Restaurant Social Media
LEGAL? Using customer info from in-store comments cards to contact the re: social media access
Hello...
Starting a new social media campaign for a restaurant and the question came up about the legality of using info voluntarily provided by the customer on in-house comment cards to reach out them with an invitation to connect with our Facebook and Twitter platforms.
Initially we are marketing our social media access by in-house word-of-mouth.
My thought was make contact via email with the invitation to connect with our social media platforms (Facebook and Twitter). Plus include the stock disclaimer, “If you received this email in error or would prefer we not contact you by email… blah… blah… blah”.
Your thoughts, suggestions and cautions would be appreciated.
Paul C Paz
WaitersWorld
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Richard Heaps on -
Paul,
You are posing a question that should be addressed practically rather than theoretically. As a lawyer (when I was in private practice and this is explicitly NOT a legal opinion) I was often asked "Is it Legal to..." and most of the questions really are about "is someone going to sue me for this?". My answer always was "anyone can sue anyone about anything in the American legal system--it's the curse and the beauty of the freedoms we enjoy", but I also advised them to take a practical approach.
In your case, the state of the law as I am aware of it is in flux, i.e., what is private versus public information. But here you are being polite, you are using information that was given in a context that was thought to be public and you are giving them a chance not to be bothered. In this case, what's the worst possible outcome? Can any harm come of this?
And while those last two questions can be a guide to the legality of your plan, I'd also ask you how many emails do you delete in a day?
Richard Heaps
President, FohBoh, Inc.
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Permalink Reply by Paul Paz on -
Thanks Richard...
Guess we'll, "proceed until apprehended"... and ask forgiveness as needed.
Paul
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Permalink Reply by Nicholas Grettler on -
Paul,
Google someone's name and look at all the public info you can find on them. You'll find a lot of info on me. You'll see how much my parents house is worth and where they live if you look close enough and I'm some guy posting on a forum. If your restaurant sent me a friend request, OK!
We've been data mined for a long time. As long as you're not dishing out SSN's and you're courteous...let it fly.
Also, check out:
"Socialize" with a bit of customized disposables. Napkins, table sets, koozies?! Maybe something a little more your style.
Good Luck!
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