The Perfect Source For Small Office and Home Office (SOHO) Information
Free Mini-Report HOW TO BUY MAILING LISTS
by Jay Lindsay
Let me explain. Certainly the Internet is a wonderful marketing tool but one should never forget that the "old fashioned" way of sending sales information through the mail is alive and well. In fact, this method will often provide a much higher conversion rate (contacts to paying customers) than will the same amount of dollars spent on Internet marketing. Direct mailing should be included in virtually every marketing campaign for most any type of business you can name. When buying mailing lists there are several things to consider: #1: The price you pay is nothing more than the price you pay. Experts know that this figure does not always represent the quality of the list. In making your purchase beware of deals that are too good. For example buying 1000 names and having the dealer throw in an extra 1000 names for free sounds great ... but you are probably going to get a bunch of worn out, outdated names. #2: You need to purchase fresh lists -- generally less than one year old. The post office will tell you that about 15% to 20% of the population moves each year. If you purchase an old list -- more than a year old -- you can easily see where a large amount of the mail will not be deliverable because the address is no longer valid. These are called "nixies." #3: Expect to pay from about $50 to $100 per 1000 for most good lists from reputable companies. Specialized lists -- like neurosurgeons who drive green cars -- can cost considerably more. #4: Beware of overworked names. If you are dealing with a company that sells the same 1000 names 300 times in a month, you can expect less than acceptable results. #5: The very best list to which to mail your offers is your own list of customers who have previously purchased from you. Often newcomers to direct mail marketing expect more than will be realized. No matter how good your product or offer, mailing to a good list of potential customers that have no knowledge of you or your company will result in 3% of them buying -- at best! #6: For most small purchases you will want to receive your list on handy peel 'n' stick mailing labels. This allows you to save processing charges by personally placing the labels on your envelopes. Larger quantities can be purchased on computer disc which can be handled by the large mailing houses that will prepare your mailings. #7: Mailing lists are rented rather than sold. When you order a mailing list you are renting the names and addresses for one time use. If needed, you can negotiate a second or third time use from the provider. Where should you buy your lists: National Business Reports -- This is my company and we sell small quantities of fresh Opportunity Seeker Names. You can Buy as few as 100 or as many as 1000 names at reasonable prices and we guarantee that they are deliverable. More details. Melissa Data Corporation -- This California based company has been around for years and we've never had a problem dealing with them. They offer a variety of products including mailing software and and array of mailing lists. There lists include occupant lists, business lists, property owners, new home owners, medical professionals, recent graduates and many more. More details.
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In this day and time, many beginning mail order operators
mistakenly believe that the Internet is the only way to properly market --
and I submit they are terribly mistaken.