I recently did a direct mail for a photography business. I mailed 500 postcards to people that had over 80k?
for yearly income. I was curious what I should consider a decent respose for 500 mailed and how long I should wait before I consider a new marketing program or additional mailings?
with a one time mail out be happy with a 1% call back.
direct mail is not one time thing
why did you choose such a limited test market (80k) is limited and those folks tend to be very busy running and or making their money (upper-middle class), your response time should be no longer than a month… get with the post office and see if you can get better bulk mailing rates… keeep your receipts as they will be needed for tax time.. also try the market around 25-50K wider and theses folks have more spendable income… especially for a market of convience
without respond you will be out of business. Switch to other marketing program if you don’t see result in a week. Some customer may keep your post card for a year before they drop you a call. Try targeted marketing like yahoo ad, google, magazine or newspaper classifield. This was the place where you can get ready buyer. Frankly 500 post card was too miserable if you are lucky probaly you will get a one two call. Suggest around 50k & narrow down those who will really pick out your service, or you will spent too much for nothing.
Gd Luck
Daniel
yes I agree that a good response would be about 1%
and you need some other types of advertising.
Go to for a listing of FREE advertising
Then
Go to for some more ideas
Wishing you success
Vic W