Direct Mail companies

Myrtle77

Are there any charity guru's out there who know of companies that will create and post a Direct Mail campaign for small numbers? I've heaps of contacts that will deliver to 10,000 plus numbers, but no-one will do it for 500 to 1000 addresses.

We could do it ourselves, but the postage via royal mail would be colossal, and as a small local charity, we don't spend enough on postage a year to qualify for the business discounts.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Savvy_Sue

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I think we've had similar questions in the past so do have a look round. Will try and link to them later if you've not found them.

oldtoolie

I presume this is an appeal to raise money.

On a mailing of 500-1000 items, the only mailing discount would be from using a postage meter. That saves a few pence per item. If you are worried about that, you certainly don't have enough money to hire a professional direct mailer.

At Tools for Self Reliance, we write and prepare our own mailings. We then take it to a local mailing house which is a social enterprise. They print and mail the items at a reasonable price plus postage.

You will have better results if you do the mailing yourself. It is much more economical for you to write a persuasive letter than to brief a well paid marketing professional to do it for you. You know the cause and are passionate about it.

Read up on basic direct mail fundraising. Books are in the library or Google for Mal Warwick and read his website. Take your time writing your letter. Tell a story. Make it as long as you like as long as it is interesting. Be friendly and personal. Be sure to ask directly for money.

Have several people read it and make critical comments. Edit, rewrite and get more comments. Make it easy, exciting and interesting for people to support you.

Prepare your mailing list in a database or spreadsheet. Check for duplicates.

Mail merge and print the letters. Sign them by hand. Add handwritten PS if you have personal knowledge of the recipient. Stuff the envelopes. Cross your fingers.

This approach is sure to generate better response than a slap-dash appeal by the cheapest mailer you can find.

YAA_3

Have you tried doing a search in your local area for secretaral businesses or virtual offices. Speaking as one myself the number and style you need to do fits the type of client that they generally do business for.

Hope that helps.

ukbill69

royal mail charges about £15 per 1000 drops in postcode area of choice. £500 min order.