DMC

Direct Marketing Commission launched to enforce high standards in the direct marketing industry.

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 23:00:50 +0000

The Direct Marketing Commission, launched on 1st September 2008, is the body which oversees the Direct Marketing Association (DMA)’s Code of Practice. It provides effective protection to recipients, users and practitioners of direct marketing in those areas not already covered by other co/self regulatory bodies, such as the ASA.

What is the difference between the Direct Marketing Commission and the old Direct Marketing Authority?

admin — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:56:47 +0000

Although the Direct Marketing Authority was a self-regulatory body for the industry its scope was considerably more limited than that of the Commission. For example, it did not concern itself with policy issues or providing guidance to the industry on its rulings and its investigative remit extended only to DMA members.

The Direct Marketing Commission is different. It provides effective protection to recipients, users and practitioners of direct marketing in those areas not already covered by other co/self regulatory bodies, such as the ASA. It is structurally independent from the DMA and the Directorate pursues complaints made against both DMA members and it takes complaints against some non-DMA member companies. However, when dealing with a complaint that is against a company that is not a member of the DMA, the DMC will only investigate the complaint if it falls outside the jurisdiction of the ASA’s CAP/BCAP Codes. Any complaint to the DMC concerning an issue that falls under the CAP/BCAP Codes will be forwarded to the ASA for consideration and possible investigation. The DMC will continue to investigate complaints against DMA members on any matter that falls under the DMA Code and where appropriate, may also refer these to the ASA. This ensures the widest range of protection for the public and the fairest competitive environment for the industry.

What is the difference between the Direct Marketing Commission and Direct Marketing Association?

admin — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:09:39 +0000

The Direct Marketing Association is the national trade association for the direct marketing industry in the UK. It is Europe’s largest trade association in the marketing and communications sector, with over 920 corporate members. The DMA represents both advertisers, who market their products using direct marketing techniques – for example catalogue companies, financial services and charities - and specialist suppliers of direct marketing services to those advertisers - for example, creative agencies, list brokers, mailing and fulfilment houses and outsourced contact centres.

The DMA also administers the consumer preference services for telephone, mailing and fax. On behalf of its membership, the DMA promotes best practice, through its Code, in order to maintain and enhance consumers’ trust and confidence in the direct marketing industry.

The Direct Marketing Commission is the body which oversees the Direct Marketing Association (DMA)’s Code of Practice. It provides effective protection to recipients, users and practitioners of direct marketing in those areas not already covered by other co/self regulatory bodies, such as the ASA. It is a separate limited company and structurally independent from the DMA.

What if I am dissatisfied with the resolution of my complaint?

admin — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:01:07 +0000

If you are dissatisfied with the DMC’s resolution of your complaint because of the way in which it was handled, you may appeal against the Commission’s decision. More information can be found on the appeals/sanctions page.

What sanctions can the Direct Marketing Commission impose?

admin — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 11:00:14 +0000

The Commission has a range of sanctions that it will apply proportionately, depending on the seriousness of the issue or complaint. These include: the requirement to sign a formal undertaking to comply with the Direct Marketing Code; a formal recommendation to the DMA, where appropriate, that its member has failed to conform with the DMC’s ruling and should be suspended or expelled from the Association (this deprives the member of an extensive range of services that are valuable to its business); adverse publicity where the outcome of the Commission’s ruling is placed on its website and made available to the media; referral to law enforcement bodies such as the Office of Fair Trading, Trading Standards Authority, Information Commissioner’s Office etc.

The DMC has no statutory powers or sanctions over non-members but encourages non-members to adhere to the high standards of the Direct Marketing Code.

What happens after I complain?

admin — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:59:34 +0000

Following receipt of a complaint the Directorate of the Commission will contact the subject of your complaint setting out the grounds on which it has been made, attaching the correspondence you have sent and requesting a response. In instances where a company does not respond or where the Directorate considers that the complaint warrants a formal investigation, the case will be presented to the Board of Commissioners for adjudication. Further details of the complaints procedure may be found on the adjudications page.

How can I complain?

admin — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 10:59:04 +0000

Anyone can complain to the Direct Marketing Commission free of charge either through our online complaints form or by contacting us directly at dm@dmcommission.com.

The Direct Marketing Commission
DMA House
70 Margaret Street
London
W1W 8SS

Telephone: 020 7291 3350
Fax: 020 7323 4165