Direct Mail Help

[Jim Tiernan]

Hey BP, I'm looking for a little direct mail help. I am a long-term buy-and-hold guy with 3 SFR so far. I don't do flips. I'm looking to get a direct mail campaign going (using listsource), looking for Non-owner occupied free and clear properties (Larry Harbolt style) starting here in Denver. I'm not trying to steal anyone's system so if you don't want to share that's ok. But any help would be GREATLY appreciated. You can email me directly at [email protected] if you prefer, or share with all on BP.

I need some basic guidance from A to Z.

Business cards - I was going to get a new google voice number.

- Is there a better response rate with a local area code vs. an 800 number?

I ask because I'm also eventually interested in Dallas, Phoenix and Las Vegas.

- Should I have "Real estate investor" on the card? Or something

like "Buyer of Long-Term Rental Properties"?. I imagine "investor" has a bit of a negative connotation to some owners.

Direct Mail Services - Once I get leads from listsource, I can import that list to http://www.yellowletters.com/ or wherever? Are there better direct mail companies?

I was thinking a white letter with a 3-year calendar on the back so maybe it stays on the refrigerator for a while.

-If I only need to talk to one seller a week until I get the hang of it (I have a full time job), how many would you recommend sending out a week?

- Once I determine how many to send out a week, can that be automated?

As in can I just include a bunch of zip codes and let "the system" do the rest?

Lead Tracking - Is there an easy tool to track when first letter was sent, second letter, contact notes etc?

Dang, that's a lot of questions.

Thanks and Great Deals To All !

Jim

[Michael Quarles]

@Jim Tiernan 

- Is there a better response rate with a local area code vs. an 800 number? 

Local wins... Although if a vanity number then I would use it only as an advertising mechanism not as a call this number. Example 1-877-WeBuyHouses on a Postcard, Professional Letter or ZipLetter is fine however also include the local number as the number to call. Using the vanity will afford you piggyback credibility.

I ask because I'm also eventually interested in Dallas, Phoenix and Las Vegas.

Just grab local numbers and have them forward to the same VOIP or landline.

- Should I have "Real estate investor" on the card? Or something

I like making the statement I Buy Houses, even We Buy Houses and leave it at that. Too many investors get caught up in titles and sellers dont care about titles.

Direct Mail Services - Once I get leads from listsource, I can import that list tohttp://www.yellowletters.com/ or wherever? Are there better direct mail companies?

I think my baby is the cutest baby in the class.

I was thinking a white letter with a 3-year calendar on the back so maybe it stays on the refrigerator for a while.

NO.... If a frig item make it small so it doesnt hide the baby pictures. Besides there is a calendar on every cell phone.

-If I only need to talk to one seller a week until I get the hang of it (I have a full time job), how many would you recommend sending out a week?

Depends on the letter type... Instead of you talking to everyone let your mail piece filter for you and drop out the motivated seller. 

- Once I determine how many to send out a week, can that be automated?

Absolutely.... Automating mail is very easy.

As in can I just include a bunch of zip codes and let "the system" do the rest?

Great point

Lead Tracking - Is there an easy tool to track when first letter was sent, second letter, contact notes etc?

Yes