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how much does a direct mail campaign usually cost?

Example I want to send over 1,000 postcards to 2 surrounding cities nearby, How does the post office do this? Do I give them a list of addresses? How much does this usually cost, price is not including print/postcards.

Public Comments

1. Hello: Go to http://www.usps.com and go look for information on Bulk Mailing to learn all the steps as far as the Post Office is concerned. Keep in mind that if you REALLY want the pieces to reach who you are sending them to - it's a better idea to pay First Class postage. The stories of people who have found dumpsters filled with thousands of pieces of unsent bulk mail behind the post office - are the stuff of marketing legend. Yes, it does happen. By the time you figure in the cost of postage, the card itself, if you purchased a targeted mailing list (you get this through a "list broker") and the labor to get them stamped and addressed - I think a conservative estimate would be about 80 cents to one dollar per piece to get it out. So for 1,000 pieces that's about $800-$1,000. If you were sending a lot more pieces there might be some economies of scale with the cost of printing the postcard, labor might be a little less per unit, etc. Now, figure getting a one percent response or more is considered good - and that means any more than 10 responses out of 1,000 and you're a marketing rock star. If half of those 10 respondents actually buy what you offer - that's 5 sales - do you make your money back on this project? That's the $64,000 question *smile* and it all depends on the price point and the profit margin of what you're selling. So - what does this mean? It means a couple really important things must happen. 1) make sure that the postcards are being sent to people who are a "fit" for what you're offering. For example don't send info about the services of a high level investment banker to people who are financially strapped. Don't send something about child care services to a neighborhood full of seniors who don't have kids. It's just not a fit. 2) The copy (the words) on your postcard better be emotionally compelling and draw the reader in to want to take action. Don't overlook this critical step. It makes a huge difference. Learn copywriting - or have it done professionally. all the best, Denise Michaels Author, "Testosterone-Free Marketing" PS: Visit me online at http://www.mentoringwithdenise.com