Advertising through US Postal Mail

[Will Sifert]

I know the best way for me to find out is to do split test, and I am aware that works best for you, in your market, might not work as good for me, BUT.... In your experiences how has the following methods worked for you?

(standard letter size envelope)
- hand written "to" address on envelop, printed label for return address, printed letter with their name on top of letter.

- printed to and return address, printed letter etc.

(post card size mailer)
- printed to and return address.

Right now I have my secretary hand addressing envelops, return address is a label with my name/address (no mention of a business). Using letters that are printed but addressed to their name. I calculated my costs to run about .40 cents a letter (mail merge, stuffing envelop, hand writing address and putting stamp on it) and about .60 for stamp, envelop, ink, paper and obtaining the lead. So right at $1 for each mailed.

I calculate that I could cut my labor cost in about 1/2 if I printed the address on labels vs hand writing them. In your experiences do you find that having a handwritten address vs printed address generated a bigger return than the costs to do it?

Also, I calculate that to send nice color post cards would cost about .50 each from printing, postage and labor costs.

If Michael or anyone else provides these same sevices and can do it cheaper for me I would be interested in talking some more.

Disclaimer: My first batch of mailings went out today, so I have no idea what to expect. My "theory" is that if someone receives a hand addressed envelope with the return address being local and in a person's name, not company that it would have a very very high success rate of people opening it. Where as if their address is printed I do not know if it would still have a very high success rate of people opening it or not.

At this point I am just trying to focus on getting their eyes on the material. I know the contents of the letter and following up with them with additional mailing campaigns is also VERY important.