Advertise a Mail Order Business
Mail order is thriving these days and technology advances have propelled this sales method during the last decade. Having a great product gets you started, but you can't sustain a mail order business if no one knows you exist. The lack of a retail store front can pose some challenges, but with perseverance and a little creativity anyone can successfully advertise and promote a mail order business.
Instructions
1. Offer to send free information about your product in an ad placed in the classified section of your local newspaper. Space is less expensive in the classifieds, and if you request a stamped self addressed envelope you can keep costs down even further. Be sure to use words like "free" and "how to" in the headline to attract attention.
2. Develop a website for round the clock advertising. You don't have to accept orders on your site for it to be effective. Use it as a public relations tool by telling people about your business and the products you offer. It is also a great way to attract new customers, and people are likely to contact you with questions using email.
3. Send a press release to trade publications that compliment your product. This free publicity works well if you can catch the editor's attention. Include a fact sheet describing your business, photographs of you and your product and endorsements from your clients. A free sample of your mail order product is a good idea as well.
4. Enclose promotional material and bounce back coupons with all your shipments. If your customer likes your product, they will likely order again or pass the coupon on to a friend.
5. Display catalogs or brochures at businesses that complement your product offering. Catalogs may seem expensive, but the price per piece drops significantly if you order a large quantity. Keep in mind when distributing advertising materials that mail order customers stretch far beyond your local community.
