Xplor International, the electronic document systems association, has predicted that the national (U.S.) "Do-Not-Call" list will have an unexpected side benefit — increasing spending in the electronic printing and direct mail space.

Currently, companies have numerous ways in which to reach new customers: telemarketing, e-mail, fax and print. Telemarketing is coming under increased regulations that will limit the ability of companies to solicit new customers via the telephone. Fax has also been regulated for some years, and has been limited as a medium for contacting new customers. Additionally, new laws are enacted on an ongoing basis attempting to limit the amount of e-mail spam that bombards homes and offices.

"Using the Post Office is virtually the only way that U.S. companies have to contact new customers that is not becoming increasingly limited by legislation," said William J. "Bill" McCalpin, General Manager of Xplor International. Xplor International is a worldwide, not-for-profit professional association that consists of thousands of users and suppliers of the products and services that create, modify and deliver customized information using a wide variety of document technologies.

The creation and delivery of paper marketing materials is relatively expensive compared to other media. However, companies can effectively use paper-marketing media today by using a combination of sophisticated electronic printers and data processing skills.

Xplor International consists of the users and suppliers of the hardware and software that merges the abilities of electronic printers and sophisticated data processing software. "As such, Xplor International is one of the leading places in which to find information on how to improve a company's ability to find new customers in light of increasing regulation," said McCalpin.