What are the benefits of a direct mail marketing program?
What kind of response will a marketing program generate?
How do I get started?
What do you need from me?
Do I have to sign up for a year?
Is there a minimum quantity?
How much will a program cost?
Are there any hidden costs?
Are there any additional costs?
What if my office or a sponsor is paying for part of the program cost?
Is postage included in the cost of my program?
What will I have to pay for postage fees?
How often do mailings go out?
When will my mailings go out?
How long will it take for my mailing to be delivered?
What is the size of the PostCards?
What are the PostCards printed on?
Do you only offer PostCards?
Will you design the layout of the PostCard?
What is a ‘catch phrase’?
What is a ‘brand promise’?
What is a ‘hook phrase’?
What is a ‘self re-introduction’?
How do I send you my photograph?
How is the PostCard personalized specifically for me?
What will make my PostCard effective and different?
Do you supply a proof before the PostCards are printed?
Can I make changes after I have approved the PostCard?
What messages are available?
When do I choose my messages?
How do I send you my mailing list?
What if I need to make changes to my list?
Can I get a copy of my list?
What if an address on my list is wrong?
Can the addresses on my list have more than one zip code?
Is my mailing list safe and kept private?
Can’t I just do a program myself?
What if I want to mail the PostCards myself?
Do you provide programs for anyone other than Realtors?
What are the benefits of a direct mail marketing program?
Very simply, it works. Direct mail marketing is proven as one of the most effective ways to generate business.
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What kind of response will a marketing program generate?
USPS statistics show on average direct mail marketing generates a 1-3% response rate.
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How do I get started?
First, you need to make a commitment to do consistent mailings. Then just call us and will be glad to walk you through the order form and answer any questions you have.
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What do you need from me?
Your completed order form, your color photograph and your mailing list of addresses. A copy of your business card and any previous marketing materials would also be helpful. Depending on your office, we may need the artwork for the company logo.
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Do I have to sign up for a year?
No, but we strongly suggest you do. You will be extremely disappointed if you expect any results from a single mailing.
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Is there a minimum quantity?
We prefer of a minimum list size of 200 addresses.
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How much will a program cost?
Usually just one commission more than covers the cost an entire years hands-free, fully personalized program. Pricing is determined by the total annual volume and payment plan options. There is a one-time set-up fee for new customers.
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Are there any hidden costs?
No.
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Are there any additional costs?
Only if you order optional services.
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What if my office or a sponsor is paying for part of the program cost?
You tell us how you’d like to be billed. We can either send you an invoice to submit for reimbursement, or we can bill another entity directly for their portion.
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Is postage included in the cost of my program?
We collect only the exact postage fees at the time of each mailing rather than lumping them into the program cost because we determine the lowest postage rates possible, which can’t be calculated until your mailing list is processed.
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What will I have to pay for postage fees?
You can estimate the cost to be between .225 and .257 cents each.
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How often do mailings go out?
We highly recommend mailing at least once a month, though you can choose the frequency. Keep in mind consistency is critical for a successful mailing program, out of sight is out of mind.
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When will my mailings go out?
Mailings go out at the end of the month, usually between the 20th - 30th. If you request a different time frame, we will accommodate you.
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How long will it take for my mailing to be delivered?
Depending on USPS processing, usually a 1-2 week time frame. For time sensitive material please allow extra time for delivery.
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What is the size of the PostCards?
Our PostCards are OverSized measuring 5½ by 8½ inches.
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What are the PostCards printed on?
Our PostCards are printed on a sturdy, bright white, 80#, 10 point plus, card stock.
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Do you only offer PostCards?
Yes.
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Will you design the layout of the PostCard?
Yes. We consult you for any requests or preferences and design a personalized layout for you from scratch. We suggest including a catch phrase, brand promise, hook phrase and self re-introduction (these aspects are explained below).
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What is a ‘catch phrase’?
A catch phrase is similar to a slogan, which becomes synonymous with your name. The purpose of this phrase is to help people easily remember you and your name, such as “You can start packing with Jane’s backing”.
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What is a ‘brand promise’?
A brand promise is your commitment to the recipient, with the purpose of making the person feel important and confident in your services. Its just a simple, short statement with a promise of what you will do, such as “I will treat you like family”.
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What is a ‘hook phrase’?
A hook phrase is a specific call to action. The purpose of this phrase is to tell the recipient what you want them to do, and usually starts with words like “call me” or “contact me”.
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What is a ‘self re-introduction’?
A self re-introduction reminds people of your services. It can include your philosophy, any specialties, experience, etc. It’s a subtle form of boasting and necessary to show why you are better than all the other realtors.
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How do I send you my photograph?
You can email a high resolution JPG or TIF file or mail a hard copy to us which we’ll return after we scan it.
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How is the PostCard personalized specifically for me?
We will personalize the layout of the PostCard with the primary focus on you, your photo and pertinent information. We prominently feature you, rather than advertising for the company.
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What will make my PostCard effective and different?
Being unique. We offer an unconventional design, coupled with the KISS (Keep It Simple & Specific) philosophy, to grab attention and motivate the recipient, boosting your response rate.
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Do you supply a proof before the PostCards are printed?
Yes. A proof for any typesetting or design will be sent to you online in PDF format and you’ll always have the opportunity to make changes. We will not print anything until we have your final approval.
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Can I make changes after I have approved the PostCard?
Yes. At any time throughout your program you are able to make changes. This is one of the advantages we offer to you by printing on a per mailing basis.
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What messages are available?
For the standard program we offer a catalog with over two dozen theme-based series featuring 350 message choices.
Exclusive to S.M.A.R.T. students we offer a Relationship & Referral Program with a set series of messages developed specifically to generate repeat and referral business.
Custom or Just Listed/Sold messages are also available.
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When do I choose my messages?
You can select all your messages in advance or we will call you on a per mailing basis for your choice.
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How do I send you my mailing list?
Whatever’s easiest for you. We don’t expect, or want, you doing any extra work on our behalf. You can mail or fax a hard copy or email it in Excel, ASCII, DBF, CSV, TXT or Word formats.
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What if I need to make changes to my list?
Just call, mail, fax or email us with any additions deletions and/or changes. You can submit your changes as often as you like, some people send them in daily, some people let us know as soon as the change occurs, and others wait and send in monthly updates. Again, whatever fits best into your routine and is the easiest for you.
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Can I get a copy of my list?
Yes. We can send you a printout or email an Excel file.
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What if an address on my list is wrong?
We have to certify every address and sometimes there will be rejections that need to be corrected before your mailing goes out.
If your mailing goes out and a name doesn’t match the address, the PostCard is discarded. There is an option with specific verbiage that instructs that the mailer be returned to you (the Post Office charges you for returned mail).
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Can the addresses on my list have more than one zip code?
Yes. Your mailing list can have addresses in all fifty states. The only affect of mailing to a list with multiple areas is that you’ll be paying the highest postage rate.
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Is my mailing list safe and kept private?
Absolutely. We guarantee in writing your list information will not be supplied to, shared with or sold to any other person or party.
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Can’t I just do a program myself?
Yes. However, outsourcing your mailings saves you valuable time allowing you to focus on your client’s needs.
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What if I want to mail the PostCards myself?
That’s not a problem. We will print and address your PostCards and ship the mailing to you.
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Do you provide programs for anyone other than Realtors?
Yes. We can provide a customized, turn-key direct mail marketing program for anyone or any business.
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