Direct mail vs skip trace

[Anthony Logorz]

I know this is comparing apples to oranges. But Would you guys say at first it is better to invest money in direct mail marketing or skip tracing software? Please elaborate your answer and explain why previous experience, results, costs etc... 

Some pros and cons would be great as well,
Thanks in advance!

[David Dey]

Our biz is made almost entirely of abandoned properties that we skip trace to track down.

These are phenomenal leads and can bring in some amazing deals.

Now understand, there is a lot more work involved than the mailers, as you need to have vetted your deal before skip tracing your seller.  

Also, calling them is the ideal scenario because that will get a much higher response than any mailer.

Here are the things to consider though.

1) more work, (I mentioned that above)

2) skip tracing will only get you so far.  First, not all skip tools are created equal.  There are plenty of basic tools out there that promise the world but most of their databases are antiquated.  Even the best ones (we had to be sponsored by our atty for the ones we use) are not 100% accurate.  In the end, you have to be part investor, part PI, part bloodhound, etc to find some people, but if you make 50k for finding them, more power to you.

3)  not everyone is cut out for cold calling, you have to create an elevator pitch, an outline of the questions you need answered.  you may get hung up on a few times (tough skin is a plus) again, you have to be all things to all people, part investor, part psychologist, part priest. (Believe me, they will tell you their life story) But again, if you are among the chosen few that can and are willing to do this, you will be handsomely rewarded.

Hope this helps