Frequently Asked Questions

This section is a living compilation of questions that come before us in developing direct marketing projects. We hope you find it useful and entertaining.

What are the advantages of Direct Mail?

• Targeted — By using the mail, you are able to selectively target your audience. Speak to those in which your message is intended and don't waste resources or expense on an uninterested audience. A mailing can be targeted based on geography, demographics, or any combination. This includes timing mailings to coincide with holidays, special events, or even consumer buying cycles.
• Efficient — With mail, every dollar spent is directed at genuine prospects for your product, service, or message. Instead of investing in an uncertain campaign, your budget is focused and working for you where it really matters.
• Flexible — Mail can handle a wide variety of advertising or marketing tasks. Mail can sell directly, but it's also the medium that can deliver a sample directly to the consumer, bring back a survey or other vital information, or develop an open channel to help create a lifetime customer.
• Measurable — Direct Mail virtually eliminates the guesswork in measuring the effectiveness of a campaign. Results are almost immediate and allow more effective and responsive decision making. A mail piece cannot easily be forged or duplicated which helps prevent fraud and misuse unlike email and other mediums.

What’s the difference between bulk mail and first class mail?

• Bulk mail is now called Presort Standard mail. It has a lower priority in delivery and some addressed will be declared UAA (Undeliverable As Addressed). First-class Mail (FCM) will always have an attempt to deliver made. Critical mail should use FCM, where marketing mail would be suitable for Standard. Individual situations may vary that, and we suggest consulting with us beforehand.

What’s a response rate I should expect in a mailing?

• 1-3 percent. Plan accordingly.

What is the postage going to be?

• Tough question. Figure $0.38 for FCM, and $0.28 for Standard, but it could be less, because the USPS discounts for higher penetration in each letter carrier’s route.