Hi Denzel,
Here is a picture of one of mine. The language varies from market to market, but you just have to tweak it a little until you find what works best for you.
I am curious, did those calls that blew you phone up result in purchases/sales and why did you stop the direct mail?
Good question. Blowing up your phone isn't always the best thing. Michael always says getting tons of calls without a capture and fulfillment system in place is a waste of time and money, and I agree with him 100%
And while I'm agreeing with him, I have to confess his answer on the previous page was 100% right on too. Leaving off the return address definitely increases the open and read rate. I've since had a chance to split test and have seen a dramatic increase in response.
So Mark,
I am arranging for a YL campaign myself. I've read a good bit and convinced myself if I send out one mailing im in for 4 or 5 mailing to get optimum result. I am curious, did those calls that blew you phone up result in purchases/sales and why did you stop the direct mail?
Doug
Yes... Got two deals and I mailed out around 600 letters, going from memory. I used the mortgage lates list and it worked well. This time around I might try another list and up my mailing qty. I had a few people scream at me and a few threaten to sue me etc.. but I laugh those off because I think there funny. I also used Mikes pre-recorded message but I'm going to use my own this time to see the difference. His recording is nice but I like to experiment.
To add a little humor to the post... when those mortgage lates went out I got a call from my sister asking me what the hell was I doing because she received one. I wasn't able to buy her house. :-)
Whoa! Apparently that dude was NOT receptive to the idea of selling fast for cash in "as-is" condition!
But really, to cuss someone out, you should use more variety in your profanity. Use more of the S word, C word, and P word in addition to the F word and its variant MF.
So with the different lists (inheritence, Probate, Absentee Owners, etc), different paper (white, yellow, cards) different styles (1st contact , 2nd contact, 3rd contact), addresses, phone numbers, day mailers sent out, responses, costs, etc etc...what type of software is best to track all this infomation? Spreadsheet? Database? Spouse?
Great question! Hopefully Dev Horn, Jerry Puckett, Michael Quarles and co Chime in on this. I have been thinking about it myself. I know we get a ton of questions on letters but from previous post all have mentioned intake and fulfillment is just as, or more important.
I have an intense software program. Does everything from the mail prospect tracking through resale. Tracks escrow repairs inspection loans tenants showings inbound calls both sellers and buyers. The whole process.
Whoa! Apparently that dude was NOT receptive to the idea of selling fast for cash in "as-is" condition!
But really, to cuss someone out, you should use more variety in your profanity. Use more of the S word, C word, and P word in addition to the F word and its variant MF.
I think the Brooklyn accent and the promise to shoot you in the head trumps all cussing. He should lead some conflict resolution seminars.
That's very interesting about leaving off the return address. That would definitely save a lot of effort hand writing the envelopes.
However, I don't know how common this is, but recently I mailed out a batch of yellow letters and when I checked my PO Box about half of them got returned. Turns out the person scanned the mail pieces backwards and so it came back as no stamp detected. I took it back in to the post office and they apologized and fixed it. If there was no return address I would've been out a good chunk of change on stamps.
I have an intense software program. Does everything from the mail prospect tracking through resale. Tracks escrow repairs inspection loans tenants showings inbound calls both sellers and buyers. The whole process.
Michael Quarles - is this software that you speak of here commercially available, or is it something you had produced as custom for your exclusive use?
I am not sure I can answer your question without my reply being removed but here goes.
Its a free program at its current configuration... And available using a link on our site under tools...
Frankly the downside is that, because its free, I didn't spend the money on a tutorial. However we are fairly friendly here and will try our best to explain the vast features.
Is it recommended to have a return address on the envelope?
Absolutely. With a first and last name. Outside of looking suspicious without a return address, you want to know when an address is undeliverable, or when the people are not where the tax man thinks they are. Without a return address, the Post Office cannot return these to you.
Perfect reply for what I was reading through this thread trying to find out! This is what I was thinking, but wanted to see what others are doing as I get started sending out my first letters. Thanks for the info Jerry, and everyone else too!
I have an intense software program. Does everything from the mail prospect tracking through resale. Tracks escrow repairs inspection loans tenants showings inbound calls both sellers and buyers. The whole process.
@Michael Quarles - is this still available on your site? I couldn't find it.
That's very interesting about leaving off the return address. That would definitely save a lot of effort hand writing the envelopes.
However, I don't know how common this is, but recently I mailed out a batch of yellow letters and when I checked my PO Box about half of them got returned. Turns out the person scanned the mail pieces backwards and so it came back as no stamp detected. I took it back in to the post office and they apologized and fixed it. If there was no return address I would've been out a good chunk of change on stamps.
Has this happened to anyone?
Yes, I had the same thing happen to me! I could not figure out why I was not getting any calls. Turns out the post office mailed all of the letters back to me. If there was not a return address then I would not have been able to figure out why there was a zero response rate.
Hi, I'm getting ready to send out my next wave of yellow letters and I got interested in the whole "no return address" thing. What is the philosophy behind this? Why do you think people open the letter more if there is no return address?