direct mailings

[Phil Nilsson]

I also do a 2" x 3" ad in a once a week paper that covers one of the zip codes $22.50 per issue.

Convert that 2"X3" from a rectangle to a full "circle" shaped ad and I'll bet you increase noticeability dramatically ... also do reverse printing ... black background ... white lettering.

Phil

[GRASSISGREENER]

Your key to getting results is using the direct mailing repeatedly as Phil indicated. Hitting 100 people 5 times will do much better than 500 once.
repetition, repetition
surveys have indicated that people must receive a flyer, direct mailing, or must hear your name 5-6 times before they'll take the initiative to call.

[clclawn]

I have a few properties i've been watching for a year or so thay are all 10-15 grand a year lawns. The reason ive watched them is because the lawn look like crap. I know they pay top dollar for there service but the co. just suck. I am getting ready to send them a letter..

Questin is, is it ok to say in the letter i noticed they are getting poor service, or should i treat them like any other direct mail.

[MEvans857]

I would not recommend putting down another company but that's just me. Even though we know the kind of service they receive it comes across as the "mines better than yours" type, which people expect from another company in any profession. Plus it's just not good busn. in my opion. I would add a little something extra to the effect of if your not happy with your curent service........ect.

[clclawn]

I wasn't planning on trashing the other co. I was thinking the following.



if the shrubs get out of hand,( the costomer wants A+ service )
put in the letter somthing like _ DOSE YOUR CURRENT CO. WAIT TOO LONG TO TRIM YOUR SHRUBS.

OR if i know the costomer hates leaves in the fall, she wants them done every week and her current LCO only did them 2 times all fall.

so i guess is it ok to target ther needs and problems without trashing the current LCO

[GRASSISGREENER]

you got the idea now! Target the need or probelm and tell them you have the solution. Digging at the competition as... doing terrible, not getting their money's worth, etc... can backfire too. Imagine if their son, daughter, or friend of the family is working for this outfit. Doubt they would change and worse yet, they'll look to dig you somewhere else. JMO

[LRL]

On Direct Mail, should you put the name of the person, or something like

Neighbor
123 any street
USA


THe reason I ask is that, with the advent of the internet it is easy to go online to your county records and see the name of the people who own the house.

I am targeting a gated community of $1 million homes and I can go online and get their names.

SHould I address them by their Full Name or by the generic phrase - Neighbor.

[csm]

I guess you could do it either way. If you use their name they probably more apt to open it. If I used your service I would want to know how you got my name. I have direct mailed to places that have their names on the paper holder but still just use "Homeowner of". The percentage of calls is about what is to be expected. If I were mailing to a rich neighborhood I would not try to find their names. On second thought, I wouldn't use you at all. This is just one man's opinion. Not saying it's right or wrong. Good luck with whatever you decide on.

[Phil Nilsson]

I wasn't planning on trashing the other co.

For class "A" resi accounts that you would really like to get ... try this ... class A accounts (only) upper end homes owned by busy, educated, professional types or baby boomers who have recently inherited $$$$ and upgraded!

1. Forget door hangers
2. Forget a mailed letter
3. Forget a personal visit
4. Do not call on phone

Purchase some CD boxes ... wrap with gold foil paper, (CD inside photos of your work) ... outside NO business name ... left upper address block says like ... Joe Smith, 10 Main St, Anytown, USA ... silver ribbon on box with bow! ... delivered by post office to arrive on a Saturday (only)

Inside box ... THe CD, a first class business card (like those costing 50 cents each and with your PHOTO on that card) and a small piece of high quality paper with a hand written note ... note says ... Dear Mrs. Jones I am in the landscape business and I have been admiring your property many times in passing by and have some ideas I'd like to share with you about your landscape. If you have 15 minutes spare time, I would like to meet with you to discuss a few creative ideas on how to enhance your landscape design and grounds care to its full potential. I think you'll find the meeting fun, and informative (no cost or obligation to you) My cell phone number is ___________ . Please feel free to call anytime days or evenings when it's convenient for you.

Sincerely yours,
Mr. Joe Smith

P.S. Our website address is www.land.com ...
Email is ________________________