recorded solicitation calls. Having an existing business relationship (EBR) will no longer suffice as sufficient approval for organizations to sell a good or service via pre-recorded calls.

Ventriloquist Voice Solutions has reviewed the new amendments and discussed them at length with the DMA. We have also invited Jerry Cerasale, SVP Government Affairs from the DMA and a member of FTC advisory Committee, to show you how to play by the rules. Click the links below to read our newsletters on the subject and to view Jerry Cerasale's presentation.

If you have any further questions, email or call us at 1-866-446-0860. Our customer service team will be pleased to review your situation and assist you in complying with the new rules.

Newsletters:

1. Newsletter #1 - FTC's Rules Requirements for Pre-recorded Solicitation Calls
2. Newsletter #2 - Ventriloquist's 5-point Plan for Getting Permission

Listen to Jerry Cerasale from the DMA:

1. Full Presentation - Prerecorded Calls. What's Up? (15 minutes)
2. Part 1 - FTC's Rule Revisions for Prerecorded Solicitation Calls
3. Part 2 - What You CAN and CAN'T Do without Permission
4. Part 3 - How to Reduce the Risk of FTC Complaints
5. Part 4 - Why You Should Get Permission
6. Download the presentation slides