HvilleSEO

Dude your spamming a forum with your links that have nothing to do with this thread please stop.

Admins when you get to this please delete my post to him as well, thanks.

greggorio28

I think we all need to step back and realize that we are slowly chipping away at Bob's VERY well written WSO. I dont feel comfortable telling any more info about the details and logistics. Most of it has already been talked about...but there are some VERY crucial details in the WSO that Bob has so kindly put hours of work into perfecting. He handles the mailing route systems, the method for how NOT to let the front & back interfere, marketing tips, printer sources and all sorts of nice details....

Let's not steal the master's thunder here....the important details need to be purchased through his WSO. Sorry, doing my due diligence because I would expect the same in return....your $37 investment could EASILY yield $5k profit if handled correctly...its all spelled out in there

Professional graphic designer and entrepreneurial Jedi Knight in training...check out my portfolio

Karen

Thanks Gregg. I agree, I think we're making a mistake if we don't follow Bob's system as he spelled it out in the WSO. He did the trial and error. My plan is to follow Bob's system as closely as I can. Then, if I come up with a refinement along the way that works better for me, I'll adjust.

I can picture a lot of frustration amongst people pursuing this if we just all make up a different way to start out. We'd be starting at square one, instead of starting with the hard-won knowledge of a system that works, courtesy of Bob.

Just my 2 cents.

---<--<-@ Local Florist in Little Falls, NY @->-->---

bob ross

ABOUT THE 9X12 ISSUE:

I'm 100% postive that 9x12 is allowed, it's a VERY rare size piece though. On every post office window clerk's desk is a plastic mat with dimensions on them. They take your piece and put it on the mat to see what it lines up with, and whether it qualifies as a postcard, letter, or flat. This will line up as a flat, which qualifies it for the EDDM program.

The 700+ mailing issue per route I've never heard of actually. None of my routes have 700 pieces and I doubt your going to run into ones that do, all of them will be between 300 and 650 or so.

Since the individual post offices are handling this, they really don't care about much, they just want to send the mail out and have it prepared as easy as possible (50 piece bundles).




I can't wait to see your results!

Thanks a lot for these posts, Gregg & Karen, you both have been super helpful to me and all of us.

bob ross

A NOTE TO EVERYONE WHO INVESTED IN THE PREMIUM WSO:

Live teleseminar this thursday 9PM EST. Email or PM me if you don't have the details. itsbobross [at] gmail. You can ask any questions, chat with eachother, and even listen in on your phone if you aren't near your computer. I'll be going over a lot of good stuff. If you can't make it, it's fully downloadable as well afterwards.

SJ048998

Interesting idea, BUT;

1. What makes this any different from ads, served to people via magazines, local newspapers, etc. People buy the news, they read and time to time stumble onto an eye-catching ad.

2. If this is only a postcard presentation of ads, how people treat it? Experience from my city tells that if you get anywhere near people's houses with this ads stuff and trying to stuff that into their mail box, you might get shot, because people really, really don't like that --> especially, if that's taking place in their mail box or randomly lying on their property and then the "local businesses" will at some point realize that it's not worth 500$ for an add, which will most likely end up in a trash bin anyway.

I overall like this idea, but don't see it as a niche or something you could profit from in long-term prospective. After all, you said, you went local, so technically, you will run out of businesses willing to advertise this way anyway at some point, even in NY, because it's very doubtful, some restaurants or small pizza factories would be willing to invest 500$ monthly into this on a recurring basis.

But overall, it's a nice idea.

Wish you best luck.

Regards,
George S.

SJ048998

Doublepost - browser error.

oogyboogawa

Lol, I was considering testing out something on a small scale in my "local" area. I knew it would have to be a small mailing and probably a CPA offer or something, because there are literally 2 businesses in town. But I checked and my zip code doesn't even have 200 addresses in it, so it doesn't even qualify for a small scale EDDM campaign.

Oh well, probably shouldn't get distracted from my goal of doing it in a bigger city anyway.

warrioradam

1. The reason that this is different than most ads is because its A. Unmissable its literally huge and makes all the mail look small. So from a business stand point I know my ad has to get at least looked at because who doesn't check the mail and this piece stands out like a sore thumb.

2. You have to send the flyer through the mail you can't go put it in there mailbox.

jrobconsult

1. First, the post office delivers it using a special program. With the large size, it will stick out compared to the other mail. I have plenty of advertising experience and postcard marketing is much more effective with a good offer than newspaper and magazine advertising, but each advertiser has an exclusive.

2. Yes, many will ignore the mailing, but the 500-1500 that use it will make the business owners plenty of money especially if you consider the lifetime value of a customer.

You are entitled to your opinion, but I have seen amazing results from postcards which I mentioned one earlier. This is a winner and if not the best opportunity on this forum right up there. I feekl so strongly on this that I will not buy anymore WSO's unless it can help me somehow with this concept.

San Antonio Estate Liquidators
Estate Sales San Antonio

KaterSD

I agree , maybe we need a forum so all the premium wso buyers can mastermind this, and share feedback?. Since we are all in different locations our tips to each other wouldnt affect our results, and if we do have neighboring competition then we can set some standards for not low balling aour prices..

Vikuna2009+

Trying to stay away from the forum, working on my "stuff" but I have to agree with you, this is def doable. I am very happy and grateful to Bob for laying it out so well in his wso, Eva

Viper X

Bob, this is crazy. Thanks for sharing. Anyone with Photoshop and a lil brains can put together a nice looking card to show these guys. All they have to hear is 10,000 to local residence and they are sold.

KaterSD

really? Do you know how much business spend in order to market their services?. A lot, and they are always looking for new ways.

Neil

Great tip - thanks Karen



oogy - a manufacturer I know had a "call; mail; call" procedure they used to reach out at a distance. It went like this:

1) call and say that you are sending some information for the owner to review and that you would like to verify the name and address before sending it. (what is it? a proven lead generation system).

2) send the info to them.

3) call them and ask if they received it. Ask them what they liked best about it. Ask them about their business... listen for their pain points. How many new or returning customers would make this worth their investment. (this isn't advertising or marketing - it's lead generation)

4) set up an appointment for the days you're in town.

5) as you talk to people you'll figure out what you need to send. I'm guessing a sample of the card; Bob's story; description of the program;
and a link to a web site with more detailed info or a video.




oogy,

I used to work for a bulk mailer and you are experiencing a common confusion (having experienced it many times myself - trust me, I am an expert on this).

Postcards, letters and flats are very specifically defined by the USPS. For each of these they give minimum dimensions and maximum dimensions.

The reason is that each of these have their own rates - to qualify for the rate you must meet the minimum specs and not exceed ANY of the maximum specs.

If you exceed the maximum specs of a post card (by any single dimension: width, length, or thickness) you are charged the letter rate.

If you exceed the maximum specs for a letter (by any single dimension: width, length, or thickness) you are charged the rate for flats.

Anything that is (in inches) more than 6-1/8 in height or; more than 11-1/2 in length or; more than 1/4 in thickness - does not qualify for letter rate and qualifies as a flat.

However, it only qualifies as a flat so long as it is (in inches) NO LARGER THAN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING DIMENSIONS: 12 in height; 15 in length; 3/4 in thickness.

A 9x12 postcard mailer qualifies for the flat rate because: 9 in height is more than 6-1/8 but less than 12; and 12 in length is more than 11-1/2 but less than 15 (the thickness and weight are a fit too).

Hope that helps.

SpiralX

True, $500/month is a small investment for many businesses, and when the ROI is good, it's a no-brainer and even saves them money on their ineffective advertising.

*

greggorio28

Another small suggestion I just came up with. As I go around tomorrow and pitch my first prospects, aside from having a journal to log their info/take notes/etc I want to also create the sense of urgency by telling them that spaces are filling up fast! Since I had my mockup laminated....I will carry an erasable marker with me and literally put a giant red X on each ad that was sold.

So pumped up about tomorrow....Ive read Bob's pitching PDF about 3 times and its finally sinking in. I wanna walk in there like Johnny Confidence and blow their freggin socks off with this amazing offer!

Professional graphic designer and entrepreneurial Jedi Knight in training...check out my portfolio

oogyboogawa

That seems like a good idea to me. I understand not wanting to spoil too much on here, to take away from the perceived value (though it would still be worth it even if we kept talking about everything on here) of the WSO. However, I do still think there is some benefit to be had from those of us who are going forward with the idea talking about our different approaches.




I may try that approach in the future and/or for other projects, but I think I'd prefer to talk to them face to face about this one. I think being able to whip out a sample and have them hold it while I talk to them will make a huge difference. Plus I hate talking on the phone lol (not just for prospecting, I don't like talking to anyone on the phone...)


As for the dimensions - I still say that is NOT what the documentation actually says(for example you say it can't exceed any maximums, it actually very specifically says that you have to exceed one maximum, not the maximum for flat [which has never been what I was talking about], but the maximum for letter size. It says you HAVE to exceed one, but only one)... though I do agree that is what is being put into practice so I'll stop arguing about it.




I ordered a couple of polos from Vistaprint last night, and today I'm working on putting together some more visuals with statistics and such to show prospects. A lot of people are visual learners, so I think this will help for those where holding an actual sample or looking at a mock up isn't quite enough. I'm curious if anyone has done something like this yet?

Vikuna2009+

Here's my tip to expand on your tip;

Fake it til' you make it! Why don't you just close your eyes, swirl around and stick your finger on your mock up, wherever it lands, put a red X on it, repeat 3 times, lol.

Now, it looks like you've already sold three ads and th RUSH is on!

Best of luck, Eva

oogyboogawa

I was thinking the same thing for when I go out pitching - though I hadn't thought specifically to make it a red marker. That is even better.

Good luck pitching tomorrow, I'm excited to hear how it goes for you.

I'm pumped to get started myself, but unfortunately I won't be able to start visiting businesses until the week after Christmas.

greggorio28

Oogy lets get together on this one...I was also thinking about some extra pie/graph type chart showing what typical direct mailers cost PER piece, the dollar breakdown, etc and stack it up against what WE are doing. Just not quite sure how to put it all together yet....if you can help me craft exactly what we should display...I'll design it and email it to you. gregg AT y3kdesigns.net

Professional graphic designer and entrepreneurial Jedi Knight in training...check out my portfolio

timpears

I thought the whole idea of this was to blanket the surrounding market. This will not blanket the market. Like with most of those freebies at the market, a lot of them never get picked up.

I would stick with the plan as outlined by Bob. That is working, why try to fix it? Dealing with the post office isn't that much bother.

Tim Pears

bob ross

I'll reply to some of the other posts in a bit, I just made a skype group for all the premium WSO buyers so we can talk a bit more freely. Add me and provide transaction ID if we have not communicated before... athanatos.renault

ps: let's not stop helping out people who haven't bought the WSO. We just can talk more freely in here.

RedShifted

/\ (@gregorio) Thats very interesting in fact I should mention it has a lot to do with how I'm approaching companies.

Example. I have 3 coupon books with me. Valpak, community coupon, and savers coupons or something forgot the name of the last.

Anyway I grabbed 3 companies using the coupons. Found the company email. Sent them a formal looking professional email telling them I do marketing research on small business marketing and that I'm interested in their results with their previous mailing campaigns.

I collect THEIR information. Make a bargraph. Make a bargraph out of my information, then send BOTH back to them through email. Tell them the results they got were basically not signficant or ideal and that if they're interested in learning how to use effecting mailing campaigns that I can come in to meet with them.

Guess what? My first 3 places (well not first I closed a place last week this is just my real prospecting starting now), 2 of them already want to meet. This was a really good idea and I'm glad I did it. I'm warming up clients to me walking through that door before I walk through the door. If you can just familiarize them a little bit with your company before going in I really believe it will help them understand the system and want to use the service.

Either way I'll let you guys know if I close them tommorow. Got some other little strategies I'm trying to work on too.

willz605

A little outside sales advice for novices....

1. Don't look like a salesman
2. Don't act like a salesman
3. Don't be a salesman
4. Position yourself as a solution.....be exclusive....
since when did Valpak or similar care about that?

Follow up every appointment with a hand written note thanking them for their time....this works wonders too....especially if you fill up before the thank you cards go out.

Tell your customer that you will only offer 1 exclusive painter/plumber/massage therapist ad etc....Show them who you plan to pitch too....chances are they know them.

Good Luck...some sound advice on this board.

greggorio28

VERY legit advice and I am sculpting my business model around this exact same thought process. Who wants to be pitched? Nobody. Its awkward for both parties! Open up and be excited about what you are offering them....its so unique and a golden egg for both parties! I am talking out loud because this is exactly how I wanna be perceived tomorrow.....wish me luck!

Professional graphic designer and entrepreneurial Jedi Knight in training...check out my portfolio

Vikuna2009+

There are so many twists that we can make to bob's program but I've decided to stick with the original version of bob's. I do appreciate all ideas and train of thoughts presented in this thread and later on I will prob add my own variation. For now though, no changes for me, Eva

Next step; get a Skype number

timpears

Maybe where you live it is ok to shoot the mail carrior, but in the USA, the Feds take a dim view of it.

Bulk mail is specifically made for advertisers to use to distribute their ads. And if I don't get at least some bulk mail advertising, that is a rare day.

The reason this is different than a newspaper or magazine or what ever, this has to be taken out of the mail box, and even if you toss it in the trash, you will at least glance at it. You can't help but notice the card and in all likely hood will be drawn to see what is on it. With a newspaper or magazine, you have to turn the pages to notice any ads.

Tim Pears

Vikuna2009+

Hilarious ,

if you just pay for your stamps, you should be fine, Eva

timpears

I have been thinking that a forum might be a good idea. I almost set one up and invited folks, but I wasn't sure it would get enough traffic to make it useful.

I know this is almost the only thread I read here on WF now. If folks want to do this, we should discuss it or vote or something.

Tim Pears

KaterSD

theres a skype group already just join that for now

timpears

I couldn't get Skype to work on my computer. I really need a new computer, but not in the budget right now.

Tim Pears

rideotm

I am really bummed out that George has pointed out that this won't work. Now I got to go back to the businesses I got a check from, refund their money and tell them that those 500+ customers they were likely to get for a dollar or less each just can't possibly happen because experience in his city indicates otherwise. Glad I am not a mailman in Prague...What a putz.

Smoking cigarettes and watching Captain Kangaroo

timpears

Too funny.

Tim Pears

jrobconsult

I just received my postcard samples in the mail and all I can say is WOW.
They will definitely look impressive compared to the rest of the mail.

San Antonio Estate Liquidators
Estate Sales San Antonio

rideotm

Yeah, Jrob, they definately have the WOW factor...In one of my several daily mind wanderings, I kinda thought about walking into a business with a mailbox and set it down for the owner to open...stuff it with letters, flyers and the billboard...maybe a bit over the top but they would remember it for a while

Smoking cigarettes and watching Captain Kangaroo

jwdavis

Bob, this looks really awesome, and I think I want to give it a whirl in Houston. 16 ads @ 500 ea = $8k gross revenue. My expense to print will be around $2k, I assume. I can create the ads myself, and I collect payment upfront from the client, right? So 10k post cards minus postage and printing nets me about $5k? Is that correct?

Jerry

bob ross

Yes, except it will cost around $2500 to print and mail but other than that yes you are correct!

dwalter

Hi Bob --

This is a really interesting idea -- Thanks for sharing it and for all your follow-up responses --

David

frankhill

Bob,

Lots of posts.... I apologize if this question has been asked. I worked for the P.O. about 20 years ago, this type of mailing program is not new. My questions:

1: Is the P.O. obligated to deliver my product on a certain day, or window of days?

2. Could I drop off my product Wed. this week and ask that it NOT be delivered until Mon. next week or later?

Thanks
Frank

timpears

Folks, get the WSO Bob has running. While there is a lot of information in this thread, there is more in the WSO. Well worth the few bucks it costs.

http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-...ng-income.html

Tim Pears

bob ross

Thanks David!

I know that saturation mailing as been around forever but there certainly are some NEW things about this. Particularly that everything is handled at the post office that's delivering the mail. You can UV coat both sides unlike before, you can use simplified addressing whether it's rural or city, and you pay for the postage right at the post office WITHOUT needing any bulk mail permit.

To answer your question, I don't believe that the EDDM program specifically answers those questions but I can tell you from my experience with my local post offices that they will hold onto it for a few days at least before mailing. I've never asked them past a couple days. They deliver it even in busy mailing seasons over the 1-3 days after you drop them off.

On my past mailings everything has been delivered within 2 days, mostly on the day after I paid the postage.

frankhill

Bob

Thanks for the quick reply! I am in the doorhanger business. This should compliment what I am doing and replace some of it. A lot less liability!

Thank You,
Frank

P.S. I think you are right about the bulk mail permit.

bob ross

Hey, no problem!

What's interesting is that even though you're almost getting the same exposure, the context's are totally different. 10,000 doorhangers or 10,000 windshield flyers will never compete with 10,000 Postcards in the mail.

The mail is just so personal, convenient, and welcomed. I know we all complain about junk mail but really I think most of us go to the mail looking for something "good" to come. A doorhanger or windshield flyer is not one of those things.

I'm not knocking doorhangers or anything and I'm sure they can work, but it's just a neat fact that that delivery method can change so much of the response.

frankhill

Bob

.... do you include P.O. Boxes in your deliveries... are they included in the EDDM program?

Frank

bob ross

No, I don't personally include PO Boxes. EDDM gives you the option of doing residential, residential/business, as well as whether you want to include PO boxes or not. The only requirement as far as address types is that you have to mail to residences.

SpiralX

Hey Tim,
Try imo.im for a way to connect with Skype, online, without Skype software. I just added Bob on Skype through imo. Should be fine for groups

*

Shawn Wilson

What is your take on the residential delivers, but they are apartments. I live in a metro area that has a lot of apts. Do you only recommend residential homes?

Vikuna2009+

It depends, in my opinion. Personally I wouldn't include "the projects" but if they live in an apartment where rents are $1,400-$1,600 or more, why not include them. Not everyone wants to be a homeowner for whatever reason so I would say include them.

There are many professionals that are young, make good money but move around alot. Sure, they have no need for a "family" discount but lets face it, everyone likes a good deal, Eva

bob ross

I think so long as your apartment areas are fitting into a good coupon user profile, you should be fine. People owning detached homes in big metro areas are probably pretty wealthy and may not be high coupon users.