If you’re planning to launch your first telemarketing campaign to self-promote or generate leads, you must follow something called the telemarketing sales rule. It’s not just a guideline, it’s a legal requirement.
In this guide, you will learn everything about what the role means and what you can and cannot do.
What is the telemarketing sales rule?
The telemarketing sales rule is a law created by the Federal Trade Commission in the US to protect consumers from unwanted calls and dishonest sales strategies.
It defines strict guidelines for telemarketers such as
- What can they and what cannot say?
- When and how can they call customers?
- What records must be maintained? and
- What actions are illegal?
Even if you are not operating in the US, a lot of countries have similar rules.
Telemarketing Sales Rule: Key Rules and Regulations
1. No calling numbers on the national do-not-call list
If a person adds their number to the do-not-call list registry, telemarketers cannot call the number unless they have written permission or an existing business relationship.
2. Calling time restrictions
You can call anywhere between 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM in the recipient’s time zone. Calling earlier or later is a direct violation.
3. Proper identification on each call
Every telemarketer agent needs to clearly say their name, the company name, the purpose of the call, and that it’s a sales call. No lie, no pretending, or just checking in.
4. No misleading information
You cannot lie about prices, offers, or benefits, or use fake urgency. It is very important for you to ensure that you are not hiding terms and conditions, as everything should be clear and honest.
5. No robocalls without permission
Robocalls are banned unless the customer has given some written consent. Even then, the message must include a way to output or the company’s contact information.
6. Record keeping is mandatory
Businesses must keep records for at least 24 months, including call logs, scripts, and promotional materials.
7. Payment rules
If a telemarketing call includes payment collection, the caller needs to clearly explain what the payment is all about. It is very important for you to get complete consent before charging and using secure methods.
8. Allow opt-out immediately
If a customer says don’t call me again you must stop calling immediately and add their number to your internal DNC list. It is very important for you to keep the record for five years.
Why is the telemarketing sales rule so important?
The telemarketing sales rule helped build trust between businesses and customers. Potentials that the customers are not disturbed unnecessarily, information is clear and honest, and also the scams and unethical practices are avoided.
So, following the rule is not just about avoiding panels; it is all about creating a better customer experience.
Who needs to follow the telemarketing rule?
If your company makes outbound sales calls, uses robocalls to promote products and services, or makes calls that lead to upsell or cross-sell products, then you are required to follow the rules.
Even if your calls are outsourced, the outbound call center is responsible for ensuring complete compliance.
What happens if you break the rule?
Violating the telemarketing sales rule can lead to massive fines that are around $50.00 or $120.00 per violation. That means one wrong call to a DNC number can cost you a lot of money, and yes fines apply even if you didn’t know.
That is why working with a professional telemarketing call center like D3mynds is very important. We have trained experts and a fully compiled team with all major telemarketing rules of the USA.
TSR versus Other International Laws
Many countries have their versions of telemarketing sales rules.
| Country | Rule/Agency | Highlights |
| USA | Telemarketing Sales Rule (FTC) | DNC list, disclosures, and payment safety |
| UK | Privacy and Electronic Communications | Consent for calls, opt-out systems |
| India | TRAI Rules (Telecom Regulatory) | DND registry, time restrictions, UCC rules |
| Canada | National DNCL (CRTC) | Strict opt-in rules, heavy fines |
| Australia | Do Not Call Register Act | Must respect DNC list, consent required |
Best Practices for Ethical Telemarketing
Do you want your customers to be happy and sell more? Don’t try to trick the customer, just tell the truth. And actual politeness doesn’t make the call feel human, not robotic.
It is very important for you to use CRM’s call recording and auto dialers, but never overdo it. Furthermore, using the customer’s name and referencing past interactions helps build trust. Don’t push too hard. If someone says not interested, let them go respectfully.
How does D3Mynds help you stay compliant?
Being a top-rated outsource telemarketing agency, we ensure no illegal calls, and we also have time zone dialers to ensure no early morning or late-night calls. Be completely consistent with consent management with a proper record of promotions.
We have call script reviews in place to ensure all the script audits are clear and honest. Whether you are running a B2B telemarketing campaign or a B2C telemarketing campaign, we make sure that all your calls are effective and compiled.
Conclusion
So, telemarketing can be a powerful way to grow your business and generate leads, but only if it’s done right away. The telemarketing sales rule protects both customers and companies. Following it’s not optional, it’s a must.
Working with expert partners like D3Mynds BPO ensures you can focus on growth while we handle the legal side, tech setup, and agent training.