Verified Circulation Guide

Quick-Check Qualification Reference

This quick-check qualification list is intended to highlight the key qualification points for each type of verified circulation. However, for complete qualification requirements, please view the section(s) in this guide for each specific type of verified circulation.

PUBLIC PLACE

Waiting Rooms
For waiting room circulation to qualify as verified public place circulation, each waiting room must:

• Receive at least two consecutive issues.
• Receive the current issue (back copy service is not permitted).
• Receive no more than three copies, per issue, of the magazine(s).
• Be presented with an opt-out notice, at least annually.

(For complete qualification requirements, see the Waiting Rooms section of this guide.)

Hotels (for in-room use)
For hotel circulation (in-room use) to qualify as verified public place circulation, each hotel must:

• Agree (opt-in) to receive delivery.
• Receive at least two consecutive issues.
• Receive the current issue (back copy service is not permitted).
• Receive no more than the maximum copy limit, per issue.
  • For magazines published monthly or less frequently, the maximum number of copies each lodging establishment may receive is four copies per guest room.
  • For magazines published more often than monthly, the maximum number of copies each lodging establishment may receive is one copy per guest room.
• Sign a written agreement with the magazine, or its agent, regarding the details of delivery.

(For complete qualification requirements, see the Hotels (for in-room use) section of this guide.)

Airlines
For airline public place verified circulation to qualify as verified public place circulation, each airline must:

• Agree (opt-in) to receive delivery of the magazine(s).
• Receive at least two consecutive issues.
• Receive the current issue (back copy service is not permitted).
• Receive no more than the maximum copy limit, per issue.
  • No more than two copies times the total number of monthly flights by that airline, not to exceed 8,000 copies per issue.
• Distribute copies either on-board the planes or in restricted access airline clubs.
• Have total discretion as to how many copies will be made available at each airline location.
• Provide an affidavit attesting that all magazine copies were made available to their customers either on-board their airplanes or in restricted access clubs.
• Sign a written agreement with the magazine(s), or its agent, regarding the details of delivery.

(For complete qualification requirements, see the Airlines section of this guide.)

INDIVIDUAL USE

List-type Source
For list-type source individual use verified circulation to comply with ABC requirements, the following must occur:

• The source of the list used to obtain the names is consistent with the editorial content of the magazine.
• The individual must receive at least two consecutive issues.
• The current issue must be served (back copy service is not permitted).
• Limit of one subscription per recipient.
• Recipients must be presented with an opportunity to opt-out of the magazine delivery within 90 days of the start of service.

(For complete qualification requirements, see the List-type Source section of this guide.)

Individually Requested
For individually requested individual use verified circulation to comply with ABC requirements, the following must occur:

• Recipients must opt-in to receive the subscription before service begins.
• The individual must receive at least two consecutive issues of the magazine.
• Limit of one subscription per recipient.
• Back copy service is permitted for new subscribers.
  • For magazines published monthly or bi-monthly, one issue preceding the one currently being mailed.
  • For magazines published more often than monthly, two issues preceding the one currently being mailed.
• Request documentation (opt-in) must be maintained by the publication for the ABC auditor’s review.
  • May not be more than three years old.
  • For direct mail pieces, the subscriber must input the date the form was completed and be presented with either a “Yes” and “No” option, sign the form as acknowledgement they wish to receive the subscription, or fill in their name and address information.
  • For telemarketing offers, the interviewer must sign and date the interview record.

(For complete qualification requirements, see the Individually Requested section of this guide.)

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