Mailing lists

[limoOrbust08]

Does anyone have any advise about using mailing lists and their services. I don't plan on using a limo or a sedan, Just a 2008 Lincoln Navigator L mainly to and from the airports. I'm trying to target the coorporate clients, and I thinking of using a mailing list sevice.
Let me know what you think. http://limos.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

[Blue Diamond]

Most mailings get thrown away! Junk mail.

Personal visits to these potential clients is the best answer. Don't go cheap, or that's how your company will be seen. alway do meet/ greets in person. Bring company info, business cards, brouchers, ect.

[Limo Scene]

Fact: 3% of all unsolicited mail (junk mail) is actually read. Here is how to compute your actual cost on a mailer -

Example:
2000 pieces mailed x .75 per piece production cost = $1500. Add .42 for postage $840. This does not include design time, production fees, setup costs etc. Just raw costs of $2340.00

2000 x 3% = 60 people will actually READ your mail.

Cost of $2340 / 60 people = $39.00 per piece to get it in their hands to read.

Assuming a response/booking rate of 5% of those 60 who actually read it, 3 people may book as a result of your mailer.

$2340 / 3 people who book = $780 lead fee paid to get the order.

Any more questions?

[Dean Schuler]

Specialized mailing lists have a much greater rate of return if you are sending a superior product. I mail a top of the line brochure and letter to every incoming convention and do very well. You might also consider an e-mail product to prospect for clients.

[limoOrbust08]

Originally posted by Dean Schuler:
Specialized mailing lists have a much greater rate of return if you are sending a superior product. I mail a top of the line brochure and letter to every incoming convention and do very well. You might also consider an e-mail product to prospect for clients.

Thanks for the "positive" reply Dean Would you be wiling to send my wife anf I a sample brochere? Thanks Again

[KC]

Well the actual return from dirct mailing is not as profitable as our internet advertising. Our company has been lucky with our American Express list, which is targeted to card members in our area that spend a certain amount on travel.

Our company is also a member of our local Convention and Visitors bureau, as with Dean, we also send brochures and letters to every incoming convention. The list for incoming conventions is providing to us as part of our membership to the bureau.

[limoOrbust08]

Originally posted by KC:
Well the actual return from dirct mailing is not as profitable as our internet advertising. Our company has been lucky with our American Express list, which is targeted to card members in our area that spend a certain amount on travel.

Our company is also a member of our local Convention and Visitors bureau, as with Dean, we also send brochures and letters to every incoming convention. The list for incoming conventions is providing to us as part of our membership to the bureau.

Thanks for the reply any helpful tips on getting one of those lists for are area.I was planing on useing help from a local print shop.

[KC]

Originally posted by limoOrbust08:
Thanks for the reply any helpful tips on getting one of those lists for are area.I was planing on useing help from a local print shop.

I work for a fairly large established company in Houston, so the expense of sending direct mailings does not hit us in the pocket as much as a company that is just starting out.

I just wanted to make you aware that the AMEX mailing list is not cheap. Just call AMEX merchant services and they should be able to help you. Our company is also a member with ITEX Barter Exchange and got our materials on trade (barter), so there was not a large out of pocket expense on production and printing.

I do recommend that the best thing to do for a company just starting out is using your feet. Visit local companies in your area, pass out flyers and business cards. Even visit your fellow competitors in your market. They can be your best clients, and will keep you busy when they are booked up. As Limo Scene stated below the return on direct mailing might not be as profitable one would think – if not done the right way. Please weigh all our options before jumping on what could be a very expensive marking tool.

Good luck in your new endeavor.

[Limo Scene]

Okay,

If you are sending TARGETED mail, such as Dean is doing, the results are completely different than mass mailing. Dean is mailing to a specific group who is arriving in his city and NEEDS transportation. This is the same for the AMEX list. You can actually order the AMEX list with specific criteria such as all AMEX cardmembers who dine in high dollars restaurants, spent money on concert tickets in the last 6 months and have an income of over $75,000. With targeted lists you will have better results because you already KNOW these people spend money on the finer things in life. But, for those who are considering mailing 5000 pieces at random, the statistic remains a dismal 3% readership.