Direct Mail Return Addresses?

[Jordan Solomon]

What do any of you do when it comes to the return address when implementing a direct mail campaign? First of all, is a return address even absolutely necessary? I mean, it's very unlikely that, whether they're actually interested or just want to be removed from the list, they're going to write to me rather than calling the number written on the postcard, right? And I'm the one potentially buying their house and not the other way around, so I figure it isn't something they really NEED to know. But if it IS necessary, how do you handle this? Do you actually use your home address? That just concerns me a bit from a privacy/security standpoint. Do you use a PO box, or does that look too unprofessional?

So it seems like a bit of a dilemma, for me at least. Again, what do you guys do? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Brian G.]

@Jordan Solomon get any box not only for the reasons explained above but primarily because you want the undeliverable letters. Undeliverable = potential vacant homes!  Once you get a good basket of them. Group them by zip and do a drive-by. Hit them all and leave notes on the front door. Talk to neighbors (of course they want the place trash-out). Ton of motivation behind these gems. All the best.