Hi Michael,

Thanks for your reply...fyi I did mean offline printed classifieds...I should have been clearer about that :-)

> If this test you're thinking of costs less
> than a couple hundred bucks, why not just
> run the test?

You're absolutely right and I do intend to test this...I really only tossed this out as a general question regarding the use of autoresponders in offline classified ads...always nice to hear a success story so I thought I'd ask around :-)

> know that have used them. Which shifts this
> discussion to off-line classifieds. Anything
> done off-line should probably have a phone
> number along with it. I think just having an
> autoresponder would drop response.

I'm almost sure it would drop overall response...what I didn't mention in my original post was the idea of pre-qualification...the product in question would be intended for computer users...as somebody recently mentioned here (possibly Don Alm) it doesn't make sense to send a 'magic' floppy or CD to a non-computer user...

> But again, someone else's success or failure
> using any type of marketing tool has very
> little bearing on your ultimate success or
> failure.

Very true!

It's funny, it's obviously very common to see a website URL in printed display ads these days...you don't often see an e-mail address (tied to an autoresponder) in the ad...at least I haven't noticed this very often...maybe a customer service address where a human MIGHT get back to you in about a week...very seldom any follow up after that initial contact...

I wonder if an e-mail address in a printed display ad including a call to action would yield results (subscribe to our free online newsletter, etc). If you're going to spend the big bucks on displays ads, it might be nice to try to build an opt-in list along the way....

Have a great day all!

Richie