For telemarketers and direct sales businesses, compliance with regulations isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a legal requirement. One crucial aspect of ensuring those businesses’ compliance can be getting a Subscription Account Number (SAN) from the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Do Not Call website. Let’s learn more about why SANs are especially important for call centers that engage in telemarketing.
What is a Subscription Account Number (SAN)?
A SAN is a unique identifier assigned to organizations that have registered with the National Do Not Call Registry. This registration can be mandatory for businesses that market or sell products or services via telephone and need to scrub against the National DNC Registry.
Your Organization ID and SAN are obtained through the FTC and not through Contact Center Compliance Corp. The ORG ID used to complete the SAN registration is required before utilizing DNCScrub.com to scrub against the Federal and State Do Not Call databases.
Getting a SAN: The Process and Cost
The process of getting a SAN begins with registering your organization through the National Do Not Call Registry website. This registration must be completed through the FTC’s official portal, and it requires providing essential information such as your Organization ID. With your initial registration, you may include up to five (1-5) area codes for no extra charge. If you ordered 5 or fewer area codes, the waiting period is one (1) business day to receive your SAN.
During the first six (6) months of your annual period, additional area codes cost $69 (effective 10/1/2021) per area code. During the second six months, the charge to add each new area code drops to $33. Once you confirm your area code selection you will not be allowed to remove or exchange any area codes. However, you may add new area codes at any time. The cost to be registered for all the area codes in the USA is $19,017 (effective 10/1/2021).
Exempt SAN Status and Compliance
Some organizations may qualify for exempt status, but this is subject to the FTC. For example, a non-profit organization conducting their own calls may be exempt from certain restrictions, but telemarketers calling on behalf of the same charitable organization will not be exempt. Organizations applying for exempt status must undergo a 3-day waiting period for the FTC to process their applications.
There is a 3-day waiting period for exempt Organizations that apply to the National Do Not Call Registry after they have subscribed (and before their Subscription Account Number (SAN) will be issued). The timing of the waiting periods depends on when you created your profile. The waiting period will begin on the next business day after you complete your profile.
You will not necessarily be contacted during or at the end of the waiting period, but if you are contacted and you do not respond, you’ll be blocked from accessing the Registry. Whether you are contacted or not, it is up to you to ensure that you are complying with the rules.
Annual Renewal
SANs expire 12 months after their Subscription Start Date. In order to maintain your compliance, continue doing business and avoid any penalties, a timely renewal is necessary.
Additional Considerations
It’s important to know that businesses that fail to comply with FTC regulations can face hefty penalties, or even legal action.
Without a SAN, for making calls that violate the FTC’s rules relating to the National Do Not Call Registry, you can be fined up to $40,654 per violation. Each call may be considered a separate violation.
Furthermore, as area codes evolve and split to accommodate population growth, you’ll need to subscribe to new area codes as necessary to maintain your business’s compliance.
In summary, getting and maintaining a Subscription Account Number (SAN) is not just a procedural requirement; it’s an important part of many businesses’ compliant telemarketing practices. By prioritizing compliance with regulations and respecting consumers’ preferences, your business can foster trust and integrity in all your interactions. For more detailed information on telemarketing regulations, please visit: FTC Telemarketing Compliance Guidance
This is not legal advice. You should consult a qualified attorney for your compliance needs.
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