Commercial Direct Mail?

[mark63]

I picked up my buss crds and mentioned to my printer I was interested in post cards. He started making proofs and sending them to me, then gave me the number of a direct mail list company that he knows. Well now i'm getting ready to send three mailings out to 2000 commercial addresses one town over from me which will end up costing me over $2000.00 buy the third mailing. I am starting to think I might be making a $2000.00 mistake, but after their work I would not want to stop the process. Does anybody have any experience or advice for this type of marketing, I did not advertise any low prices or print any prices, just 10% off for first time customers. PS. I was a carpet installer before cleaning so I also put restreches and repairs in the ad which I think might help with commercial jobs.

[CleanItGreen]

I've done eddm (every door direct mail) and its been hit or miss, mostly miss. Maybe once I broke even. However, I hit different areas. I have heard that if you target an area and hit it multiple times you may start getting hits due to brand recognition. Personally I'm not doing eddm again.

[encapman]

Have not found it to work. Junk mail... errh "Direct Mail" is not cost effective IMHO.

In my experience - targeting accounts and directly working with prospects in person is what lands commercial accounts. That includes phone calls, mailings, in person meetings, and follow up emails. Target a smallish list of what you'd consider to be ideal clients, and then hammer away at that list. Be consistent. Make return visits to the same prospect over and over until they become your client. Getting in front of the customers is what nails the account. And doing a free demo helps too! This is the technique that has always given me the best results.

[mark63]

Thanks for the replys, That is kinda what I have been thinking. I would feel uncomfortable just showing up at places though. Do you call first? I would be thinking that I'm bothering them.

[encapman]

Here are a few ideas to get you going...

http://www.excellent-supply.com/Getting-...g_b_1.html

http://www.excellent-supply.com/Dress-Fo...s_b_2.html

http://www.excellent-supply.com/Getting-...r_b_3.html

http://www.excellent-supply.com/How-To-P...s_b_5.html

http://www.excellent-supply.com/The-impo...s_b_6.html

http://www.excellent-supply.com/Why-do-C...d_b_8.html

http://www.excellent-supply.com/Persiste..._b_19.html

[mark63]

Thank you. The hardest door to get through is definitely my own. You gave me a great road map when I do!