I would suspect that folks are VERY sensitive to unsolicited material arriving in their mailboxes, and a lot of the 'tricks' that used to get unsolicited mail opened are just impractical (such as the plain white envelope).

It's my sense that direct mail envelopes will need to clearly broadcast their contents from now on. Just my opinion...

I'm about to launch a lead-generation direct mail campaign and wrestled with how to approach a group of business owners who are likely suspicious of their mail (due to their industry).

Here's the plan of attack:

A personalized postcard mailing that alerts the recipient that a package is on its way - complete with a date by which they can expect to receive this package.

Followed with the lead-generator send via Express Mail (a LOT cheaper than FedEx) with a Fax-Back response device.

Then follow up as I normally would.

This cost and effort of this approach is likely too cost and labor intensive for all but high-ticket items. I'm using this to generate leads for services that will likely run in the tens of thousands, so to me the cost is justified.

It doesn't help that the Postmaster General is publically saying that the mail is unsafe....

Scot