Direct Mailing

[kc2006]

48hourprint didn't explain it all that great, but from what I'm guessing they do the list for you, it said "process mailing list" in the list of things they do. Now I dont know if that means they'll sort the list to your specs (homeowner age/income/home value) or if they just send it to the first X amount from the zip that you pick. I called a local company just alittle bit ago, he's going to be calling back with a quote. He said he can do everything from design/print/mail or just mail them even. So I'm checking what his price to print/mail and just mail is. He's processing a list right now to see how many people are in my zip alone that I want to mail to.

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[Steve]

Lawn care business tips

Thanks Jules for the pricing. Have you ever sent out bulk mailings? Kurt keep us posted on what your contact says.

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[julesagain]

No, we have never done bulk mailing and actually that was one of my questions...has anyone found this service helpful? I know when i get adds and such in the mail they are never of interest to me.

i also wondered if bulk mailings made the cheapskates call looking to bargain down and do nothing more then aggravate.

What does everyone think of this service?

[kc2006]

Got the quote from the local place, looking at $473 total for 1000 postcards including printing. I have to check if their printing price is for 6x9 or 4x6 postcards, if its 6x9 they're cheap on the printing but if its 4x6 they're high. Doesn't sound bad to me though. And for next year, they won't be too bad for a large amount of cards. They're basicly 22.8 cents each plus 95 dollars for the list plus printing cost.

[Steve]

I really don't think that is bad either. Will you be doing any sort of inducement to get the customer to call due to a discount or something?

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ]i also wondered if bulk mailings made the cheapskates call looking to bargain down and do nothing more then aggravate.

What does everyone think of this service?

Well I think if you target a certain group of potential customers, you can shoot for a market that seems to ave better lawns and would be more willing to pay a premium for lawn care.

Many of these mailing lists can be based on household income too.

[roclin]

Originally Posted by Steve

Kurt,

Here is some more info on bulk mailing http://pe.usps.gov/text/dmm200/discount.htm.

You do need to pay for a permit and it very well could be upwards of $300. You also need to renew it each year.

How does 48hourprint.com handle the mailing lists? Do they get the list for you or do you need to provide it?

Have you tried Vista print? Make your own, use there's. Mail 50 or more. Test from around your home.

[Steve]

What kind of responses have you seen from a mailing of 50?

[roclin]

Originally Posted by Steve

What kind of responses have you seen from a mailing of 50?

What I was referring too through Vista-print, was the mailings are as low as 50. And if you wait around a few days they will email a chance for you to get free postcards and more. It's easy for people who have little money. Your looking for 1-3% return. If your a one man show this is one way to start.
50 is great for testing an area,500-1000 would be better once you've tested. You do not need a permit. They take care of all that. Everything depends on how you create your cards. Too much info is not a good approach. Let's use the example of "Sprinkler Repair Services". Gets to the point rather saying your business name-"Jerrys Garden Service" which should be some where else on your advertising.

[Steve]

Oh that is very interesting! Good point.