Failing Forward? 1st mail out returns poor

[Matthew Allen]

Early last month I sent my first direct mail marketing in San Antonio. I narrowed down to one zipcode using high recent cash sales, 30 avg on market, proximity to my home, etc. I pulled an absentee list of >50% equity homes under $200,000 value. I mailed hand addressed white envelopes with a printed letter with the home's address including a basic message and picture of my wife and I.

In the month since I have received about 20 pieces back, 1 call to be removed from the list, 1 from another flipper who was trying to work some wonky deal to sell to me at basically market price then have me owner finance to the current tenant of the home, and 1 from the daughter of a seller who was going to speak with the seller then pass along my information (I've tried following up but she hasn't responded).

I am confident in my acquisition abilities as I currently acquire pipeline easements from landowners in the oil & gas industry, but I need the phone to ring at a higher clip than 2 leads out of 500. I know it'll take multiple contacts, so I'm willing to see this thru, but the early returns on my approach are far less than promising.

Where did I go wrong here? Better yet, how can I adjust to get more responses? Any wisdom would be greatly appreciated!

[Joseph Caracappa]

Matthew Allen good morning. One our first mailer we bought 5000 postcards that had a picture of my wife and I on them (thought it would be more relatable). We sent out 2000 to an absentee list and received two phone calls, one asking two be taken off the list and the other had no interest in selling, just curious how we obtained their information. Needless to say I took the other 3000 walked out front and threw them in the recycle! We then switched to hand written letters (very short and to the point) and the response rate is night and day! Same list different message! About 1-2 phone calls every 50 letters average. And we save money on postage because we are sending less to receive more leads. This worked in our market, not saying it will in yours. Maybe do some test marketing with some different pieces?

To your success bud!