Junk Mail and Business

JohnCorite

Hello.

I'm just about to setup as self-employed and have had 10,000 leaflets made for a door-to-door leaflet drop ("Junk Mail" drop).

I have read on the net the average response for such mail delivery methods is between 0.5% and 1%. Putting this aside though, what worries me is the abuse I might get from home owners; such as "It does say NO JUNK MAIL on my door" etc. Some people can be very abusive. What do I say to these people?

My main question is: Is "Junk Mailing" still a good choice for business advertising or are people just not reading "Junk Mail" anymore? Also, if "Junk Mail" is so bad or frowned upon what is the next best way to advertise a business these days?

Thanks in advance.

John

shellsuit

Any junk mail I get goes straight into the bin.

Even if it is offering something I'd like/want/need, it just reminds me of that and I'll go look elsewhere.

I honestly don't know anyone who likes receiving junk mail and who has bought something on the back of receiving a piece of it.

DVardysShadow

JohnCorite wrote: »

I have read on the net the average response for such mail delivery methods is between 0.5% and 1%. Putting this aside though, what worries me is the abuse I might get from home owners; such as "It does say NO JUNK MAIL on my door" etc. Some people can be very abusive. What do I say to these people?

You yourself call it junk mail, so you have to accept it is not always welcome. Your aim should be to become memorable for the right reasons and not the wrong reasons.

So, if there is a sign saying 'no junk mail', respect the owner's wishes - they will be even more unlikely to give you business if you don't give that respect.

If you do put something through by mistake, apologise.

Finally, on the question of delivery, either do it yourself or give the job to someone you trust - and make sure it goes all the way through the door and is not left hanging out for the street to see. This will lose you more friends.

JohnCorite wrote: »

... My main question is: Is "Junk Mailing" still a good choice for business advertising or are people just not reading "Junk Mail" anymore? Also, if "Junk Mail" is so bad or frowned upon what is the next best way to advertise a business these days?

You are doing a 'leaflet drop'. If you think your message is only junk mail, then don't waste effort on it.

There are many other ways. For example, we found a truly first rate tiler from business cards left in the tile shop. An entry in a local directory [beware, only choose directories you know and read every word of the small print in your own time, not during a sales appointment - there are many directory scams]. Advertisment in local press, card in shop window. And the real winner, personal recommendation from someone you have done a good job for.

MsHoarder

We have a "no junk mail sticker" and any junk mail we get goes straight into the recycling box. TBH you're just wasting printing costs on those houses, they will be the ones which are least likely to read your advertising. What about local sponsership/newspaper advertising?

BodyElectric

Is this a troll?

I take strenuous measures to ensure no junk mail comes through my letter box. Sticker advising I don't want it on the letterbox. Registered everywhere to stop it.

This might be an opportune moment to mention :

http://www.stopjunkmail.org.uk/default.php

(and no this isn't my site, I just found it very useful recently)

Failing all else put it in an envelope with no stamp on it and send it back.

1974Anna

When I lived in London I used to receive a lot of junk mail - from take-aways to bogus charities. But it clearly works otherwise people wouldn't do it.
Here in Berks we don't get as much junk mail (apart from Royal Mail) so when we do it makes a difference. My gardener dropped leaflets around and his timing was impeccable - just when my previous gardener had announced his retirement (aged 83!).