Question

Topic: Copywriting

Using A Customer's Name?

Posted by ben.mund on 1/25/2016 at 4:43 PM ET 125 Points
We have several high-profile customers. Do we need prior permission to mention that they ARE customers? Not an endorsement, just statement of the fact that they are customers.
To continue reading this question and the solution, sign up ... it's free!
SUBSCRIBE
Or, SIGN IN

RESPONSES

  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 1/25/2016 at 5:22 PM Accepted
    What's the downside to asking first?
  • Posted by ben.mund on 1/25/2016 at 5:48 PM Author
    No downside - but the bureaucracy is such that it's actually unlikely to ever get an answer.
  • Posted by Gary Bloomer on 1/25/2016 at 6:50 PM Accepted
    When in doubt, ask permission. Never assume it's OK. Ask.
  • Posted by mgoodman on 1/25/2016 at 8:55 PM Accepted
    It might be OK, but why risk angering a customer? Better to ask first. Not worth the risk.
  • Posted by ben.mund on 1/26/2016 at 7:01 AM Author
    Thanks, all, for the responses. I agree completely that asking is always the way to go. But now I'm curious - assuming there is no non-disclosure, is there an actual *legal* reason preventing a company from mentioning that another company is a paying customer?
  • Posted by Mike Steffes on 1/26/2016 at 6:50 PM Accepted
    There is better than a legal reason- They may decide to cease playing their role of "paying customer".
  • Posted by Gary Bloomer on 1/26/2016 at 7:46 PM Member
    Many business owners need few reasons to sue. Don't give them any.
  • Posted by telemoxie on 1/28/2016 at 7:21 PM Accepted
    When building prospect lists, I would often look at the websites of my competitors. If they listed their best customers, you can be sure those customers got a call from me. Regarding legal issues, I think it is better to address the question of testimonials and quotes and so forth when you are initially quoting The business. That is the time that their legal and administrative staff is looking at terms and conditions. I think you want to give the impression that getting references and testimonials and case studies from excellent work is a regular and normal and frequent part of your business, rather than something that surprises you and catches you unprepared after the fact.
  • Posted by Shelley Ryan on 3/15/2016 at 8:02 PM Moderator
    Hi Everyone,

    I am closing this question since there hasn't been much recent activity.

    Thanks for participating!

    Shelley
    MarketingProfs
BACK TO TOP

Post a Comment

Related Discussions

Community Info

Top 25 Experts
(Copywriting)