Is it legal to charge a small fee for information that a person can get themselves for free?

Question

I am a contact referral specialist just starting out about a year. I have a database of collected useful resources and information that I have gathered over 10 years and have updated and checked and rechecked and kept in touch with all my sources. I wanted to know is it legal for me to charge a small fee for my information since it tooke me so much time to gather it and keep it up to date?

Answer 1

Of course it is. You have a legitimate service and your charges should reflect the value of the information you are providing.

Answer 2

it's done all over the internet, especially for things like directory assistance. As long as you aren't selling information that you aren't allowed to (like personal identity information that you shouldn't technically have) I doubt there will be trouble with it. You can hardly look up a person online without finding a million companies willing to sell you the information you can find easily yourself. I am sure some people do it for the convenience but don't be surprised if business isn't booming.

Answer 3

Yes, but you need to inform the people before hand that they can obtain the information for free on their own. You don't have to give up your sources, just let them know that they can do the same thing for free.

Answer 4

Yes it is, mainly because the person doesn't want to bother looking it up for themselves. But beware, and definately check the local laws in your area, and especially if it is involving the government. Good luck!!

Answer 5

Yes. There are some exceptions with government-produced information. Enforcment is lax.

Answer 6

THERE'S A SUCKER BORN EVERY MINUTE!!!