Do not call information?

Question

I am writing a paper for school on the "Do not call list". I have looked everywhere and am having a hard time finding my answer. Say I own a furniture business and just opened my doors. Can I call people to let them know about my business to let them know we just opened up in your town and we are giving away free pillows this weekend. I know it doesn’t fall under the “Black and White” exemptions where it is layout clearly. But some items I read on the government website state, the do not call list prevents people calling to try and sell you a good or service and some say no commercial calls. So under the selling an item, I would see I would be ok to call since, technically I am not selling an item, I just making name recognition by a free item. On the second item where it says no commercial calls, it would seem I couldn’t call.

Just wanted to see if anyone has a straight answer because I am lost.

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

You could disguise your call as a poll, then you could get away with it.

Answer 2

Technically, the scenario you described would indeed fall under the do not call list prohibitions. The best bet for a new business like that is to advertise on radio, tv, flyers, etc. No phone calls are permitted.

Answer 3

That still sounds like a 'commercial' call and I wouldn't think it'd be allowed.