A commercial propane customer newsletter must follow CAN-SPAM even when readers already buy from you. Use truthful sender details and subjects, a valid postal address and a clear opt-out. Honor opt-outs within 10 business days. Check the message's purpose before calling it an account notice.
Does an existing account create an exemption?
No blanket exemption comes with an account. The FTC guide sets out the rules for commercial email. It also explains the narrow categories of transactional or relationship email.
A sales newsletter belongs in the commercial review process. Useful winter tips do not by themselves change that. Have your adviser check mixed messages. A billing-style subject does not settle the issue.
What should we check before sending?
- Check that the sender and reply details are true.
- Make sure the subject matches the body.
- Check required ad identification with your adviser, including any prior-consent exception.
- Add the valid postal address and a clear way to stop all marketing email.
- Test the opt-out and share the stop list with each sender.
The FTC says the opt-out must work for at least 30 days after the email. It cannot cost money or require personal data beyond an email address. You remain responsible when a vendor sends for you.
Who should own the list?
Our advice is to name one person to manage opt-outs. Check old lists against the stop list before a new vendor imports them. Keep the approved email and the test results where the office can find them.
The Propane Insider newsletter is separate from your own customer mail. See duty to warn and review texts for other channels and purposes. This is US background, not legal advice. Other places and specific messages need their own review.