I've been researching spam laws and am still somewhat unclear about what is considered spam. Is it true that if someone has purchased an item from me, that constitutes a business relationship and I can email them regularly from then on? Or would I have to get their permission to email offers to them regularly?

Can anyone cite some trustworthy sources I could research so I can make sure not to violate any laws?

I'm asking this question for two reasons: for my own online retail business AND I'm also starting an email marketing service which involves sending bulk mailings in behalf of local small businesses who want to send their customers regular coupons/offers/announcements/etc. Some local businesses have a collection of email addresses because they take online orders on their websites. I'm not sure if it's okay to use them. If it isn't okay, I was considering charging extra to contact these hundreds of customers in behalf of the company and invite them to join (opt in to) the mailing list. I'm pretty sure that would be okay.

Please help!

TO ADD TO MY QUESTION ABOVE:

Ohh, I just noticed on the website of one of the local businesses that their privacy policy states they may use customer info to market new services they think will be of interest to customers. So that makes it okay to send them regular offers/coupon, right?!

MailChimp has a couple of guides on spam and spamming in their resource area and they are free for download. One is called Warning Signs that Your Client is Spamming and another is How to Avoid Spam Filters. You can find them here. The Common Email Marketing Rookie Mistakes is also a good one to read.

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~Tina Marie Hilton of Clerical Advantage
& founder of VA Survival School

Follow the SPAM rules is an important business practice. If you have previously told them that you will contact them in the future with new offers and coupons it's okay. If you haven't stated that previously you need to ensure that they are okay with with. The information provided by Mailchimp is good and worth reading, and I would recommend that you make yourself familiar with it.

You should also think about having a privacy policy in place, just like the local business has. It clear states how they will use their information.

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Renee Shupe, Become a Techie Virtual Assistant
eMail Marketing & Aweber Training Starts May 15! - Save 50% using VAFAweber

These guides are really helpful. I'm getting a wealth of information here!

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Elizabeth Whittaker
Renegade Virtual Services