Should I do this?

[zeppelin2036]

I have a new shopping guide for my area, and have a specific group of businesses that use the other guides that I would like to reach. I have made big list of these people, names websites and e-mail addresses. A mailing list might not go to these people and cost way more than i can afford yet. I started this shoe string, and I have even found ways to print these cheaply at first, does anyone have a better idea to reach these people, or can e-mail them?
I have been using on of the other shopping guides, but my budget is not large enough to and the other did not want to post my ad at all, since it was in competition. I want to do my first print in march, and want to get this right. Can I use these addresses?

[closetpreneur]

Hi zeppelin2036,

I am so excited to see you ready to launch (very inspiring)! From my understanding of spamming rules, you can email them, but you would not be able to bulk email because that is considered spam. It is not spam if you make the email personable and directed to them specifically. So, instead of an advertisement, it would be more of a solicitation for them to consider your business over their current carriers.

[zeppelin2036]

Now if I can buy mailing list from a direct mailing company, then why can't they send to a list I made that is about 200 people and not 2000 or more? The distribution company I'm looking at offers to to deliver to places I come up with, but those are drop offs, not necessarily customers? only a hand-full had e-mail addresses rather than e-mail forms. Recommended direct mail companies?

[zeppelin2036]

what about mailing them? most are the physicaladdresses? i have ten times the number of those?
and can you mail business cards to them, i'm going to get those printed up soon?

Hi zeppelin2036,

I am so excited to see you ready to launch (very inspiring)! From my understanding of spamming rules, you can email them, but you would not be able to bulk email because that is considered spam. It is not spam if you make the email personable and directed to them specifically. So, instead of an advertisement, it would be more of a solicitation for them to consider your business over their current carriers.

[zeppelin2036]

ok i will send them email invitations, but what about sending them business cards in envelopes in the mail, it would be very cheap and reach all of the other that have no email address which is most the 150 on my list. I primarliy target smaller business.
if i can do that legally then that would be the best way to do it. I also have some postcards from the post office but they would not be so impressive, really need to get this right. thanks

Hi zeppelin2036,

I am so excited to see you ready to launch (very inspiring)! From my understanding of spamming rules, you can email them, but you would not be able to bulk email because that is considered spam. It is not spam if you make the email personable and directed to them specifically. So, instead of an advertisement, it would be more of a solicitation for them to consider your business over their current carriers.