Question about direct mailing....
I plan on mailing as many letters (within reason) to pre-foreclosures and was wondering if there is a cheaper way to purchase postage. I'm thinking of purchasing the pitney-bowes stamper but wanted some advice before buying.
Thanks! 
You guys aren't all using stamps are you??!!
Ok. Let me rephrase the question.
What is the best way to save money on postage when direct mailing?
Thanks!
C'mon folks, I'd like to see an answer too.
To put in my two cents, I've heard people mention saving money by second- and third-class mail. But I'm at a loss as to how one does this. All I ever see available at the snail-mail office is first class for 34 cents. or 37. or whatever it is now.
Andrew
RE Profits and WonderBoy1999:
Here's some really Helpful information for you to consider!
I've been a fan of Direct Mail since 1988 when I first experienced the MAGIC of it's rerun for my Efforts!
I was just beginning to launch my mortgage originating career and the Economy was TANKING (Black Monday Oct)...I was a new L/O at an upstart Lender. I was selected to assist the nktg. dept. with new biz. development.
The firm used direct-mail backed up with a STRONG Back-up of Tele-mktg.!
We mailed out over 10,000 pieces a week and operated a call-center using 12 L/Os.
The returns were Phenomenal! Avg. 35 to 60 new Loans monthly!
Their secret was a 3 Step Mailer using basically the same body with a Different Header on the Letter sent out over a 3-4 Week period! (All Mailed using BULK-RATE DELIVERY about 13 CENTS per mailer)
Now RE PROFITS---WHY THIS METHOD (Bulk-Rate) ABSOLUTELY WILL NOT WORK FOR RE INVESTORS?
#1- Cost Savings isn't Realized until you've closed a deal!
#2- Are you looking to PAY FOR a Low-Priced Mailing System or INVEST IN a High-Response Mktg. Strategy?
#3- Bulk-Rate is cheap but not effective!
(See the above return on 10K in mailers from the loan company---about .06 percent or less!!!)
Are you planning to Mail 10,000 pieces or more? How Often?
You can also expect that on Avg. a Homeowner facing foreclosure receives not only 3-5 calls and/or Letters a per day (75-100 monthly) all claiming to help them solve their problems EASILY!
When I got into RE Investing I used this to reach out to homeowners facing foreclosure.
My secret was to let these homeowners know ahead of time to look out for my letter
Cuz it had a free "gift" for them…This included my Consumer Awareness Guide + the my Special Report: "The 5 Secrets Lenders Won't Tell Homeowners Facing Foreclosure?" (Read this Article here on TCI!)
When they scheduled a FREE Consultation I'd bring the Gifts with me. Also, I'd ask them could I follow up with them in 2 days to see what they thought of the helpful guide and/or do a Needs Analysis by phone if they wished!
The Letters I used in my 3-Step Strategy were all mailed inside of a #10 Envelopes (WHITE), HAND ADDRESSED with First Class Postage firmly Affixed! (It took forever cuz we had to either lick of wet these puppies B4 they'd stick--YUCK!) Anyway using this Mailer/Phone strategy almost always got me CREDIBILITY and POSITIONED Me as a HELPFUL, EXPERT CONSULTANT and…
This Method Returns BETTER than Bulk-Rate postage---I GET 4 out of 25 appointments and close 50% (or better) of those I meet with!
I control my Mailers and Target my audience!
I also use classified Ads that keep my phone ringing with Sellers AND THIS IS REALLY THE WAY YOU WANT IT TO BE!
I hope this helps! Should either of you or anyone else here on TCI Need REI Mktg Advice:
My Time is Yours!
Derrick Ali
[addsig]
Derrick,
Thanks for the response. I should have been a tad clearer with my earlier posts. I don't plan on bulk mailing to the general population...mainly just to those that are flagged for pre-foreclosure (which around here would probably equate to 100 or so letters a month).
You're phone/mail strategy is excellent. I never thought of approaching it that way. I'll have to add that one to my plan.
Always a great help Derrick,
Vic
I cannot for the life of me find the Article "The 5 Secrets Lenders Won't Tell Homeowners Facing Foreclosure?"
Can someone point me to it?
Jom
I'm also looking for the "5 Secrets" article as well. Help!!
Here are some other DM Secrets to increase the effectiveness of your mailings:
1. TEST... you can have 1,000 names, send 500 with one message/headline/design and another one with different info...find out what gives you a better return and KEEP doing it!
2. If your sending 25, 50, or 100 at a time...HAND WRITE a personal; note on the front of the mailing ex: Hi Joe, This information can REALLY help you. Please call me as soon as you have a moment! Joe....and watch them CALL you!
I have helped many companies become RICH using DM and this ALWAYS works!
Visionary
kc and jom
here is the link your looking for
http://home.earthlink.net/~cmla2003/_wsn/page3.html