Probate Letters Yellow vs White, handwritten????

Question

Hi everybody,
Im targeting probate and I am getting ready to do some direct mail to the executors. I'm hearing some people say they use a white letter, is that handwritten or typed formally? On the other hand, some are saying they're going with the traditional yellow letter approach. Can anyone who is actually having consistent success with probated clarify. I'm outsourcing this task to a mailing house and I want to know how to do this right. Thanks everyone.

Scott Costello · Answer

Hi Deshone,

Just in case you hadnt gotten your answer yet, I think "White Letters" are formal printed letters.  You usually want be more formal when dealing with Probate leads.  It's a much more emotional lead.  After the first letter, you might be able to get away with a hand written note.

you are gonna piss some people off regardless though, but don't let that stop you.

Mikhail Sazonov · Answer

@Michael Quarles

@Terry Martine

Guys, do you suggest actual handwriting on the envelopes, not just good handwriting font? How do you automate it?  Find couple housewives to fill out thousands of envelopes.

How do you do it Mike with millions of pieces?! (Not trying to get any closely guarded secrets of the mailing biz, just from sheer curiosity)

Michael Quarles · Answer

Handwritten and simple.   You want calls   Then typed and longer.  Both in handwritten envelopes.

Two numbers.

Heck we have designed an overnight type envelope which is getting great action for typed important letters.

Mike S. · Answer

Rick H. and are you mailing locally in LA area?

Mike S. · Answer

Rick H. how did that probate mailing go?

Terry Martine · Answer

We suggest a white or hand written letter. A yellow letter doesn't get the same respect as a regular letter, but always hand write the address. In addition, we send letters to the family. There's always one that's spent the inheritance before they get it.

Rick H. · Answer

Congratulations on your first post, Stacie!

I've mailed probate estate periodically for over 20 years and have had mixed results.  First of all, I must disclose that I modified my strategy many years ago to focus on marketing to the attorney more so and hence, much less effort on direct to seller campaigns.

You are right: Copywriting with condolences does not work!  And why should it?  It's comes across as insincere when from a stranger seeking to do business with the family.  Trying "act" compassionate comes across as "acting."

If you can be more empathic and perhaps reflect on how you and your family felt during a grieving or post-death period, you probably did not want I be bothered.  If anything, to be made aware of a resource is helpful...but with no pitch.  A simple message that lets them know there are lots of things they may need help with (gardeners, handymen, etc.) and endless questions that come up answered (what happens when...).  Find way to make their already hectic life easier.

White (typed) letters vs handwritten yellow letters? Postcards?  I can say unequivocally that postcards are inappropriate (and I know how to be inappropriate!).  I've even used typewritten letters with window envelopes effectively at times and found yellow letters no more (or less) responsive.  I consider myself a better-than-average copywriter however I heard others with some really crappy stuff claim better responses, so go figure.

I'm about to start mailing again so it'll be interesting to see how the markets responds:
Offline to online, online to offline, sophisticated, unsophisticated...we'll see.  Personally, I prefer an unsophicated, slightly needy seller or client who appreciates having someone to drop the whole problem into their (my) lap.

Don't forget to Test, test, test!

Stacie N. · Answer

Hi, I was wondering if anyone has any good samples of the language used in the probate letters.  I have heard that saying things like "I am sorry for your loss"  or "Please accept my condolences" are not effective.

Any advice would be much appreciated.  Thanks!

Account Closed · Answer

Thanks Scott,
I actually already started the process of printing the letters today. We decided to go with a handwritten yellow letter that was specific for probate.  I hadn't gotten a response and I used the same type of letter with an inheritance list and got a pretty good return.  Anyway, I'll keep everyone posted. God bless.

Probate Letters Yellow vs White, handwritten????

Most Popular Reply