Critique request for mailing

10 replies
Hey folks,

I could use your help. BUT, as much as I pretend I'm confident and don't have an ego, I do, and unfortunately I can bruise easily (you feel like you work hard on it, you know?). But I'd rather get professional help from you guys than have a crappy letter.

I'm very new to credit card processing and am supposed to be going into businesses pitching no-obligation rate-reviews (for EMS). Being allergic to fear, I thought to try out a letter to drum up some interest. This way I may get some interest without bruising my knees from knocking together so hard. (Yes, I'm a cold-call coward. Although, the few times I did it wasn't so bad....)

The pitch? To get a rate-review done. The prospects? Small (maybe to mid) size mom-and-pop or such businesses.

If it's better to insert the text, sorry, I wasn't sure of the best way to show it.

Another set of eyes (non-copy person... a civilian) said it may be too dramatic in parts, but that's just my personality. But perhaps it is? They also said it may be too long for shorter attention spans.

Also, many of you have businesses and get this processing stuff (or work with businesses that do) and can tell me if I'm off on my assessment of my prospect's head.

Thank you so much.

Oh yeah, is the line about "taken advantage of and don't even know it" insulting? It was suggested it might be.




I should add that I would "probably" do another sequence with a few cosmetic changes but mostly 90% same content. Then call after the first, or second. Not sure yet.

Also, I'm mailing them in colored (not flashy) 8.5" or so by 5.5" or so envelopes, handwritten address on both sent and from.
#critique #mailing #request
  • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
    Nathan, my core business is similar in that it supplies the paper rolls the point of sale machines use.

    Here's what I know and you will probably will agree when explained.

    In fact I've just got off a consultation with a marketer who his client is going after the same market as you.

    Your target market are already users of the payment processors.

    You gain access to these people with a message that
    initially is only asking who you should be talking with about getting them a better deal on their payment processors.

    That's it.

    Nothing else.

    The next step when you are talking with the decision maker,
    is you give them a reason for your call,
    which is seeing if you can get them a better deal on their current payment processors.

    From there you are working together, as opposed as you pushing for the sale and they are pulling back, to see if in fact you can achieve the stated goal.

    This is the exact approach that has landed me customers
    such as...
    Puma
    the largest in New Zealand..

    Hardware chain
    porn store chain
    pub charity
    dental chain
    gold buying chain
    fruit and vege chain
    hair salon chain
    mobile coffee chain
    a chain of luxury hotels
    and smaller chains as well as smaller retailers.

    And phoning is the best for these bigger companies.

    Next best is cold email.

    In one week I landed a hotel resort
    a ordinary hotel
    2 bars
    and a cinema from cold emails.

    Didn't have to talk with anybody on the phone.

    They were spread throughout the country.

    When you boil down the essence of what you offer in one sentence,
    you can use that in person, over the phone and email,
    like I've done.

    It's gotten me access to decision makers at the biggest casino and the biggest chain of vehicle inspection centres.

    So you don't need the postcard/ letter.

    Best,
    Ewen
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    • Profile picture of the author DanteRomero
      Check out the book SPIN selling to hone your chops for workin' the phone. That's your better bet as ewen was saying.
      Signature

      "Perfection isn't important. Improvement is."

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      • Profile picture of the author ewenmack
        Originally Posted by DanteRomero View Post

        Check out the book SPIN selling to hone your chops for workin' the phone. That's your better bet as ewen was saying.
        Nah he doesn't need Spin Selling
        because I have the exact script
        for Nathan.

        Best,
        Ewen
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  • Profile picture of the author Alex Cohen
    Nathan,

    I'm not trying to be harsh (really), but I'll be surprised if your reader gets past the headline or the first few paragraphs at most.

    The headline is a curiosity-only headline. Most times that will get your letter tossed immediately. Combine curiosity with a benefit or an emotion, and your prospect will be motivated to read on.

    The first few paragraphs are about you. Your reader doesn't know, like or trust you yet, so why should he continue reading?

    There's more, but I'm sure others will chime in.

    Alex
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  • Profile picture of the author Nathan Alexander
    Thanks guys, that's exactly what I'm looking for.

    It's looking like I should scrap it, man up and call. I appreciate it, both of you.

    Ewen, yeah that's why I know I have to be lucky on my timing with the fact that they already would have someone. However, you give me hope in that it really can be that simple.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mr. Subtle
    Originally Posted by Nathan Alexander View Post

    The pitch? ...
    Too wordy for me ... try PITHY:


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  • Profile picture of the author Nathan Alexander
    Mr. Subtle, I'm in awe, and I appreciate it. Thank you very much. That's gold.
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  • Profile picture of the author andreas3
    I was going to post something insightful about your muddy paragraph structure and redundant transitions, but Mr. Subtle just wiped the floor.

    Mr. Subtle, that is one for the ages.
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  • Profile picture of the author Nathan Alexander
    andreas3: I agree, thank you.

    Loren: Yeah, I'm getting that it's too much. In fact, the agent above me wanted me to stress the personal service.

    I tend to go on... (thank the Lord for this forum). Now I'll check out that book. I really appreciate your thoughts.
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