All Forum Posts by: Andrew Detwiler

Hi @Matthew Rembish -

I love this quote I read the other day...  "You cannot make someone understand a message they are not ready to receive."   This is very important, especially in Direct Mail.  You may be sending something one day and get no response, then that very same person receives something the next day and acts on it...  (whether it came from you or not) So, the best thing you can do is send a series of "something" - Mix it up!  Communicate to your recipient!  It's all about building relationships.  

Regarding 100.  That is probably a good number to do yourself.  Use a mail-merge in word and do it yourself. OR, get a bunch that are pre-printed and drop them in the mail when you can.   Many of us are willing and able to help you...  Just look around. We all want you to have success!

GoBig on your journey.  Far too many stop just shy of success...

Hi @James Syed - I have heard it all...  I do know it will work. Find the right city and go for it. You have to be in it to win it.  There are hundreds that "try being an investor" - Don't be one of them... 

Congratulations @Kyle Kufeldt - You are in it to win it. 80/20 - It's a rule and you probably know it. Stick with it.  GoBig!

Hi @James Syed -  Perhaps this will help with expectations.  Its a basic vision board. You should expect about 15 calls out of every 1000 postcards you mail.  That is roughly about 1.5% Response. Out of the 15 calls, about 5-6 will be serious.  You'll probably find that doing this 3 times will be about the minimal average you'll need to get a house under contract.  It's clearly a game of numbers. Your marketing has to arrive at a time in their life that they are thinking about doing something. Your mail won't always arrive at that perfect time, that is why you hit them multiple times with multiple pieces.  GoBIG!  Let me know you need any more assistance.

Hi @Tommy Rodriguez - EDDM is a product designed by the post office to gain more business.  It's good if you are hitting an area in which you don't care about the demographic of the recipient.  Which, as an investor, would probably not be efficient.  When a person looks at mail that is relevant to them, they'll tend to read it. If you write a a person using their first name, and calling out a property in which they own, you're talking their language.  They will be receptive to what you have to say.. There are so many variables to consider...  Did they have a good day? A bad day?  etc...  In any case, GoBig! - we wish you luck.  Can't catch a fish without bait!

Hi @Paul Winka - Seed is a general term that can be used in many situations.  For example... If you buy a list from a list company, they'll most likely plant a seed in their lists.  That way they'll know if you used the list once or multiple times.  Many list providers charge for mulit-use.  Some don't...  

Hi @Eric Olsen - You did a good job sending out something that is unique.  We call it Blind Mail.  The recipient doesn't know who it came from. "They are intrigued" There are lots of authentic mail pieces you can use including stationery, that has choices of return labels, or hand-written.  In either case, it looks like a neighbor or friend sent it.  Keep at it!  GoBig!

Hi @Paul Winka - You may find that certain direct mail houses will automatically place a seed into your mail.  One sent to you based on how you registered and one back to the mail-house.  This ensures accuracy and keeps a watchful eye on the USPS!

Hi @Kami S. - Yes, correct about NCOA. NO, List source does not use NCOA. BUT, you can still feel confident with listsource, just confirm the direct mail vendor you choose, offers NCOA. Or, just look at their website. Start with AO then sprinkle in some OO and filter with medium to high equity. Also, some direct mail vendors supply data list as well. Just look around and you will see that all the answers are right in front of you. GoBig!

Hi @Logan Williamson - There are many sources for direct mail and lists.  One thing to consider is how clean your list is. The last thing you want to do is "hope" your mail arrives.  We all have "Mail stories".

I would suggest getting a list from a provider that uses NCOA - This will ensure the highest rate of delivery.  It is also a good idea to make sure you run your list against the USPS data server to make sure all of the records are deliverable. That should be a no-brainer for your direct mail house.  Lastly, when mailing, be sure to confirm your mail merge to be sure that you are mailing it to the owner and referencing the site property - not the other way around.   Letters may be a good idea, but not the only idea.  Mix it up. "Multi-Media" .  Send letters, stationery, hand written postcards.  There isn't an elixir.  It's the combination of many over time that makes for a good response.  No one knows its a yellow letter until they open it, so consider the envelope as importantly as the content you write.  GoBig in your search for accurate and efficient mail delivery.