I have an eBay business that has done very well. I have collected 10,000 email addresses of previous customers?

Can I legally use these names to email them specials and updates on my company? Some say no because they did not ask to be on my list. I have purchased from many, many companies that simply start emailing me within weeks of purchasing and I never asked for these. I called eBay and they say there is nothing they can do if it doesn't go through their system. Any thoughts?
I have an eBay business that has done very well. I have collected 10,000 email addresses of previous customers?
Ok firstly you cannot just start sending them e-mails you will need their permission first. As for the companies that have sent you them you most likely did sign up it would have been in the small print in a terms and conditions page.





To over come the permission you will need an auto responder, website/hosting. The reason for the auto responder is to send your e-mails out to your subscribers with out you doing a thing. Plus it handles the opt out aspect for your list (requirement by law).





Now as for your eBay clients you can send a one time e-mail as a follow up to sales. In it remind them that they purchased from you in a eBay auction and that you will be having some good promotions coming up soon plus updates. Just tell them to get this they will need to sign up for your newsletter.





A good tip for sign ups always give away something for FREE.
Reply:Well, since that's how spammers originally got their addresses, it would certainly be construed as sending spam if you mailed out information on your company. And, you'd have to have a direct mail service do it, because your ISP, any ISP, in fact, would refuse on the grounds that it's spam. eBay is saying if you try to go through their system they can stop you, but if you stay outside eBay, they can't do anything about it.
Reply:It's considered spamming and as such is illegal.
Reply:i have no idea if it is a legal but can I have that list!!! :)