The Complete Checklist for Choosing Business Data Providers

Making the Right Data Investment

Quality business data is fundamental to successful lead generation. Yet with numerous providers offering seemingly similar products, choosing the right partner can be challenging.

This checklist helps you evaluate data providers effectively.

Data Quality Factors

1. Accuracy

Questions to ask:

• What is your stated accuracy rate?
• How do you verify data accuracy?
• What guarantees do you offer?
• How do you handle inaccurate records?

2. Freshness

• How frequently is data updated?
• When were records last verified?
• How do you identify and remove outdated information?

3. Completeness

• What fields are included as standard?
• What percentage of records have phone numbers?
• What percentage have email addresses?
• Are decision-maker names included?

Data Sourcing

4. Data Origins

Understanding where data comes from:

• What are your primary data sources?
• Do you compile from multiple sources?
• Is any data self-reported?
• How do you verify source reliability?

Our researched fleet data is verified through direct contact, ensuring accuracy.

5. Data Collection Methods

• Web scraping and aggregation
• Direct research and verification
• Business registration data
• Partnership and syndication

Compliance and Legal

6. GDPR Compliance

Essential for UK/EU marketing:

• What is your legal basis for processing?
• How do you handle subject access requests?
• What consent mechanisms are in place?
• How long do you retain data?

7. TPS/CTPS Screening

For telemarketing campaigns:

• Is data TPS screened?
• How frequently is screening updated?
• Do you screen against CTPS?

8. Email Compliance

For email marketing:

• Is there opt-in consent for B2B emails?
• How are opt-outs managed?
• What is your bounce rate guarantee?

Coverage and Segmentation

9. Market Coverage

• Total UK business records
• Coverage by region
• Coverage by industry
• Company size segments

10. Segmentation Options

Can you filter by:

• Industry (SIC codes)
• Company size (employees/turnover)
• Geographic location
• Job title/function
• Technology usage

Our profiled fleet data offers detailed segmentation for automotive marketing.

Specialist Data

11. Industry-Specific Options

For specialist needs:

• Fleet and vehicle data
• International coverage
• Vehicle specification data
• Industry vertical databases

Delivery and Integration

12. Data Formats

• CSV/Excel exports
• CRM integration options
• API access
• Custom formats

13. Delivery Options

• One-time purchase
• Subscription access
• Credits-based usage
• Unlimited access tiers

Support and Service

14. Customer Support

• UK-based support team?
• Response time commitments
• Account management
• Training and onboarding

15. Data Guarantees

• Replacement policy for inaccurate records
• Refund procedures
• Service level agreements

Pricing Considerations

16. Pricing Transparency

• Clear pricing structure
• No hidden fees
• Volume discounts
• Contract flexibility

17. Value Assessment

Consider total value, not just price:

• Cost per usable record
• Time saved through accuracy
• Campaign performance impact
• Compliance risk reduction

Evaluation Process

18. Trial and Testing

• Sample data available?
• Trial period offered?
• Pilot programme options?

19. References

• Client testimonials
• Case studies
• Reference calls
• Industry reputation

XL Marketing Data Services

XL Marketing provides comprehensive business data solutions:

• UK business data – Comprehensive company and contact database
• Fleet data – Vehicle and fleet manager information
• Fleet Data Explorer – Interactive data platform
• Data cleansing and enrichment services

Contact us to discuss your data requirements and request sample data.