Can I Return B2B Data If It’s Inaccurate? Yes – Here’s How

Can I return B2B data if it’s inaccurate? It’s one of the most common questions we hear from UK businesses—especially those burned by poor-quality marketing lists in the past.

You invest in data to drive results. But when emails bounce, phone numbers are wrong, or your campaign falls flat, it’s natural to feel frustrated. Bad data doesn’t just waste your budget—it wastes time, damages your brand, and puts your compliance at risk.

The good news? If your B2B data is inaccurate, you may be entitled to a return, refund, or replacement—if you’re working with the right supplier. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect, what your rights are, and how we handle accuracy issues at Results Driven Marketing.

Because accurate data isn’t a “nice to have”—it’s the foundation of effective sales and marketing.

Why B2B Data Accuracy Matters

When your B2B marketing data is inaccurate, everything downstream suffers.

Whether you’re launching an email campaign, picking up the phone, or sending out direct mail, inaccurate data leads to:

• Wasted time calling numbers that don’t exist

• High bounce rates that damage your email sender reputation

• Returned post that wastes print and postage budgets

• Low conversion rates because you’re not reaching the right people

It’s not just annoying—it’s expensive. And for small to mid-sized UK businesses, the margin for error is tight. You don’t have unlimited time or marketing spend to play with.

That’s why data accuracy isn’t just a technical detail—it’s a core business issue. Every inaccurate record chips away at your campaign performance, sales results, and brand trust.

If you’re investing in data, it should support your goals—not undermine them.

Common Signs Your B2B Data Might Be Inaccurate

You don’t need to be a data analyst to spot dodgy B2B data. In fact, many of our clients realise there’s a problem just days into using their list. Look out for these red flags:

• High email bounce rates: If more than 5% of your emails are bouncing, that’s a warning sign. It can also harm your sender score and future deliverability.

• Disconnected or wrong numbers: Are your team wasting time calling numbers that go nowhere—or worse, reach the wrong people entirely?

• Returned post: If your direct mail campaign comes back with a stack of undeliverables, that’s cash literally coming back in the wrong form.

• Low engagement or spam complaints: Reaching the wrong people often leads to zero interest—or irritation. Neither helps your brand.

If you’re seeing these issues, don’t just accept it. There’s a good chance your data needs to be replaced—or refunded.

Can You Return or Replace B2B Data?

Can I return B2B data if it’s inaccurate? Yes—in many cases, you can. But it depends heavily on the supplier and their terms.

Here’s what to know:

• Not all data suppliers offer returns. Some hide behind the idea that once data is “delivered,” the job is done. That’s not how we operate.

• Replacements are more common than refunds. Inaccurate records are typically swapped out for new, usable ones—often based on a set accuracy benchmark (like 95%).

• UK businesses do have recourse. While consumer laws don’t apply in the same way, B2B transactions still fall under general trading standards. If the product doesn’t match what was promised, you can raise a formal complaint.

• The best suppliers build fairness into their process. At Results Driven Marketing, if any data falls outside of agreed accuracy levels, we simply replace it. No arguing, no delays.

In short: yes, you can return data—but only with a supplier who stands by their quality.

What a Good Returns Policy Looks Like

Not all data suppliers are equal—and neither are their returns policies. Here’s what a fair and transparent policy should include:

⏱️ A clear time window

You should be given a reasonable period (e.g. 14–30 days) to assess and report any accuracy issues with your data.

📊 Defined accuracy benchmarks

A reliable supplier will commit to minimum accuracy standards—commonly 95% for phone and email, and 98% for postal. Anything below this should be eligible for replacement.

📁 Evidence-based process

You may be asked for proof, like bounce reports or flagged records. This protects both sides and keeps things honest—but the process should be quick and simple.

♻️ Straightforward replacement or refund

Once issues are verified, good suppliers act fast—replacing inaccurate records or, in rare cases, refunding part of the fee. No long waits, no legal wrangling.

🤝 Customer-first attitude

Policies are one thing—how they’re handled is another. A good supplier won’t make you fight for fair treatment. They’ll aim to fix, not frustrate.

If your current provider doesn’t offer this kind of policy, it may be time to rethink who you trust with your data.

How We Handle Data Accuracy at Results Driven Marketing

At Results Driven Marketing, we don’t believe in passing the buck when it comes to accuracy. If your data isn’t up to scratch, we sort it—quickly and without hassle.

✅ 40-point quality check

Every list goes through a rigorous process covering CTPS screening, formatting, duplicate checks, and up-to-date contact validation from trusted UK sources.

📈 Guaranteed accuracy levels

We commit to 95%+ accuracy on emails and phone numbers, and 98% on postal records. If we fall short, we replace any affected records—no quibbling.

🔁 Easy replacements

Just let us know what’s wrong, and we’ll send replacements fast. No drawn-out reviews or paperwork. Just a focus on getting you what you paid for.

💬 Real people, ready to help

You’ll deal with a UK-based team that knows data and cares about results. We’re not here to hide behind policies—we’re here to make things right.

When issues come up, we fix them—because your success is our reputation.

How to Avoid Bad Data in Future

Prevention is better than cure—especially when it comes to B2B data. Here’s how to avoid getting stuck with poor-quality lists again:

🎯 Be specific about your targeting

Vague briefs lead to vague data. Define your ideal buyer by industry, size, job title, geography, or other filters. The more focused, the better the outcome.

📅 Ask about update frequency

Good suppliers update their databases regularly—ideally monthly. If the data hasn’t been refreshed in a while, you’re likely getting outdated contacts.

💬 Choose a supplier who asks the right questions

If a supplier doesn’t challenge your brief or clarify your needs, that’s a red flag. Real professionals guide you, not just sell to you.

💸 Don’t be lured by “bargain” pricing

Cheap data is often outdated, scraped, or poorly sourced. And it usually costs more in the long run through wasted campaigns.

🤝 Work with specialists, not generalists

You want a partner who lives and breathes B2B data—not someone who dabbles in it alongside 10 other services.

In short: quality data comes from quality conversations and a supplier who values accuracy as much as you do.

Why Choose Results Driven Marketing

When it comes to B2B data, we don’t just sell lists—we help you reach the right people, first time.

📌 Specialist focus

We’re a dedicated B2B data provider, not a jack-of-all-trades. Our sole focus is helping you generate leads with clean, compliant, and targeted data.

📊 Built-in accuracy

Every record is CTPS checked and goes through a 40-point quality process. We don’t just promise accuracy—we guarantee it.

⚡ Fast turnaround

Need data quickly? We deliver tailored lists within 24 hours, so you can act fast and keep your pipeline moving.

🧠 Real support

You’ll speak to experienced humans, not ticket systems. We ask smart questions, help you target better, and fix problems fast if they arise.

🔁 High repeat rate

Most of our clients come back. Why? Because we’re transparent, responsive, and focused on long-term success—not short-term sales.

With Results Driven Marketing, you’re not just buying data—you’re buying a better chance at results.

Final Thoughts

So, can you return B2B data if it’s inaccurate? Yes—but only if your supplier stands by their quality and values your results.

Too many UK SMEs settle for underperforming data that wastes budget and time. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a partner who offers clear guarantees, quick replacements, and human support when things go wrong.

At Results Driven Marketing, we’ve built our reputation on accuracy, honesty, and speed. If you’ve been stung by bad data before—or simply want to avoid that pain altogether—Contact us.

Because when your data is right, everything else works better.

Looking for high-quality email lists? We’ve got you covered—tailored to your market, campaign, and compliance needs, including GDPR standards.

Results Driven Marketing
Helping UK SMEs go from bad data to more customers and profits
📍 Newcastle | 📞 0191 406 6399 | 🌐 rdmarketing.co.uk