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    Revealing The Sneaky Advantages of Renting Your Trade Show Booth
    If it were back in the day when people still used adding machines with paper, your office would be filled to the ceiling with literally miles of that little paper ribbon, you've run the numbers so many times. No matter how many times you've run them, though, there just isn't enough money for a new trade show booth.Before you give up and allocate what budget you do have into another round of direct mail - that won't get results -, consider renting a trade show booth.Yes, renting has many advantages beyond just saving you money on the initial trade show booth purchase. For starters, if you don't currently have a trade show booth, then it's a safe bet that you haven't done any, or at least very few, trade shows. Renting a booth can give you an opportunity to give trade show exhibiting a trial run, so to speak, before you make a major investment in a permanent trade show booth. You can learn the ropes of trade shows without spending a mint to do it!Plus, this not only means you get to learn the ropes of trade show events with far less of an investment, but (shh!, don't tell anyone else) renting a booth gives you a chance to go and see what everyone else is doing-and gives you a bird's eye view of seeing what really works and what doesn't before sinking a ton of money in a booth that you'll be using for a long, long time.It also will keep you from ending up, by accident, of course, with a trade show booth that fifteen hundred other people have. That's the last thing you want for your trade show booth! You want to stand out, not get lumped in with everybody else which will get you yawns, not sales. You want to be different from the crowd, and by renting a trade booth for your first few shows, you'll be in a great position to do something unique with your own booth.Renting also gives you the advantage of not being stuck with a trade show booth you don't want if you should decide for any reason that trade show events are not for you. And trade shows aren't for everybody, that's for sure. Trade shows involve an incredible amount of work when they're done right, but the results are more often than not well worth your tired feet and aching back!
    rally appealing to a mass market.
    * Prepare your copy carefully. It must fit your specific medium.
    * The emphasis should be on YOU rather than I, the company.
    * Be sincere and don't make unreasonable claims, but remember that you are selling.
    * Try to convince the reader that you are reliable and
    trustworthy.
    * Give simple specific instruction.
    * Key all ads to test their effectiveness.
    * Check and double check, and have someone else check your ad to make sure everything is correct and easy to understand.
    * Watch where your competitors are advertising.
    * Experiment with new publications.
    * It is generally considered impossible to sell something that costs more than $2.00 - $3.00 direct from either a classified ad or a small display ad. This is because there just is not enough space to convince someone to part with $10.00 or $20.00, for example. It takes a full page ad to do that.
    * If you use an agency, use one that specializes in mail order, even if it is located out of town.

    RESPONDING TO INQUIRIES

    * Each inquiry you receive in response to an ad should be answered via First Class, if at all possible, within 24 hours.
    * The contents of the envelope going to the prospective customer should contain: a circular, promotional flier, or mini-brochure, a sales letter, an order form (the order form can be part of the circular), a return envelope, and other appropriate information, such as a fact sheet, a free report, etc.
    * In general, circulars should be limited to one 8 1/2 x 11 page.
    * A sales letter, on the other hand, can be as long as it takes to say everything you need to say to a prospective customer in order to sell him the product.
    * Sales letters should have an attention getting opening. The idea of the opening is to get him to read the rest of the letter.

    POSTAGE AND SHIPPING COST

    * Answer inquiries to your advertising immediately and via First Class Mail. Use Bulk Mail for future mailings.
    * You can save a great deal of money by getting a Bulk Mail permit. Mail must be sorted by zip code. Get more specific information from your Post

    Office.
    * Keep your mailing lists clean - updated.
    * Utilize all of the various mail classes, such as Printed Mail and Book rate.
    * Compare c

    Ezine Advertising - Essential Tactics (Part 3 of 3 Series)
    What is the single most important part of your solo ad?In Part 2, I talked about the 7 essential questions to ask before posting an ad in any ezine. In Part 3, I want to talk about maximizing how and where your ads are performing.About ezine list size and pricing... The truth is, just because a list is large doesn’t mean it should be expensive. Just because it’s small doesn’t mean it should be cheap. Find quality, find your target market, be selective and go for it.1000-2000 subscribers does not mean it’s a bad list. It could be just getting going with no waiting list, usually if it is new. Often those smaller lists can have really high quality response.When beginning a new campaign, you only need to send out one mailing/ad with each ezine. Determine your cost per lead. If your cost per lead is low, continue with that ezine even if sales don’t come in right away. Some people need time. You may have heard the saying that people need to see an ad 7 times before they do anything about it. Your long-term strategy is building your list and sales.When you find one that works, place an ad 1 to 2 times per month. Test it out, but don’t do it every week, or it might get displayed out. Your audience might get numb. If you’re not getting good results in a good newsletter, look at your ad copy and the headline.When you find an ad, go with that ad for a while. However, do change it up a little bit from time to time. If your list sees the exact same ad over and over again, again, they can get numb. If you change the body, change the subject line, it’s like they never saw it before. Just be sure track your changes. When response dips, then change it.Of course, you need to track all your ads. Either set up different capture pages or different URLs that redirect to your website, but have some way of tracking which ezine ad generates which lead. Some good resources include TrackThatAd.com, or AdMinder.com.When doing a solo ad, the most important is going to be subject line. If it is not motivating enough to stop and open email, it’s like flushing money away. Just like when I'm reading the newspaper, I scan headlines until something catches my eye, then I read the article. If no one is enticed to open your headline, your ad will never be read.How do you write a good subject line? There are many techniques for this. The technique I prefer the most is the Power of Unfinished thought – leaving things incomplete. (Have you noticed?) Try writing your subject line as a question, or leave it so that someone has to open your email to finish the thought or question. This is extremely powerful. No matter what technique you go with in your subject line, write 100 of them and pick the best one. This may seem very tedious and pointless, but it is worth the time. Sometimes even changing just one word in your headline/subject line can increase response rate by 2 or 3 times.You also do eventually have to become good at copywriting. This will not happen overnight, but you must invest in yourself to becom
    No claim is made that the steps outlined would be successful for someone else. Each individual should obtain whatever professional advice may be
    necessary for his particular operation.

    INTRODUCTION

    The following is designed to provide a check list for new entrants into the mail order field. Each mail order business is different, but there are common elements that apply to most mail order businesses, as well as some specific characteristics that may vary from business to business. The following suggestions were developed to assist you in avoiding costly mistakes. Apply the various points as they relate to your specific business.

    COMPANY NAME

    * Select a short, easily remembered name.
    * Unless you are using your own name, it is required in most jurisdictions that a trade name is either registered with the county or the state.
    * Before you spend money for printing material, make sure that the name you choose is not already registered to another company. You can usually conduct a name search with an office of the appropriate jurisdiction by telephone.
    * You may consider using a name that describes your product.

    COMPANY ADDRESS

    * Most newly established mail order businesses will operate out of their home until the volume of the business requires larger space.
    * Most mail order businesses prefer not to use their home address as their company address. If you do, you will advertise your home address in regional and national publications. You have two other choices, a Post Office Box(POB) or a postal box located in a commercial enterprise which rents out mail boxes.
    * A POB is generally the least expensive, both to rent and for advertising purposes. (See below) Some mail order operators claim that it reduces business because people do not trust a POB address. Yet there are just as many mail order operators who disprove this notion. The decision is yours.
    * If you rent a mail box in a commercial enterprise, your box number usually becomes a suite number in the address.
    * Almost all publications will charge you a full word charge for each component of your address, except the Zip Code and State which is counted as one word, Example:
    Information Books, 300 Main Street, Suite 611, Centerville,
    Md 20910 Or:
    Information Books, Box 1000, Centerville, Md 20910.

    * The first address is counted as 9 words, the second one as 6 words. Since advertising costs anywhere from 50 cents to $10.00 per word (classified advertising) you could save a substantial amount of money at the end of the year if you use a post office box.

    TELEPHONE

    * Some mail order companies do not show their phone numbers on their stationery, others do. It gives the customer some comfort to see a telephone number, although he may never use it.
    * You can show your residence phone number in the appropriate printed material, or you can obtain a business listing for your home.
    * The residence phone is fine, for starters, if it is answered in a professional manner at all times.
    * If you plan to sell higher priced ticket items, however,
    (over $15.00) a business listing would be advantageous since a prospective customer may pick up the phone and check with the information operator whether "Company X" is listed.

    BASIC SUPPLIES

    * Be conservative and frugal in your acquisition of items that you feel are needed. It's always wise to start small, and as inexpensively as possible, and as you build profits, you can
    buy more and better items.
    * The basics are a good quality computer, Business stationery, business envelopes (#10's), and return envelopes, either #6 or #9 is fine. All items should have your business name and address
    imprinted on them.
    * You will also need some mailing labels and some miscellaneous office supplies.

    PRODUCT

    * If possible, choose a product or products that people need
    on an ongoing basis.
    * Be sure the product is of acceptable quality. Know the
    product before you sell it.
    * If feasible, choose an item that is not widely available
    from retailers.
    * Develop a line of merchandise. It is rarely possible to make money with just one or two items. The availability of a line of related products is paramount to mail order success.
    * The more specialized your products are, the easier your marketing becomes.
    * If you are selling books, for example, it would be impossible, except for a very large company, to sell all types of books. You may decide to specialize in books pertaining to sports, and may want to go even further by zeroing in on football or baseball.

    SUPPLIERS

    * Your suppliers should provide you with reliable, quality,
    and reasonable pricing.
    * Since you probably should provide some type of a money back
    guarantee (30 days is standard) you should expect the same guarantee from your suppliers.
    * When buying from out of town suppliers, be sure to include the shipping charge in comparing prices to local suppliers.

    DROP-SHIPMENTS

    * Under a drop-ship agreement which is available from many suppliers for a variety of products, the supplier ships your customers' orders directly under your shipping label.
    (Suggested reading: "American-Drop-Shippers Directory".)
    * It is customary that the supplier guarantees not to include any of his promotional materials with the shipment; or to use your customer's name for any future mailings.
    * Drop-shipping arrangements are suitable for people just getting started. It allows you not to have to carry a costly inventory.
    * As your business increases and you develop a sense of what sells well, you can stock limited supplies of certain fast selling items, and continue utilizing drop-shipments for slower products. Eventually, as your business flourishes, you can carry an inventory of everything you sell.
    * Handling your own shipments is advantageous for the following reasons: It cuts down on your shipping expenses, it decreases the shipping time, and it allows you to include promotional material directly with the shipment.
    * When you do utilize drop-shipments, be sure to send your customer a note that his order is being processed and he can expect it by, or around a certain date.
    * It is unnecessary to make your customer aware of the fact that the item is being drop-shipped. Include some promotional material with your letter or note.

    PRICING

    * Buy at a price that allows you an adequate mark-up. In setting your prices, allow for all costs:
    * Cost of product, shipping cost and postage, bank charges including credit card charges, wrapping, bad debts, rejects, refunds, etc. In addition, the other normal overhead costs need to be considered,. Lastly, there is the substantial marketing cost for advertising, and for printing of
    promotional items. (See following paragraphs)
    * Your prices of course, have to be fair and in line with your competition.
    * It is not necessary that you make a big profit on each and every item. the real profit in mail order comes from follow-up orders.
    * THE 3 BIGGEST EXPENSE CATEGORIES IN MAIL ORDER ARE:
    ADVERTISING, PRINTING COST, AND POSTAGE. Over 80% of your total expenses are in this area. Watch these expenses very carefully.

    ADVERTISING EXPENSE

    * Start with classified ads. As you test them and know what
    is successful, you can switch to display ads.
    * To test an offering and a specific ad, run it once in a specific publication and you should get a reading that could be very positive or very negative. It might also be inconclusive. If that is the case, simply run it again.
    * It is best to test an ad by running it in different publications.
    * Advertise in publications that advertise similar products.
    * If you have a sure seller, buy larger space.
    * Special interest products should be advertised in special interest publications.
    * Keep on changing the ad and offering until you are satisfied
    it is right.
    * Examples of changes you can make are: size of ad, copy,appeal, special gimmicks such as discounts, free gifts or reports, etc.
    * Remember that a given ad can be 20 or 30 times more successful than another ad advertising the same product. It pays, therefore, to continue testing until it is just right.
    * Repeat a successful ad until you no longer get a satisfactory return.
    * The conventional advertising cost is 15% of sales or more in
    mail order.
    * To evaluate your advertising cost, think in terms of cost per inquiry. This is calculated by dividing the number of inquiries into the cost of the ad. that cost may vary from about $$0.80 to $2.00 or more.
    * Be careful when you allocate advertising funds to small mail order publications. The ad may appear to be very inexpensive. However, a $15.00 ad that gets no response is a lot more expensive than a $150.00 ad that gets over 100 inquiries.
    * Stay away from those publications that have no news or editorial content, and also those that have poor printing quality.
    * There are a number of quality mail order publications, but it takes time to find the right publication for your product.

    ADVERTISING COPY

    * Write tight copy.
    * Write as you speak. You are generally appealing to a mass market.
    * Prepare your copy carefully. It must fit your specific medium.
    * The emphasis should be on YOU rather than I, the company.
    * Be sincere and don't make unreasonable claims, but remember that you are selling.
    * Try to convince the reader that you are reliable and
    trustworthy.
    * Give simple specific instruction.
    * Key all ads to test their effectiveness.
    * Check and double check, and have someone else check your ad to make sure everything is correct and easy to understand.
    * Watch where your competitors are advertising.
    * Experiment with new publications.
    * It is generally considered impossible to sell something that costs more than $2.00 - $3.00 direct from either a classified ad or a small display ad. This is because there just is not enough space to convince someone to part with $10.00 or $20.00, for example. It takes a full page ad to do that.
    * If you use an agency, use one that specializes in mail order, even if it is located out of town.

    RESPONDING TO INQUIRIES

    * Each inquiry you receive in response to an ad should be answered via First Class, if at all possible, within 24 hours.
    * The contents of the envelope going to the prospective customer should contain: a circular, promotional flier, or mini-brochure, a sales letter, an order form (the order form can be part of the circular), a return envelope, and other appropriate information, such as a fact sheet, a free report, etc.
    * In general, circulars should be limited to one 8 1/2 x 11 page.
    * A sales letter, on the other hand, can be as long as it takes to say everything you need to say to a prospective customer in order to sell him the product.
    * Sales letters should have an attention getting opening. The idea of the opening is to get him to read the rest of the letter.

    POSTAGE AND SHIPPING COST

    * Answer inquiries to your advertising immediately and via First Class Mail. Use Bulk Mail for future mailings.
    * You can save a great deal of money by getting a Bulk Mail permit. Mail must be sorted by zip code. Get more specific information from your Post

    Office.
    * Keep your mailing lists clean - updated.
    * Utilize all of the various mail classes, such as Printed Mail and Book rate.
    * Compare co

    How To Advertise Your Products and Services To College Students For Free (Almost)
    Dear Visitor,Today, I am going to talk about a singular experience and present to you a rare opportunity to advertise your products, to one of the greatest and most controllable markets, accessible almost for free, through an overlooked media. (It has nothing to do with Pay-Per-Click, or newspaper )I am talking about college students as the market, and the college campus as a center of marketing research and experiments.Is A College Campus A Flea Market In Disguise?I come from Mirebalais, a small city in Haiti. And when I was a boy I used to go the market (make it flea market or open market) to buy chicken, which I intended to raise without my mother knowing. (that’s a different story).But if you’ll bear with me, you’ll see the relationship between a college campus and an actual flea market. And if you can see the relationship you’ll see the vast opportunity for market testing and covert marketing research that a college campus offers.How Much Controld Do You Have Over Your Audience On A College Campus?In a flea market, people are gathered to buy and sell their products. On a college campus, students are gathered to buy education, and sell themselves to each other. Those students carry with them their everyday dreams, their everyday wants, their everyday desires. And these emotional buttons can put in motion by your advertisement because those students carry with them the same emotions that people carry with them in the marketplace.Control? Wednesdays and Saturdays were the market days in my little city. And when you go to the market, you could not avoid the sellers: the people crying :” Fresh milk, right from the cow. Buy now and mix with your coffee..” You could not avoid the other merchants yelling: “Sweet potatoes. Delicious sweet potatoes. Big ones too. Unearthed today, boil them and delight your family. Give your children good food. Sweet potatoes.”Once you step into the market place, you were ‘prisoner’ of the offers.The same thing goes for college students. Once they enter the buildings, they are prisoner of your advertising. They’re under your ‘control’, we could venture to say…for as long as your flyer can attract their attention, they won’t fail to miss it. As long as your offer taps into one of their emotional needs for recognition, love, amusement, success, they won’t fail to respond to it.And here’s how the college campus becomes a place of marketing research and market testing for any company that sells products that college students want.Direct Response Advertising Using FlyersThe college campus becomes A MEDIA where the students are held captive (they have to go through the buildings). And that gives you control on the delivery of your message. That also enables you, if you are disciplined, to test different messages. This wouldn’t apply to hit-and-run companies…that do one special promotion and drop the ball.And because you’re certain of having these eyeballs for the next three months…you can test different messages and see which flyers get more responses. Which flyers are picked up quickly and which are ignored religiously. You can research the reaction to your offer, covertly. I am not talking about focus group
    Centerville, Md 20910.

    * The first address is counted as 9 words, the second one as 6 words. Since advertising costs anywhere from 50 cents to $10.00 per word (classified advertising) you could save a substantial amount of money at the end of the year if you use a post office box.

    TELEPHONE

    * Some mail order companies do not show their phone numbers on their stationery, others do. It gives the customer some comfort to see a telephone number, although he may never use it.
    * You can show your residence phone number in the appropriate printed material, or you can obtain a business listing for your home.
    * The residence phone is fine, for starters, if it is answered in a professional manner at all times.
    * If you plan to sell higher priced ticket items, however,
    (over $15.00) a business listing would be advantageous since a prospective customer may pick up the phone and check with the information operator whether "Company X" is listed.

    BASIC SUPPLIES

    * Be conservative and frugal in your acquisition of items that you feel are needed. It's always wise to start small, and as inexpensively as possible, and as you build profits, you can
    buy more and better items.
    * The basics are a good quality computer, Business stationery, business envelopes (#10's), and return envelopes, either #6 or #9 is fine. All items should have your business name and address
    imprinted on them.
    * You will also need some mailing labels and some miscellaneous office supplies.

    PRODUCT

    * If possible, choose a product or products that people need
    on an ongoing basis.
    * Be sure the product is of acceptable quality. Know the
    product before you sell it.
    * If feasible, choose an item that is not widely available
    from retailers.
    * Develop a line of merchandise. It is rarely possible to make money with just one or two items. The availability of a line of related products is paramount to mail order success.
    * The more specialized your products are, the easier your marketing becomes.
    * If you are selling books, for example, it would be impossible, except for a very large company, to sell all types of books. You may decide to specialize in books pertaining to sports, and may want to go even further by zeroing in on football or baseball.

    SUPPLIERS

    * Your suppliers should provide you with reliable, quality,
    and reasonable pricing.
    * Since you probably should provide some type of a money back
    guarantee (30 days is standard) you should expect the same guarantee from your suppliers.
    * When buying from out of town suppliers, be sure to include the shipping charge in comparing prices to local suppliers.

    DROP-SHIPMENTS

    * Under a drop-ship agreement which is available from many suppliers for a variety of products, the supplier ships your customers' orders directly under your shipping label.
    (Suggested reading: "American-Drop-Shippers Directory".)
    * It is customary that the supplier guarantees not to include any of his promotional materials with the shipment; or to use your customer's name for any future mailings.
    * Drop-shipping arrangements are suitable for people just getting started. It allows you not to have to carry a costly inventory.
    * As your business increases and you develop a sense of what sells well, you can stock limited supplies of certain fast selling items, and continue utilizing drop-shipments for slower products. Eventually, as your business flourishes, you can carry an inventory of everything you sell.
    * Handling your own shipments is advantageous for the following reasons: It cuts down on your shipping expenses, it decreases the shipping time, and it allows you to include promotional material directly with the shipment.
    * When you do utilize drop-shipments, be sure to send your customer a note that his order is being processed and he can expect it by, or around a certain date.
    * It is unnecessary to make your customer aware of the fact that the item is being drop-shipped. Include some promotional material with your letter or note.

    PRICING

    * Buy at a price that allows you an adequate mark-up. In setting your prices, allow for all costs:
    * Cost of product, shipping cost and postage, bank charges including credit card charges, wrapping, bad debts, rejects, refunds, etc. In addition, the other normal overhead costs need to be considered,. Lastly, there is the substantial marketing cost for advertising, and for printing of
    promotional items. (See following paragraphs)
    * Your prices of course, have to be fair and in line with your competition.
    * It is not necessary that you make a big profit on each and every item. the real profit in mail order comes from follow-up orders.
    * THE 3 BIGGEST EXPENSE CATEGORIES IN MAIL ORDER ARE:
    ADVERTISING, PRINTING COST, AND POSTAGE. Over 80% of your total expenses are in this area. Watch these expenses very carefully.

    ADVERTISING EXPENSE

    * Start with classified ads. As you test them and know what
    is successful, you can switch to display ads.
    * To test an offering and a specific ad, run it once in a specific publication and you should get a reading that could be very positive or very negative. It might also be inconclusive. If that is the case, simply run it again.
    * It is best to test an ad by running it in different publications.
    * Advertise in publications that advertise similar products.
    * If you have a sure seller, buy larger space.
    * Special interest products should be advertised in special interest publications.
    * Keep on changing the ad and offering until you are satisfied
    it is right.
    * Examples of changes you can make are: size of ad, copy,appeal, special gimmicks such as discounts, free gifts or reports, etc.
    * Remember that a given ad can be 20 or 30 times more successful than another ad advertising the same product. It pays, therefore, to continue testing until it is just right.
    * Repeat a successful ad until you no longer get a satisfactory return.
    * The conventional advertising cost is 15% of sales or more in
    mail order.
    * To evaluate your advertising cost, think in terms of cost per inquiry. This is calculated by dividing the number of inquiries into the cost of the ad. that cost may vary from about $$0.80 to $2.00 or more.
    * Be careful when you allocate advertising funds to small mail order publications. The ad may appear to be very inexpensive. However, a $15.00 ad that gets no response is a lot more expensive than a $150.00 ad that gets over 100 inquiries.
    * Stay away from those publications that have no news or editorial content, and also those that have poor printing quality.
    * There are a number of quality mail order publications, but it takes time to find the right publication for your product.

    ADVERTISING COPY

    * Write tight copy.
    * Write as you speak. You are generally appealing to a mass market.
    * Prepare your copy carefully. It must fit your specific medium.
    * The emphasis should be on YOU rather than I, the company.
    * Be sincere and don't make unreasonable claims, but remember that you are selling.
    * Try to convince the reader that you are reliable and
    trustworthy.
    * Give simple specific instruction.
    * Key all ads to test their effectiveness.
    * Check and double check, and have someone else check your ad to make sure everything is correct and easy to understand.
    * Watch where your competitors are advertising.
    * Experiment with new publications.
    * It is generally considered impossible to sell something that costs more than $2.00 - $3.00 direct from either a classified ad or a small display ad. This is because there just is not enough space to convince someone to part with $10.00 or $20.00, for example. It takes a full page ad to do that.
    * If you use an agency, use one that specializes in mail order, even if it is located out of town.

    RESPONDING TO INQUIRIES

    * Each inquiry you receive in response to an ad should be answered via First Class, if at all possible, within 24 hours.
    * The contents of the envelope going to the prospective customer should contain: a circular, promotional flier, or mini-brochure, a sales letter, an order form (the order form can be part of the circular), a return envelope, and other appropriate information, such as a fact sheet, a free report, etc.
    * In general, circulars should be limited to one 8 1/2 x 11 page.
    * A sales letter, on the other hand, can be as long as it takes to say everything you need to say to a prospective customer in order to sell him the product.
    * Sales letters should have an attention getting opening. The idea of the opening is to get him to read the rest of the letter.

    POSTAGE AND SHIPPING COST

    * Answer inquiries to your advertising immediately and via First Class Mail. Use Bulk Mail for future mailings.
    * You can save a great deal of money by getting a Bulk Mail permit. Mail must be sorted by zip code. Get more specific information from your Post

    Office.
    * Keep your mailing lists clean - updated.
    * Utilize all of the various mail classes, such as Printed Mail and Book rate.
    * Compare c

    Internet Advertising: How To Use The Golden Rule To Enrich Yourself.
    What is the golden rule of internet advertising?Give, so you may receive.It is as simple as that.Most people desire to receive, but never give!You can increase your marketing exposure effortlessly by placing your ad on free stuff, then allow other people to give it away. The more people that give away your free stuff the more your ad will be seen.Most free stuff can be created easily and without little or no expense. Electronic freebies are perfect because with these types of freebies there's no shipping or physical material costs.Below are some popular types of electronic freebies.Free e-Coupons/e-Gift Certificates-Give your visitors free electronic coupons and gift certificates for your products or services.Free e-Books-Give your visitors a free electronic book. The e-book should be related to your web site theme.Free e-Reports-Give your visitors free electronic reports. The reports could be in autoresponder form or in text format.Free e-Courses-Give your visitors a free electronic courses. They could e-mail your follow-up autoresponder and be sent a lesson each day.Free Software-Give your visitors free software. It could be a game or a useful utility. Just have them download it right from your web site.Free Online Services/Utilities-Give your visitors free online services or utilities. They should be ready to use right from your web site.In conclusion, when you use this marketing strategy it will quickly spread your advertising all over the internet.May you succeed in your internet advertising and make a lot of money.Warmly,I-key Benney, CEO

    SUPPLIERS

    * Your suppliers should provide you with reliable, quality,
    and reasonable pricing.
    * Since you probably should provide some type of a money back
    guarantee (30 days is standard) you should expect the same guarantee from your suppliers.
    * When buying from out of town suppliers, be sure to include the shipping charge in comparing prices to local suppliers.

    DROP-SHIPMENTS

    * Under a drop-ship agreement which is available from many suppliers for a variety of products, the supplier ships your customers' orders directly under your shipping label.
    (Suggested reading: "American-Drop-Shippers Directory".)
    * It is customary that the supplier guarantees not to include any of his promotional materials with the shipment; or to use your customer's name for any future mailings.
    * Drop-shipping arrangements are suitable for people just getting started. It allows you not to have to carry a costly inventory.
    * As your business increases and you develop a sense of what sells well, you can stock limited supplies of certain fast selling items, and continue utilizing drop-shipments for slower products. Eventually, as your business flourishes, you can carry an inventory of everything you sell.
    * Handling your own shipments is advantageous for the following reasons: It cuts down on your shipping expenses, it decreases the shipping time, and it allows you to include promotional material directly with the shipment.
    * When you do utilize drop-shipments, be sure to send your customer a note that his order is being processed and he can expect it by, or around a certain date.
    * It is unnecessary to make your customer aware of the fact that the item is being drop-shipped. Include some promotional material with your letter or note.

    PRICING

    * Buy at a price that allows you an adequate mark-up. In setting your prices, allow for all costs:
    * Cost of product, shipping cost and postage, bank charges including credit card charges, wrapping, bad debts, rejects, refunds, etc. In addition, the other normal overhead costs need to be considered,. Lastly, there is the substantial marketing cost for advertising, and for printing of
    promotional items. (See following paragraphs)
    * Your prices of course, have to be fair and in line with your competition.
    * It is not necessary that you make a big profit on each and every item. the real profit in mail order comes from follow-up orders.
    * THE 3 BIGGEST EXPENSE CATEGORIES IN MAIL ORDER ARE:
    ADVERTISING, PRINTING COST, AND POSTAGE. Over 80% of your total expenses are in this area. Watch these expenses very carefully.

    ADVERTISING EXPENSE

    * Start with classified ads. As you test them and know what
    is successful, you can switch to display ads.
    * To test an offering and a specific ad, run it once in a specific publication and you should get a reading that could be very positive or very negative. It might also be inconclusive. If that is the case, simply run it again.
    * It is best to test an ad by running it in different publications.
    * Advertise in publications that advertise similar products.
    * If you have a sure seller, buy larger space.
    * Special interest products should be advertised in special interest publications.
    * Keep on changing the ad and offering until you are satisfied
    it is right.
    * Examples of changes you can make are: size of ad, copy,appeal, special gimmicks such as discounts, free gifts or reports, etc.
    * Remember that a given ad can be 20 or 30 times more successful than another ad advertising the same product. It pays, therefore, to continue testing until it is just right.
    * Repeat a successful ad until you no longer get a satisfactory return.
    * The conventional advertising cost is 15% of sales or more in
    mail order.
    * To evaluate your advertising cost, think in terms of cost per inquiry. This is calculated by dividing the number of inquiries into the cost of the ad. that cost may vary from about $$0.80 to $2.00 or more.
    * Be careful when you allocate advertising funds to small mail order publications. The ad may appear to be very inexpensive. However, a $15.00 ad that gets no response is a lot more expensive than a $150.00 ad that gets over 100 inquiries.
    * Stay away from those publications that have no news or editorial content, and also those that have poor printing quality.
    * There are a number of quality mail order publications, but it takes time to find the right publication for your product.

    ADVERTISING COPY

    * Write tight copy.
    * Write as you speak. You are generally appealing to a mass market.
    * Prepare your copy carefully. It must fit your specific medium.
    * The emphasis should be on YOU rather than I, the company.
    * Be sincere and don't make unreasonable claims, but remember that you are selling.
    * Try to convince the reader that you are reliable and
    trustworthy.
    * Give simple specific instruction.
    * Key all ads to test their effectiveness.
    * Check and double check, and have someone else check your ad to make sure everything is correct and easy to understand.
    * Watch where your competitors are advertising.
    * Experiment with new publications.
    * It is generally considered impossible to sell something that costs more than $2.00 - $3.00 direct from either a classified ad or a small display ad. This is because there just is not enough space to convince someone to part with $10.00 or $20.00, for example. It takes a full page ad to do that.
    * If you use an agency, use one that specializes in mail order, even if it is located out of town.

    RESPONDING TO INQUIRIES

    * Each inquiry you receive in response to an ad should be answered via First Class, if at all possible, within 24 hours.
    * The contents of the envelope going to the prospective customer should contain: a circular, promotional flier, or mini-brochure, a sales letter, an order form (the order form can be part of the circular), a return envelope, and other appropriate information, such as a fact sheet, a free report, etc.
    * In general, circulars should be limited to one 8 1/2 x 11 page.
    * A sales letter, on the other hand, can be as long as it takes to say everything you need to say to a prospective customer in order to sell him the product.
    * Sales letters should have an attention getting opening. The idea of the opening is to get him to read the rest of the letter.

    POSTAGE AND SHIPPING COST

    * Answer inquiries to your advertising immediately and via First Class Mail. Use Bulk Mail for future mailings.
    * You can save a great deal of money by getting a Bulk Mail permit. Mail must be sorted by zip code. Get more specific information from your Post

    Office.
    * Keep your mailing lists clean - updated.
    * Utilize all of the various mail classes, such as Printed Mail and Book rate.
    * Compare c

    Direct Marketing for Non-Profit Groups Considered
    If you run a non-profit business then perhaps you should try direct marketing and direct-mail to get volunteers and increase donations to your non-profit. Direct-mail and direct marketing does not just work for businesses, as it is a way to catch people in their homes who read direct-mail and direct marketing packages.Some people think that direct mail and direct marketing are mostly for local small businesses in the area to send out to high net worth individuals in specific demographics within target areas of zipcodes. It is true that direct-mail and direct marketing packages do work well for many types of small businesses in both the service sector and the retail sector. But direct marketing and direct-mail is not just for businesses, as it works very well for public announcements of water conservation or other important issues and it has been used by politicians and government agencies for years.I recommend that if you run a non-profit group that you consider direct-mail or direct marketing mail outs to promote to your endeavors. It is not easy staying up on the needed funds that nonprofits must have to survive. It is not easy recruiting volunteers, which will work very hard in your organization. Direct-mail and direct marketing can help you achieve your goals. I hope you will consider this in 2006.
    on.
    * It is not necessary that you make a big profit on each and every item. the real profit in mail order comes from follow-up orders.
    * THE 3 BIGGEST EXPENSE CATEGORIES IN MAIL ORDER ARE:
    ADVERTISING, PRINTING COST, AND POSTAGE. Over 80% of your total expenses are in this area. Watch these expenses very carefully.

    ADVERTISING EXPENSE

    * Start with classified ads. As you test them and know what
    is successful, you can switch to display ads.
    * To test an offering and a specific ad, run it once in a specific publication and you should get a reading that could be very positive or very negative. It might also be inconclusive. If that is the case, simply run it again.
    * It is best to test an ad by running it in different publications.
    * Advertise in publications that advertise similar products.
    * If you have a sure seller, buy larger space.
    * Special interest products should be advertised in special interest publications.
    * Keep on changing the ad and offering until you are satisfied
    it is right.
    * Examples of changes you can make are: size of ad, copy,appeal, special gimmicks such as discounts, free gifts or reports, etc.
    * Remember that a given ad can be 20 or 30 times more successful than another ad advertising the same product. It pays, therefore, to continue testing until it is just right.
    * Repeat a successful ad until you no longer get a satisfactory return.
    * The conventional advertising cost is 15% of sales or more in
    mail order.
    * To evaluate your advertising cost, think in terms of cost per inquiry. This is calculated by dividing the number of inquiries into the cost of the ad. that cost may vary from about $$0.80 to $2.00 or more.
    * Be careful when you allocate advertising funds to small mail order publications. The ad may appear to be very inexpensive. However, a $15.00 ad that gets no response is a lot more expensive than a $150.00 ad that gets over 100 inquiries.
    * Stay away from those publications that have no news or editorial content, and also those that have poor printing quality.
    * There are a number of quality mail order publications, but it takes time to find the right publication for your product.

    ADVERTISING COPY

    * Write tight copy.
    * Write as you speak. You are generally appealing to a mass market.
    * Prepare your copy carefully. It must fit your specific medium.
    * The emphasis should be on YOU rather than I, the company.
    * Be sincere and don't make unreasonable claims, but remember that you are selling.
    * Try to convince the reader that you are reliable and
    trustworthy.
    * Give simple specific instruction.
    * Key all ads to test their effectiveness.
    * Check and double check, and have someone else check your ad to make sure everything is correct and easy to understand.
    * Watch where your competitors are advertising.
    * Experiment with new publications.
    * It is generally considered impossible to sell something that costs more than $2.00 - $3.00 direct from either a classified ad or a small display ad. This is because there just is not enough space to convince someone to part with $10.00 or $20.00, for example. It takes a full page ad to do that.
    * If you use an agency, use one that specializes in mail order, even if it is located out of town.

    RESPONDING TO INQUIRIES

    * Each inquiry you receive in response to an ad should be answered via First Class, if at all possible, within 24 hours.
    * The contents of the envelope going to the prospective customer should contain: a circular, promotional flier, or mini-brochure, a sales letter, an order form (the order form can be part of the circular), a return envelope, and other appropriate information, such as a fact sheet, a free report, etc.
    * In general, circulars should be limited to one 8 1/2 x 11 page.
    * A sales letter, on the other hand, can be as long as it takes to say everything you need to say to a prospective customer in order to sell him the product.
    * Sales letters should have an attention getting opening. The idea of the opening is to get him to read the rest of the letter.

    POSTAGE AND SHIPPING COST

    * Answer inquiries to your advertising immediately and via First Class Mail. Use Bulk Mail for future mailings.
    * You can save a great deal of money by getting a Bulk Mail permit. Mail must be sorted by zip code. Get more specific information from your Post

    Office.
    * Keep your mailing lists clean - updated.
    * Utilize all of the various mail classes, such as Printed Mail and Book rate.
    * Compare c

    Tips for Success on Work at Home Jobs for Mom
    Today everybody live longer than any other generation, but today the statistics show that we are also more stressed than ever. This social problem is growing everyday and now is the moment to look for new alternatives of work. The new tendency is work at home jobs, it is an excellent way to reduce stress because you will feel more relaxed working in the comfort of your home.For many people, specially for the women working from home is the solution to the work-life balance. Work at home jobs for mom it is the best way to work and to continue being a great mom, without neglecting your family. you can handle your family and your work without no problem. Think about the comfort of working from home, here there are some advantages of work at home jobs for mom:You can have Independence and control in your workday, you have No journey to work, saving time and money on fuel/transport costs, you have Greater flexibility in your working hours, you have no office politics and distractions, you can work with more comfort, you do not need uniforms and you will have much less stress.Here are some tips that you need for success:1. You need to have a work schedule with flexibility but with discipline.2. You need to have professional attitude with your clients.3. You need to avoid the distractions at home.4. You need to put the professional tasks before everything.5. You need to choose a work place.6. You need to be professional and realistic.7. You need to be organised as it will improve your productivity.
    rally appealing to a mass market.
    * Prepare your copy carefully. It must fit your specific medium.
    * The emphasis should be on YOU rather than I, the company.
    * Be sincere and don't make unreasonable claims, but remember that you are selling.
    * Try to convince the reader that you are reliable and
    trustworthy.
    * Give simple specific instruction.
    * Key all ads to test their effectiveness.
    * Check and double check, and have someone else check your ad to make sure everything is correct and easy to understand.
    * Watch where your competitors are advertising.
    * Experiment with new publications.
    * It is generally considered impossible to sell something that costs more than $2.00 - $3.00 direct from either a classified ad or a small display ad. This is because there just is not enough space to convince someone to part with $10.00 or $20.00, for example. It takes a full page ad to do that.
    * If you use an agency, use one that specializes in mail order, even if it is located out of town.

    RESPONDING TO INQUIRIES

    * Each inquiry you receive in response to an ad should be answered via First Class, if at all possible, within 24 hours.
    * The contents of the envelope going to the prospective customer should contain: a circular, promotional flier, or mini-brochure, a sales letter, an order form (the order form can be part of the circular), a return envelope, and other appropriate information, such as a fact sheet, a free report, etc.
    * In general, circulars should be limited to one 8 1/2 x 11 page.
    * A sales letter, on the other hand, can be as long as it takes to say everything you need to say to a prospective customer in order to sell him the product.
    * Sales letters should have an attention getting opening. The idea of the opening is to get him to read the rest of the letter.

    POSTAGE AND SHIPPING COST

    * Answer inquiries to your advertising immediately and via First Class Mail. Use Bulk Mail for future mailings.
    * You can save a great deal of money by getting a Bulk Mail permit. Mail must be sorted by zip code. Get more specific information from your Post

    Office.
    * Keep your mailing lists clean - updated.
    * Utilize all of the various mail classes, such as Printed Mail and Book rate.
    * Compare costs of shippers other than the Post Office.
    * Guarantee return postage.
    * Watch your shipping weight. A fraction of an ounce can make a big difference in a large mailing.

    PRINTING COST

    * Very large printers will not be interested in your business. Very small ones, quick printers and instant printers although convenient, are generally too expensive. Their equipment is not large enough to be competitive.
    * There are many medium sized printers that will give you good pricing and quality printing. Often they have the capability to help you with layout and design.
    * Don't hesitate to use out of town printers. If you live in a high cost-of -living area, you can probably save a substantial amount of money. Many of these printers advertise in mail order publications.
    * Utilize the promotional material available from your supplier.
    * Until you know what sells, print small quantities, even if it is more expensive.
    * Use colored paper for your promotional flyers to spice up your offer. Use white paper, blue or black ink for everything else.

    CUSTOMER PAYMENTS, REFUNDS AND COMPLAINTS

    * Accept money orders and checks.
    * Some mail order companies state in their material that they will not ship for 10 days to 2 weeks when payment is made with an out of town check. This may be an unwise practice because, it can create ill feelings with your customers. NSF checks are rare.
    * An increasing number of mail order companies accept credit cards - Visa and MasterCard - for payment. It is generally felt that it does increase sales.
    * If you cannot obtain a credit card merchant agreement with your bank work through a credit card clearing house. A number of these companies advertise in mail order publications. Since these companies generally charge between 6-9%, it may be wise to set a minimum amount such as $15.00 for credit card orders.
    * Remember, "the customer" is always right. An argument won,is usually a customer lost.
    * If you receive an order with an underpayment, ship the order and bill the customer for the difference.
    * Make refunds on overpayments quickly.
    * Most mail order companies offer a 30 day money back guarantee. Some offer 90 days and even more.
    * It is unwise to offer money back guarantees on items priced very inexpensively, for example, a $3.00 report.

    RECORD KEEPING

    * As in any business, it is important to keep records.
    * You need records to tell you what is going on in your business; to evaluate both your revenues and your expenses.
    * It is also required by law that you keep certain records.
    * Keep especially good records of your advertising expenses so you can evaluate your advertising on an ongoing basis.

    MAILING LISTS

    * It is recommended that you do no direct mailings, except to your own list of customers and inquirers, until you have
    thoroughly tested a specific product through advertising.
    * Stay away from inexpensive mailing lists, under $40.00 -$50.00 per 1000.
    * Avoid mailing lists whose owners make unrealistic claims.
    * Work with a list broker who wants to see your product before he will rent you a list. Lists are rented for one time use.
    * Lists from professional list brokers rent from $60.00 and
    up, per thousand names.
    * The general consensus is that you need to mail a minimum of 1000 names to get a fair reading. 5000 names would give you a more accurate test.
    * Buyer' names are better than names of inquiries.
    * The best mailing list is your own list of buyers. Second best is your own list of inquirers.

    FOLLOW UP

    * The most important factor in mail order is FOLLOW-UP
    Substantial profits can be generated from this segment, if it is properly handled.
    * You can generate a lot of sales by including promotional material when filling orders for customers. Other orders are generated from mailings that are made to former customers, as well as individuals who inquired about an offer in the past.
    * Send out regular mailings to your customers. At a minimum,
    four times per year. However, you can send out mailings as often as every 6 weeks or so, if you have a new product to offer.
    * As you build your mailing lists and you send out regular
    mailings, your orders will start flowing in.

    RESEARCH AND EDUCATION

    * Whether you are new to this field or not, to stay on top, you must continue your education by reading books and reports on mail order and subscribing to mail order publications.
    * Always be on the lookout for new products you can offer your customers.
    * Study the advertising of your competitors. Request their
    material and study it.
    * Study all mailings you receive.

    Continue to learn about mail order by reading, experimenting, and talking with other mail order operators. Have patience. Success will not come overnight. It takes time to build a successful business. Start slowly and expand your business from your profits.

    Good Luck!

    Copyright 2004 by DeAnna Spencer

    DeAnna Spencer is a virtual assistant that helps entrepreneurs run a successful business by providing affordable administrative help. She also publishes a blog for small business owners. Visit this small business resource today.

    DeAnna Spencer - EzineArticles Expert Author

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