Member Help

Buying Leads

Specifying Market Interests

Here you'll choose market interests in order to better be matched to a listing(s) you are (or potentially might be) interested in.

Select a market and then specify the location. To select all locations within a state, check the box; to select only certain locations, click on the number next to the state and then select the specific locations.

Search Listings

This allows you to search market listings for currently available lead purchases based on your specifications. Use the additional filters to limit your search results to listings that meet your desired interests.

You can save your searches to allow for quick retrieval of listings that match your interests. To save a search, press the 'Save Search' button (displayed after your search) and enter a name for the search. After the search is saved, it will appear in the right column in the 'Saved Searches' section. To retrieve that search and its applicable listings, click on the search name you provided.

Place Bids

Once you have selected market interests, you can bid on the leads for those interests. (Keep in mind that as you bid, the system will not allow you to bid above the amount of the daily spending limit set for the account.)

To buy leads, select the listing number or name and then select the state you are interested in. You will then be presented with the applicable 'bid groups' in the given state. Place your bid on the bid group. (Remember, bid prices are per lead; you may bid on more than one lead as long as you do not go over your daily spending limit.)

All your bids for the state selected will show on the bidding page.

Delivery Methods

The delivery method(s) defines how leads are delivered to the buyer (e.g., HTTP, email) once the leads are purchased. Each listing you bid on can have up to two delivery methods assigned to it, which are both performed upon completion of a transaction.

Please note that there is no priority assigned to these delivery methods; rather, each method specified is performed independently of the other. If no delivery method is specified for a given listing, then the default delivery method will be used.

HTTP Delivery

If you prefer that your leads be submitted/delivered to another system upon purchase, you will need to create an XML delivery method. XML delivery allows for lead information to be sent to a third-party system that communicates via an XML API (most systems). Identity Exchange provides the lead information in only one XML format (provided below). This XML format can then be altered via XSLT and sent in the transformed format to the specified remote system. The XSLT information is provided by the buyer for each different XML delivery method created. Please see the sample XSLT below.

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<autentication>
</authentication>
<identities> 
  <identity>
      <listing_id>000</listing_id>
      <first_name>Mike</first_name>
      <last_name>Smith</last_name>
      <primary_phone>5554442121</primary_phone>
      <zip_code>84660</zip_code>
      <country>US</country>
   </identity>
</identities>

Email Delivery

Identity Exchange uses a default email delivery format on all listings. You simply need to specify the email address that should be used for sending purchased lead information.

SMS Delivery

Identity Exchange provides SMS delivery to your cellular phone. You simply need to specify the phone number (US only) that should be used for sending purchased lead information.

Assigning Delivery Methods To Listings

Once you have created your delivery methods, you can associate those methods with the listings you are bidding on. You can choose up to two (2) delivery methods for each listing. To choose the desired delivery methods, navigate to the lead delivery page and click the 'Set Delivery Methods' button next to the desired listing.

Re-delivering Leads

If you need a lead re-delivered at a later time, you can initiate the transfer when reviewing your transactions. Simply click on the IDXE# and scroll to the bottom where you will find a link for re-delivery. The lead re-delivery, just like the initial delivery, will be sent via all applicable delivery methods.

Spending Limits

This feature allows you to set limits on how much you spend on leads in a given day. These limits help ensure that you don't spend more than desired, independent of the volume of leads provided by the listings you are bidding on.

These limits also help provide valuable insight into the potential daily volume that is taken by buyers on the listings they are bidding on. This information can be used to help determine the price point you must have to receive the volume of leads you desire on the listings. Please note that this information while displayed within Identity Exchange is kept anonymous to protect buyers' identities.

Global Spending Limit

The global spending limit is a required setting with which you specify the maximum amount of money you wish to spend in any calendar day. This limit is then enforced globally, regardless of how many listings you are bidding on. Updates to this setting take effect immediately.

The minimum value for this field is the sum of your maximum bids on listings. For example, if you are bidding on two listings and your maximum bid (across all bid groups) for one listing is $15.00 and $30.00 for the other, then your global maximum daily spending limit must be greater than or equal to $45.00.

Listing Specific Limits

Daily spending limits can be set at the listing level. This ensures that you do not spend more than the supplied amount on a given calendar day for leads in that specific listing. Please note that setting this limit does not ensure that you will receive that amount in leads per day, as the actual number received from a given listing can vary based on any number of factors.

The minimum value for this field (if set) is the same value as the maximum bid placed for the listing (across all bid groups). For example, if you bid on three bid groups in a listing and your bid amounts are $45.00, $23.05, and $18.00 respectively, your minimum daily limit for that listing should be $45.00. This ensures that your bid is at least high enough to purchase one lead if it becomes available.

Review Lead Purchases

You can review your purchases by clicking the 'Review Purchases' link found on the Buy Leads page. Simply specify the filters based on market, seller, listing, bid group, and date range, and then press the 'Search' button to review your purchases. You will be presented with a table of the all your leads purchased within the criteria specified. If you would like additional details on an exchange, click on the IDXE# in the far left column to view more information. Here you will also have the option to re-deliver the lead.

Selling Leads

Seller Verification Process

If you apply to be a seller in Identity Exchange, you will need to go through a verification process before you can sell leads. Identity Exchange staff will contact you shortly after receiving your application with further instructions. For more information contact Identity Exchange.

Creating a Listing

A listing is used to describe the leads being sold.

Specify Listing Details

The listing details are used to describe leads and to help buyers find your listing.

Specify Applicable Qualifiers

Specify Lead Attributes

Choosing A Bid Grouping

Posting Leads Into Identity Exchange

Identity Exchange uses a REST-ful API to facilitate all API requests. All leads submitted to Identity Exchange follow the same formatting guidelines.

Lead Posting URL

https://secure.identityexchange.com/api/identity/exchange

Lead Posting Parameters

The following three parameters are required when submitting leads to Identity Exchange.

account_id (provided as parameter)

• Required
• Type: integer(10)
• Description: The unique ID assigned to the account by IDX. Sellers should follow the 'Lead Posting Directions' link shown on top of the listing's homepage to get this value.
• Sample: 1000

api_key (provided as parameter)

• Required
• Type: varchar(25)
• Description: API Key for the account selling the leads. This is generated by IDX. Sellers should follow the 'Lead Posting Directions' link shown on top of the listing's homepage to get this value.
• Sample: JGKRAMOPLLZINJ7CAIL9P1FE3

payload (provided as parameter)

• Required
• Description: Valid XML document containing all the required information for the identity being sold (see Lead Posting Payload Fields below).
• Sample:

      <?xml version="1.0"?>
      <idx service="identity" method="exchange">
        <api>
          <request>
            <identity>
              <listing_id>1000</listing_id>
              <first_name>John</first_name>
              <last_name>Doe</last_name>
              <email>john.doe@host.com</email>
              <primary_phone>8015558971</primary_phone>
              <secondary_phone></secondary_phone>
              <address_line_1>868 South Fountain Lane</address_line_1>
              <city>Provo</city>
              <state>UT</state>
              <zip_code>84606</zip_code>
              <country>US</country>
              <age>33</age>
            </identity>
          </request>
        </api>
      </idx> 
      

Lead Posting Payload Fields

The following is a list of the fields that are accepted as part of the 'payload' parameter when posting into Identity Exchange. Note the required formatting and sample data. By default, the following fields are required for all leads posted into Identity Exchange: first_name, zip_code, country, listing_id. The listing can also specify additional fields to be required. If any required information is missing or invalid when posting the identity, it will be rejected with and provide a reason why.

listing_id

• Required
• Type: integer(10)
• Description: Listing number is the unique identifier assigned by IDX for the listing.
• Sample: 1000

first_name

• Required
• Type: varchar(100)
• Description: The individual's first name.
• Sample: John

last_name

• Type: varchar(100)
• Description: The individual's last name.
• Sample: Doe

email

• Type: varchar(100)
• Description: The individual's email address.
• Sample: john.doe@host.com

address_line_1

• Type: varchar(100)
• Description: The first line of the individual's mailing address.
• Sample: 868 South Fountain Lane

address_line_2

• Type: varchar(100)
• Description: The second line of the individual's mailing address.
• Sample: Suite 400

city

• Type: varchar(100)
• Description: The individual's city of residence.
• Sample: Provo

state

• Type: varchar(100)
• Description: The individual's state of residence.
• Sample: UT
• Format: Must be a valid two (2) letter code

zip_code

• Required
• Type: varchar(10)
• Description: The individual's zip/postal code.
• Sample: 84606
• Format: Must be a valid zip/postal code that is defined as covered in the listing.

country

• Required
• Type: varchar(2)
• Description: The individual's country code.
• Sample: US
• Format: Must be a valid ISO country code that is defined as covered in the listing. More Info

primary_phone

• Type: bigint(20)
• Description: The individual's primary contact phone number.
• Sample: 8015558971
• Format: Numbers only.

secondary_phone

• Type: bigint(20)
• Description: The individual's secondary contact phone number.
• Sample: 8015558972
• Format: Numbers only.

sex

• Type: varchar(1)
• Description: The sex (gender) of the individual.
• Sample: M
• Format: Must be either 'M' or 'F'.

age

• Type: integer(3)
• Description: The individual's age in years.
• Sample: 33
• Format: Numbers only.

appointment_datetime

• Type: datetime
• Description: The date (or datetime) of an appointment with the individual.
• Sample: 2010-07-31 00:00:00
• Format: Valid date (YYYY-MM-DD) or datetime (YYYY-MM-DD hour:minute:second).

Sample Lead Posting

• URL posting to: https://secure.identityexchange.com/api/identity/exchange
• account_id => 1000 (replace with assigned id)
• api_key => JGKRAMOPLLZINJ7CAIL9P1FE3 (replace with assigned api_key)
• payload =>

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<idx service="identity" method="exchange">
  <api>
    <request>
      <identity>
        <listing_id>1000</listing_id>
        <first_name>John</first_name>
        <last_name>Doe</last_name>
        <email>john.doe@host.com</email>
        <primary_phone>8015558971</primary_phone>
        <secondary_phone></secondary_phone>
        <address_line_1>868 South Fountain Lane</address_line_1>
        <city>Provo</city>
        <state>UT</state>
        <zip_code>84606</zip_code>
        <country>US</country>
        <age>33</age>
      </identity>
    </request>
  </api>
</idx> 

API Online Help

Querying the API directly for help is also available. Make sure your client (browser) is set to view the raw XML output of the API help system.

• https://secure.identityexchange.com/api/help/list-services

User Account

Change Your Password

To change your password, click on the 'Personal Information' link while on the 'My Home' page. Enter the desired password and press 'Change Password'.

Reset Your Password

If you forget your password, you can retrieve it by clicking on the 'Reset Your Password' link on the login page. You will need to provide your email address, as well as the answers to the challenge questions asked when your account was created.

Personal Timezone

You are free to specify the timezone you want to view dates in. Please note that all daily spending limits and other date-sensitive calculations are based on the company's timezone and not your personal timezone. To set your timezone, navigate to the Personal Information page and specify the desired timezone.

Notifications

You can, and will by default, be notified when important things happen within Identity Exchange. Notifications are sent via email to the account email address. You are free to change your notification settings by clicking on the 'Notifications' link found on the 'My Home' page.

Company Account

Security PIN

The security PIN is a second level of validation provided within Identity Exchange (the first being your username/password). The PIN is required when performing sensitive actions within the system. Please note that the PIN is linked to the company account and not the user's account.

Pause Account

Buyers and sellers can put a hold on their account at any time - for buying and/or selling. Pausing an account prevents any transactions from taking place. Identity Exchange will reject any leads provided by sellers while their account is paused.

Company Timezone

The company timezone should be set to corporate headquarters. While each user can display dates in their own timezone, it is important that the account timezone represent the company as a whole. The account's timezone will be used for determining what a 'day' is in the system. For example, if the account timezone is set to US/Eastern, then the global and listing daily spending limits are based on that timezone.

Seller Profile Information

This only applies to sellers. The seller profile showcases the seller to potential buyers. Buyers will use this information to decide how comfortable they are buying leads from that particular seller. It is sellers' responsibility to provide accurate, up-to-date information here; they are bound by the user-agreement to do so. Any modification made to the profile is updated in real-time. In order to help deliver a personalized message, sellers can use a restricted set of html tags in their profile. The allowed tags are: A, STRONG, EM, U, UL, OL, LI, P, BR, IMG (image source must be hosted elsewhere). All other tag data is stripped. Note that the width of the area provided for a profile information is approximately 400px. One should not provide any image or other data that exceeds the boundaries of the provided box.

Seller Thumbnail Image

This only applies to sellers. Sellers are allowed to provide a small image (60px width by 60px height - png, gif and jpg filetypes allowed) that may be used alongside their name in various locations throughout Identity Exchange. This image helps with branding and provides quick recognition. The image should be a condensed version of the company's logo.

Exchange Account

The exchange account is used to manage funds that are coming in (and if a seller, funds going out) of Identity Exchange.

Funding Your Account

An Exchange Account must be funded before you can buy leads. To fund your account you must first create a verified funding source. Once a funding source is verified, you are able to fund your Exchange Account by pulling funds from the verified account.

Funding with a Bank Account

Adding funds electronically (via ACH) from a verified bank account is the preferred method for funding an Exchange Account. After a bank account has been verified (see Bank Account Verification), you may add funds. To begin, simply specify both the verified account from which to withdraw funds and the desired amount. Doing so creates a request for funds. Identity Exchange will then make the request for the specified funds (typically takes about 4-5 business days to secure). After the funds have been secured, you are notified and an Exchange Account transaction will take place reflecting the additional funds.

Bank Account Verification

All bank accounts must be verified before they can be used for funding/settlement purposes. Accounts must be 'business checking' or 'business savings' accounts to qualify. Personal accounts are not accepted. You must also provide a letter on bank letterhead stating that the provided account is owned by the business and that it is a business account. Click here to download a bank account verification letter template. Please fax the letter to 801-504-9200 upon completion or email it to support@identityexchange.com; please esure the account and routing numbers are provided for verification purposes.

Once Identity Exchange, Inc. has received the bank account verification letter, your bank account will become 'verified' and active for settlement, manual funds requests, and for use with auto-replenishment.

Auto Replenishment

Auto replenishment helps keep funds available in your Exchange Account at all times so you are always able to purchase the leads you need. To enable auto replenishment, select the verified bank account you would like the funds drawn from. Next, specify the Exchange Account balance amount at which to initiate a request for additional funds. Once your Exchange Account balance drops to the specified amount, the funds request will automatically be initiated. Lastly, select the amount of funds you want requested each time. If at any time a request for funds is denied, auto replenishment will not generate new requests until a manually created request for funds completes successfully.

Withdrawing Funds

You are free to withdraw funds from your Exchange Account as necessary. To withdraw funds, simply specify the verified bank account you would like the money sent to and the amount to send. The funds will immediately show as withdrawn from your Exchange Account and Identity Exchange will initiate the funds transfer. (This typically takes about 4-5 business days.)

Unreconciled Exchanges

Exchanges (buying and selling of leads) are reconciled within your Exchange Account on a nightly basis. Exchanges that occur during the business day do not appear as unreconciled until the nightly reconciliation process is complete.

Identity Exchange Definitions

Actual Daily Volume

The number of leads that a listing generates daily. This number is generated by Identity Exchange.

Average Daily Volume

The average number of transactions that have taken place, per day, over the specified time on the listing or the bid group respectively. If a listing has not started or produced any leads, that is reflected here. If a listing has started and a bid group shows no average daily volume, it is possible that there are no buyers in the given bid group; thus, it should not be assumed that the seller did not or could not generate leads in the given bid group.

Average High Bid

The average winning bid on a listing or subset of bid groups within the listing. If there is only one bid group, then this, by default, is the high bid.

Approximate Buying Power (ABP)

A very rough estimate of the possible percentage of the daily volume that is taken by a bid. This number is an assumption and should be used solely as a general guideline since it is impossible to predict an actual amount due to the unpredictability of the volume of leads and when they will arrive in Identity Exchange.

For example, if a buyer shows ABP of 5% on a bid, then you may infer that he/she will only be able to purchase approximately 5% of the volume of the listing on a given day. Therefore, if you are only interested in purchasing a small percentage of the leads in that listing, it would make more sense to bid into a second (or a lesser) position, as you should still get the volume you desire. If a buyer shows 100% ABP on a listing, then chances are high that he/she will take the entire volume of that bid group on any given day. Please remember that these numbers are only rough estimates and should be treated as such.

Bid Grouping

Reflects how the seller has divided the leads for purchase. Each listing contains one or more bid groups and a bid group consists of one or more zip codes in which the listing provides leads. Bid grouping can be done by: zip, county, area code, state, and inclusive (entire listing). All bids are placed on the bid group. The bid groups and their underlying zip codes cannot be changed once a listing becomes active.

Bidding Groups Count

The number of bidding groups a listing is divided into. This information does not change on the listing once it has been created and bids are placed on corresponding bid groups.

Expected Daily Volume

The number of leads a seller expects to send to Identity Exchange each day on the given listing. Please note that this is simply an estimate and should be used as such.

Included Zip Codes

Each listing and corresponding bid group consists of one or more underlying zip codes. This number reflects that count.

Lead Attributes

The information about a lead that can/will be present on a lead.

Required Lead Attribute

An lead attribute that is specified as 'required' must exist (i.e., cannot be empty or is set) when the lead enters Identity Exchange, or the lead will be rejected.

Next High Bid

The minimum amount that must be bid on the bid group in order to secure the top position.

Qualifiers

Very specific attributes that can be assigned to leads to help increase their validity. Identity Exchange specifies the applicable qualifiers in each market and defines what is required from the seller to specify that their leads meet that criteria. Please note that the qualifiers placed on listings are fully inclusive and each lead must have each qualifier specified.

Zip Codes Included

The number of zip codes included in the given listing or bid group.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Identity Exchange sell leads?

A: No, Identity Exchange is simply the marketplace where the exchanges of leads take place.