Postcard Versus Letter
Hey,
My current plan is to buy several thousand preprinted postcards. Side one is the message to the recipient and side two contains my return address, the place the stamp goes, etc.
I plan on running the cards through my printer to print the recipeint's name and address on it. I am NOTusing labels.
I am also toying with the idea of having my signature scanned and printed on the postcards in blue ink. I am NOT talking about using a different font.
So here are my questions:
Has anyone tracked the response rate on a postcard versus a letter??
To state the obvious, a postcard contains much less information, but is so much cheaper, than a letter. But it is false economy?
Also there seems to be lots of opinions about addressing the envelopes (or postcards) by hand and signing them. Has anyone actually tracked this?
I am of the opinion that a scanned signature looks the same as my real one (the truth is they are both messy). Has anyone else tried this?
Thanks!
as for the letter v. postcard issue, i believe in the postcard. people facing foreclosure generally avoid mail, especially envelopes (chances are, they are way behind on many other bills as well). i just don't think many of them will even open a letter.
I have tried postcards but I bought the ones that come with a business card attached as well. No response so far. I will be folloing up after a few weeks. I hear that persistance is the key to finding motivated sellers. I don't think I will go with the same ad. I'm in the trial and error period. I'm beginning to think that less is better. Do you list more than 3 reasons why they should call you? Im interested to hear how successful letters are for landing deals also.
erick247,
In mailing I use both the letter and the postcard, and I send them at the same time. My sellers tell me the post card gets their attention and the letter gives them the specifics of how I can help them. I get an equal amount of people that call me as soon as the notice of trustee sale is filed and then the other half less then 30 days prior to the sale. In "every" situation it was cash talks and BS walks. My sellers tell me there getting the same creative tactics from 40 plus investors. I stand out from them in the sense that unfortunately the investors have been trying to use loopy contracts, lie, and take advantage of people. Many investors around here seem to think that because people are not finacially educated that they are stupid. I snagged a good deal with over $40k in equity because investors were trying to give $500-$1000 I walked in payed off loan, homeowner got $10k and I made $30k. Dont be greedy and dont take advantage of people and you will come out ahead. Im not sure what paths you are planning to take but I pay pretty good bird dog fees.
Hey,
Thanks for the answers!
I really had not thought about the fact that someone reads a postcard on the way back from the mailbox, so that by itself might make the choice for me.
I wasn't really thinking about foreclosures, but instead absent landlords adn FSBO. For the landlords I can get lists from the county. Does anyone know a source of addresses for the FSBO? I know I can drive around and there are a few web-based sites.
I agree that sending the mailing repeatedly is critical.
The card is a hello, i want to buy your house and then 5 or 6 bullet points of pain (Tired of dealing with tenants, late rent checks, ongoing repairs, etc.).
Any ideas on the signature and addressing questions???
I would base that on cost. If your sending letters hand written gets opened more. Post cards should have eye catchers on both sides. If your sig is messy, draw one or use a canned one. I don't think many use postcards for a sig card.