Do I Need to Notify Contacts I’ve Bought Their Data

Do I need to notify contacts I’ve bought their data? It’s a common concern for UK SME owners, sales leads, and marketers using purchased B2B data. The worry often is: do I risk complaints, brand damage, or legal issues under GDPR by emailing someone who didn’t explicitly opt in?

The good news: in most cases, you can contact business contacts using purchased data under legitimate interest—but doing so with transparency makes all the difference. Letting recipients know how you got their details can reduce complaints, improve response rates, and protect your reputation.

This guide explains when notification is legally required (it usually isn’t), when it’s practical—or even strategic—and how to craft your first message in a compliant, caring, and results-focused way.

Understanding Legal Context and Regulation

If you’re asking whether you must notify contacts after buying their data, it pays to know how UK regulations apply.

GDPR and Your Legal Basis for Contact

Under the UK’s GDPR, you need a lawful basis to process personal data. For B2B email marketing, legitimate interest is most common. That means you can reach out if you have a clear reason someone could reasonably expect contact.

However, GDPR still requires transparency. That means an initial message should clearly state:

• Who you are

• Why you’re contacting them

• How their details were sourced

• How to opt out

PECR and Electronic Communications

The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) also apply. They allow B2B email outreach without prior consent—provided:

• You contact a UK business or corporate contact (not a personal mobile or sole trader line)

• The message relates to the recipient’s role or business

• You provide a clear opt-out option

So while notification isn’t always mandatory, the first message must cover key transparency points.

When Notification Makes Sense (Even If It’s Not Required)

Just because notification isn’t legally required doesn’t mean it’s not a smart move—especially if you want better results.

Reducing Complaints and Spam Flags

A brief introduction like “You’re receiving this because…” adds welcome transparency. Recipients are far less likely to mark your message as spam if they understand why you contacted them.

Improving Response and Engagement

When you explain how you obtained their details—professionally and right away—it positions you as more credible. That clarity often leads to better open rates, replies, and engagement.

Building a Foundation for Future Outreach

Even if your initial message doesn’t close the deal, it establishes credibility. A respectful first message makes it easier to follow up in future without damaging your sender reputation.

How to Craft a Compliant, Respectful Message

Your first outreach message should be compliant, concise, and courteous—without sounding defensive.

Acknowledge the Source—Without Overexplaining

Try phrases like:

“I’m reaching out as your contact details were listed as a relevant business lead for [industry/topic].”

Or:

“We sourced your details from a reputable UK business data provider as someone likely to benefit from…”

This keeps tone professional and transparent.

Lead with Value

Rather than jumping into a sales pitch, offer something immediately useful—such as an insight, tailored proposal, or industry-specific tip. When you provide value up front, recipients are more likely to engage.

Always Include an Easy Opt-Out

Legally, you must offer a way out—and it also protects your sender reputation.

Example line:

“If you’d prefer not to hear from us, just reply or click here and we’ll remove you immediately.”

Real-World Examples and Best Practices

Here are working examples to guide your outreach tone and structure.

Example 1: B2B Email Outreach

Hi Sarah, I came across your contact as someone in the [sector] space who might find this useful. We help businesses like yours [benefit]. If it’s not relevant, just let me know and I won’t follow up. Otherwise, happy to share more info.
– [Your Name]

Why it works: clear, polite, non-intrusive, value-led, and opt-out included.

Example 2: LinkedIn Follow-Up or InMail

Hi James, reaching out as we work with several [industry] companies on [topic]. Your profile stood out and I’d be happy to connect—if it’s not a fit, no worries at all.

Why it works: conversational, relevant to role and industry, respectful.

Best Practices

• Keep it short—be concise and respectful of recipient time

• Personalize—reference sector or role when possible

• Avoid jargon or overly formal language

• Never hide how you got their details

• Respond quickly to unsubscribe requests

Why Choose Results Driven Marketing

At Results Driven Marketing, we believe responsible data + respectful outreach = better results.

Here’s what makes us different:

• UK-Based, Sector-Specific B2B Data
  Sourced from trusted UK providers, segmented by job role, sector, and size.

• Clear, GDPR-Compliant Data Supply
  Every dataset comes with guidance for ethical outreach and compliance—without compromising effectiveness.

• Outreach Message Coaching
  We advise on how to structure your first contact—what to say, what to avoid, and how to deliver with confidence.

• Flexible, Fast Delivery
  Data formatted for Excel/CSV and ready for email, phone, or LinkedIn use.

• Support You Can Trust
  Questions? We’re real people here to help—get in touch anytime via our Contact Us channel.

Final Thoughts: Be Transparent, Compliant, and Caring

Do I need to notify contacts I’ve bought their data? Not always required—legally. But choosing to introduce your outreach thoughtfully pays dividends.

A transparent first message builds trust, reduces complaints, and positions you better for successful follow-up. If you’re using high-quality, targeted data, a clear introduction helps open doors—not shut them.

Need help planning your outreach? Contact us for practical, no-pressure advice.

Explore our email lists—precisely targeted, campaign-ready, and built for results.

Results Driven Marketing
Helping UK SMEs go from bad data to more customers and profits.
Accurate, GDPR-compliant B2B data for email, telemarketing, and LinkedIn outreach.
📞 0191 406 6399 | Based in Newcastle, serving the UK
Website: rdmarketing.co.uk