[Mark]

Hi All,

Is anybody involved in the direct mail business?

Is there big money to be made in this type of business? Repeat sales etc...

mark

[jpomerenke]

Originally posted by Mark
Hi All,

Is anybody involved in the direct mail business?

Is there big money to be made in this type of business? Repeat sales etc...

mark

In my opinion with the internet there is no reason for mail order anymore.

[Mark]

What about combining this business with an online presence?

Its all about offering the customer something they would not go and look for...

mark

[jpomerenke]

Originally posted by Mark
What about combining this business with an online presence?

Its all about offering the customer something they would not go and look for...

mark

Alot of mail order companies from the past still do this. They have there online store and there mail order catalogs that go out. IMO the best route would be (the reason i say this is you have to mov good money thru your catalogs to pay for them and make them worth while.) one of my competitors comes out with a seasonal flyer (5-10 pages) and they have more nich products in it, etc. Its kinda a cool way of still incorporating the mail order.

Also the way i look at it all online stores should be set up like a mai order store anyways. You should have a 800 order line along with a offline order form they can mail in to your warehouse or store.

[Karen]

I think that a mailing in addition to online advertising is well worth the effort.

The mailing should be personalized though, and not just a general flyer that would be tossed in the trash.

Personalize it, put it on a postcard or in a card, and it will reach the target.

Karen

[mmerkau]

Mark,
Direct mail isn't a bad idea. Check around for different pricing and what "groups" are included in the package. Women in a higher income bracket tend to buy more than men...unless it's tools or hunting equip :>

I read somewhere that a customer needs to see your advertisement seven times before they act on it.

I would add something on the back of your flyer/card that would make the customer want to keep your information. Perhaps a list of websites that offer valuable info. Some tips & ideas that pertain to your product. I see alot of mini calenders on the back of business cards. I always keep those in my wallet for easy access.

I don't take direct mail seriously if it has a typed label affixed to the front with no return address or without any business info on the envelope. I always thought the postcards were a good idea. You don't have to "hope" someone opens it. Or, the envelopes with the windows, like the utility bills come in look professional.

Get the word out about your business anyway you can. Considering there are a billion websites and chances of someone just happening upon yours is 35,000 to one (in some searches).

Michelle

[troyswitch]

Yeah, direct mail is a hard business. Personally, I wouldn't stick with direct mail as my only marketing weapon. However, some business do thrive using this method. Of course, it's very cheap to get into, but then again--it's cheap for a reason.

My best recommendation would simply be to get into it, test the market, and see if it works out for you. You'll never know if you don't try the industry. However, don't put all your eggs in one basket