Direct Mail - do you put your return address on the envelope?

Question

Hi All,

Wanted to get your thoughts on Direct Mail pieces I have sent out - they were first class letters and I put my own mailing address as the return address - what do other people do? Just curious if its the best idea to put one's residential address as the return on these mailers especially when I plan on sending several follow up's?

Thanks for any advice.

Adrienne Bryson · Answer

I do put a return address.  I've gotten a few back that were not deliverable.  I interpret that to mean that person is hard to find, which means it's unlikely anyone else has approached them so if they're interested in selling I can [hopefully] be the one to get the lead.  I will be skip tracing to find them.

I also had a lead actually write back!

I don't see any reason not to put a return address.

Michael Nyszczot · Answer

@Dolores Waldron -- I have split tested mailings in the past with or without a return address.  The results did not vary for me based on my experience.  I continue to include the return address.  You can minimize your mailing cost by removing bad addresses from your list.

Justin Silverio · Answer

I'd recommend getting a UPS Box and using that as a return address.  A UPS box will give you a physical address (i.e., 123 Main Street #5).

@Steve Bracero why would you not put a return address on your mailers?  Are you sending first class or standard mail?

Dolores Waldron · Answer

Thank you all...very helpful !!

Monika Smith · Answer

Just for security, and privacy, I never do. I do, however, put a business card in with my mailings, which has my PO Box.

Steve Bracero · Answer

Hi @Justin Silverio

Just something I did not do... This is my first campaign so I am still learning the ins and outs of DM

I just write the address, stamp, and not seal the envelope which might make it easier to open

Dolores Waldron · Answer

Thank you ALL, I think a UPS mail box might be a better idea. Thanks @Justin Silverio

Jamal Wilson · Answer

I havent done any DM marketing yet, but I'd love to hear what others have to say about this.

Steve Bracero · Answer

Hi @Dolores Waldron

I do not put return address on them. I hand wrote letters and got a 7.5% response rate

The key is getting the buyer to open the mail!

Direct Mail - do you put your return address on the envelope?

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