If you’ve ever run a marketing campaign, you understand how difficult it is to target the right prospects. Whether you’re an independent insurance agent aiming to expand your email outreach or an online boutique targeting new customers, having the right consumer data list can save time and improve results. So, how much does purchasing a consumer data list cost?
The cost of buying consumer data lists typically ranges from $0.10 to $1 per contact, depending on the type of data, list size, and level of detail. For example, a basic email list will be cheaper, while adding phone numbers or demographic filters will increase the cost. The list size also matters; larger lists are cheaper per contact. Quality, privacy-compliant lists are more expensive but produce better responses.
What is the Average Cost of Buying Consumer Data Lists?
Buying consumer lists can cost between $0.10 and $1 per contact. For example, if you buy a list of 5,000 verified email addresses with some information about the people, you will pay between $750 and $1,500, depending on the seller. If you want phone numbers added, the cost can be higher by another $0.20 to $0.50 per contact.
Remember that these are approximate figures. A very low-cost list likely indicates that the data is outdated, incomplete, or non-compliant.
What are the Factors Affecting the Cost?
Here are the factors impacting your price for a consumer data list.
Type of Consumer Data
The type of data you need will heavily influence the cost. For example:
• A basic email list will be cheaper.
• A full contact profile (name, email, phone number, address, and information such as income or interests) will be pricier.
• Vendors typically charge extra for behavioral data, e.g., buying or browsing history.
For example, a real estate agent buying a list with a property ownership history will pay more than someone buying a general consumer list.
Volume of Contacts
Buying in bulk often gives you a lower cost per contact. But that doesn’t always mean you should go big. For instance, buying 1,000 contacts will cost you $500 (0.50 per contact), but buying 20,000 may cost only $0.20 per contact — or $4,000 total.
But bigger is not always better. You might waste your money if you buy 50,000 contacts, but only 500 are relevant to your business.
Data Quality and Accuracy
Higher-quality data costs more for a reason. Vendors who verify their lists, remove duplicates, and update the data will charge higher rates. For example, a verified, permission-based list from a reputable provider can double the price of a generic list from an unknown seller.
If you’re planning an email campaign, a high bounce rate can lead to your domain being flagged or blacklisted by email providers.
Targeting and Segmentation Level
The more targeted your list, the more it will cost. For instance, a list of “all adults in Texas” will be cheaper than a list of “women aged 30–40 in Austin who have purchased a home in the past few months.”
If you run a small fitness studio and want to sell postnatal fitness classes, a segmented list will give you a better ROI, even if it costs more upfront.
Compliance and Legal Risk
It’s also important to factor in legal compliance. Buying non-compliant data will land you in legal trouble, especially if your outreach violates CAN-SPAM or other privacy laws.
Good list providers incorporate compliance checks in their pricing. Therefore, buying consumer data lists from an illegally operating vendor may appear less expensive, but the risk of illegality is not worth it.
Types of Niche and Industry
Industry-specific lists often cost more because they are harder to compile. For example, a healthcare provider seeking a list of parents with children under five will pay more due to the niche demand and privacy sensitivities. For instance:
• A list of high-income earners for a luxury real estate agent in Beverly Hills might cost $2 to $4 per contact.
• A list of discount shoppers for a coupon site might only be $0.10 per contact.
On the other hand, a retailer looking for a general “holiday shoppers” list will pay less due to the broad nature of the audience.
Tailored Lists vs Ready-Made Lists
Ready-made lists are cheaper and available instantly, but they are generic and could have incorrect contacts. Tailored lists, customized to your needs, cost more but have greater engagement rates.
A B2C solar firm buying a targeted list of homeowners in sunbelt states with a specific income bracket will perform better than a general “homeowner” list.
Conclusion
The cost of buying consumer data lists varies based on several factors. The type of data, list size, quality, and targeting all influence the price. More specifically, high-quality, compliant lists cost more but offer better results. Industry-specific and tailored options are often pricier but can give you a higher return on investment. Always be cautious of suspiciously cheap lists, which may be outdated or non-compliant. Choosing the right list depends on your goals and budget, but quality and relevance are key.