Direct Mail Chronicles: Part 1

"We Buy Ugly Houses"

We've all seen the ugly yellow signs on the side of the road with a message in giant black writing saying, "WE BUY UGLY HOUSES". I always used to laugh whenever I would see one of those signs because I would think to myself, who in the world is going to call that phone number on that sign?  A man's home is his castle, so why would that message ever appeal to someone? 

The truth of the matter is that people fall on hard times for various reasons. Sometimes they need a fast and easy way to unload their home, so these signs offer a ray of hope. The  same could be said for direct mailers offering to buy your home. As the average person, you may never consider calling on one of these signs, but there are plenty of people that do. As with any other gamble, its all about the numbers. 

Kevin and I sent out our first round of direct mail. It wasn't a huge list, about 300 in total, but it was very targeted. We are looking for specific types of properties and are looking for another way besides the MLS to generate leads. We are counting on there being people that are curious enough to entertain the idea of calling a phone number on a mailer.  The key is consistency. 

We have no idea what sort of response we will get. Truthfully, even if we just get one call we will be happy. Why? Because it means that we are taking steps towards our goal. However, regardless if we get a lead from this round of mailers, we will still continue to send out direct mail. Why? Because at some point or another we are going to get a call from someone that received our offer to buy their home. And, just because you encounter difficulties along they way doesn't mean that you stop, tuck tail and run. Remember, consistency is key.

As we continue on the direct mail journey, we will update you on the pits and peaks. For now we are excited about the possibility of generating leads.