Topic: Some Post Card ?'s for the Vets.

[kfigeley]

Im in the process of mailing out postcards and heres where I stand. The Card has been completed, and the list of names have been bought. Im using EXCEL to create the labels so I can save as much money as possible.
My question is, how much will bulk postage be, Ive heard 24 cents but just want to make sure.
Second, whats a ball park figure on the return I can expect, and how many post cards do you send out at a time.
This is turning out to cost a little money so any details would be great if you can help. I plan on sending about 3000 out on the first go.

Thanks again
kfigeley
kccpressurewashing
houston tx

[Philip93]

The Card has been completed, and the list of names have been bought. Im using EXCEL to create the labels so I can save as much money as possible.
My question is, how much will bulk postage be, Ive heard 24 cents but just want to make sure.

To answer your Q first, the postage depends on postcard size, how much of the sorting work you do yourself, if you use the special USPS barcodes, bundle size.  Which depends on your mailing list, software, etc.  And then you have to have a bulk rate permit which costs a few hundred $$$.  Oh, and don't forget buying the labels, toner,and labor to apply them...

Now, to respond to your first statement about saving money, I don't think you will.  Ignoring all the extra costs, my printer pre-printed all the cards with the address/barcode, sorted them for best postage rates, included them with other mailings to get the best volume pricing, and let me piggyback his bulk rate permit.  All at no extra charge to get/keep my printing business.

YMMV, but in my case DIY was the most expensive route...

[pressurepros]

Agree with Philip. My mailing company does the labeling, gets the list and on their bulk permit mailer I pay $.22 for the oversize cards.

Be cautious about blowing your advertising load on one big mailer. You may be disappointed with the results. You would be better to send out the same card two or three times (either in lots of 1500 or 1000) over the course of a few weeks. Make each and every job count by marketing to the houses around it. This is one time I think it is feasible to knock on doors.

Show up 15 minutes early for your scheduled job then visit the neighbors.

"Hi, Ma'am I'm Jeremy from JB Pressure Washing. We're doing a job for your neighbor, Mrs Johnson across the street so we wanted to let you know there might be a little noise for a short while. We work efficiently so it won't be too long. While I have your attention, I'd like to offer you the 10% off coupon Mrs Johnson took advantage of. It saved her over $100. Let me know if there is anything we can do for you. I'd be happy to give you a free estimate after you see what type of work we do."

What did you just say to the customer?
1. Your neighbor trusts us.
2. I'm professional and courteous.
3. You can save money.
4. No pressure or obligation, I am going to show you I am as good as my flier says I am.

Then, it is all about budget, budget, budget. Set aside 15% of every job for your next advertising campaign and so on and so on until you are booked 6-8 weeks in advance.

[pressurepros]

Sending out all 3000 fliers could yield 1/2 of them getting lost with other mailers and customer never seeing. The other half may need the service but have no idea who you are.

By mailing out multiple times you are hedging your bets that all 1000 people will see the postcard at least once and that many will see it three times. That builds familiarity and that breeds calls.

[apple]

Ken do you think once a month is spread out too far for mailings?

[pressurepros]

Chris. Initially that would be slow. Every 7-10 days they should be seeing something. You don't have to do just mailers. That can include flyers, door hangers, church bulletins, etc. I stay in one area until I dominate it. If you don't start seeing decent returns on a good list after 4 exposures, move on to the next area.

[apple]

Thanks Ken.

For now Ill be limited to once a month as far as mailing. I plan to put out as many doorhangers as possible in these areas as well. Also began putting out the bandit signs today.

[Johnson]

Chris. Initially that would be slow. Every 7-10 days they should be seeing something. You don't have to do just mailers. That can include flyers, door hangers, church bulletins, etc. I stay in one area until I dominate it. If you don't start seeing decent returns on a good list after 4 exposures, move on to the next area.

How exactly do you know that youve dominated it? Do you target the area again next year regardless of return?