Question about Sending Letters to Private Lenders

[Alvin Grier]

We purchased a list of people in our area that have acted as private lenders recently, and before I send them our inquiry letters (introducing them to us so that we can perhaps meet for lunch to meet), I have a question...

When sending mailers out to absentee owners of single family residence (to see if they want to sell), I was taught to make the envelope look like a personal invitation to a birthday party or something, to get them to open it.

For a letter to a prospective private lender, though, what approach would is best, relatively speaking?

I was thinking about using a number 10 envelope, with our logo and return address in the return address field (typed), to give off a professional image, and maybe even have their name and address typed as well.

I was thinking that the benefit of the "birthday party"-looking envelope is that it would encourage them to open it, while a business-looking one may not get opened...

BUT, a business-looking envelope makes you look more professional, so I'm a little confused on this one.

I'm leaning towards the professional image, but just wanted to get your insight.

Thanks in advance for your time.