If a website currently does not have check box for registering customers to opt in to receive a newsletter, can it later bulk email all customers to notify them that they have an option to start receiving newsletter or any other email notifications?

If it's a business to business website, the answer is yes, you definately can.

If it's business to consumer it's a bit of a grey area, however if you state the purpose clearly rather than just sending offers, you should be ok. With the first one, send the email clearly (NOT IN FINE PRINT) stating you are starting a regular email newsletter which you think would be of benefit to them. Then either request people to officially register, or state that you have added them to the list due to your existing relationship with them but if they would prefer not to receive it let you know.

Either way - expect a number of people to say no/unsubscribe. If you ask them to specifically subscribe, expect maybe 5% of your list to do so - people only half read things and plan to get around to it even if they are somewhat interested.

Also make sure you have full company details on the bottom, and an automated subscribe procedure.

As I said it's a grey area. DO NOT however EVER buy an email list, or send email to random addresses you find somewhere if you have no business relationship with them!

Matt

The safest option is to get them to sign up for any notifications when they register.