Accuracy and quality
1. How is the data verified, and when?
Ask whether emails and phone numbers are verified before delivery, not just when they were first collected.
2. What accuracy can you commit to?
Ask how accuracy is measured, and what happens to records that bounce or prove invalid.
3. Can I test a free sample?
A sample from your exact target market is the best way to judge quality. Test it in a real campaign if you can.
Coverage and fit
4. Do you cover my market?
Check coverage for your specific industries, countries, technologies, specialties and job titles, not just headline totals.
5. Can you build a custom list?
Standard databases do not always match your ideal customer profile. Ask whether filters can be combined and whether custom research is available.
6. What fields are included?
Confirm exactly which fields you will receive: direct dials, seniority, company size, revenue, technologies and so on.
Sources and compliance
7. Where does the data come from?
Reputable providers can explain their sources and collection methods in general terms.
8. How do you handle privacy laws?
Ask how the provider addresses GDPR, CCPA, CASL and CAN-SPAM, how opt-outs are honoured, and what guidance they give for compliant outreach. See our compliance guide.
Delivery, pricing and support
9. How is pricing structured?
Per record, per list, subscription or credits? Ask what counts as a billable record and whether there are minimums.
10. How fast is delivery, and in what format?
Confirm turnaround times and that files arrive in a format ready for your CRM or email platform.
11. Can you enrich and clean my existing data?
Many teams need email append, cleansing and verification as well as new lists. One partner for all of it saves time.
12. What support do I get?
Is there a named contact who understands your market and responds quickly when you need changes?
Red flags
- No sample offered, or reluctance to explain sources.
- Unrealistic promises, such as 100% accuracy forever.
- No mention of verification dates or opt-out handling.
- Pressure to buy large volumes before testing quality.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose a platform or a list provider?
Platforms suit teams that need constant self-service searching. Custom list providers suit teams that want specific, verified lists built to a brief, often with enrichment and cleansing services alongside.
What is the best way to compare providers?
Request samples from the same target market from each provider and test them side by side in a real campaign.