Business to Business Direct Mail Offers that Say Free

In direct mail, the offer is the incentive or reward that you dangle in front of your prospects to motivate them to respond to your mailing, either with an order or with a request for more information.

Offers follow a "you do this and we'll do that" format. For example: "Place your order before June 3 and we'll reduce your price by 40%" or "Phone now and we'll send you a free demo CD."

Here are some examples of offers that businesses use to sell their products and services to other businesses using direct mail. Each of these offers gives the prospect something for free. "Free" is still a word that increases response, though it is not as effective as it once was because readers are more sceptical and because spam filters often delete emails that contain the word (that's why I've disguised "free" throughout this message).

1. Free trial
Customers try your product or service before paying for it. Example: "Try our product risk-free for 30 days and pay only if you buy."

Pros: Increases response because it eliminates the buyer's fear of ordering by mail what may prove to be unsatisfactory merchandise.

Cons: Increases cost of processing orders. Hampers cash flow.

2. Free gift for inquiry
Prospects receive a free gift when they request more information. Example: "Call now to learn more, and to receive your free 2006 Wall-Mounted Day Planner."

Pros: Effective at increasing inquiries.

Cons: Respondents are usually less qualified, since some will just want your gift, not what you're selling.

3. Free information
You give prospects information that helps them make an informed buying decision. Example: Free catalog, booklet, report, white paper, video.

Pros: Effective when your product is either complex or expensive, or both, and what you want is a sales lead, not an immediate sale. Also useful when you sell more than one thing.

Cons: Adds to your lead generation costs. Some people collect information but never buy.

4. Free demonstration
You demonstrate your product, usually at the prospect's place of work. Example: "Call us toll-free to arrange a free, no-obligation demonstration of our new XYZ Dump Trailer."

Pros: An effective way to secure meetings with prospects. Overcomes fears and objections (assuming your product is good). Gives you opportunity to answer customer questions in person.

Cons: Expensive when it involves a sales visit.

5. Free analysis
You offer prospects a free needs analysis, survey, audit or check up. Example: "To book your complementary, no-obligation Network Safety Audit, call us today."

Pros: Attractive because it gives prospects value and helps them see how you operate. Helps you qualify prospects.

Cons: Expensive when it involves a visit to the prospect's business. Time-consuming.

6. Free estimate
You offer prospects a free estimate of what they will pay to retain your services or buy your product. Example: "To receive a free estimate of your cost to install the new Nampro 767, call us now."

Pros: Helps you generate leads. You get a chance to meet face-to-face with prospects, if necessary.

Cons: Time-consuming. Some prospects will just be shopping for best price. Others will be checking to see if they got a good deal from your competitor. Expensive when it involves a face-to-face meeting.

Alan is a business-to-business direct mail copywriter and lead generation consultant. As President of Sharpe Copy Inc. (http://www.sharpecopy.com), Alan specializes in helping businesses generate leads, close sales and retain customers, using cost-effective, compelling direct mail and email marketing. Alan also uses his direct mail advertising services to help charities raise funds and raise awareness of their causes, using fundraising letters.



Dear Friend: Dont Start Your Non-For-Profit Fundraising Letters As A Stranger

Dear Friend:Don't do it.Don't start your fundraising letters with "Dear... Read More

Networking Basics Turn Yourself Into A Profit Making Giant

I would like to introduce you to one of my... Read More

How To Create A Complete Referral Marketing System

These steps are taken from the Referral Flood Marketing Program.... Read More

The Marketing Funnel: Simple, Effective Marketing Strategy

No matter if you're publishing your first book or producing... Read More

8 Proven Ways to Get Referrals

Do you find it hard to ask for referrals? I... Read More

Direct Mail Marketing Generates Sales Leads: Heres How

1. Personal Unlike an advertisement in a trade publication, which... Read More

Tackle a Newsletter and Come Out On Top

Unlike any other marketing vehicle, newsletters give you the opportunity... Read More

Marketing The Real You

I often wonder how the practice began of pretending to... Read More

Market Planning -- Getting the Word Out

"There are those who get things done and those who... Read More

The Added Effectiveness of Promotional Products in Your Marketing Plan

Recently, I stopped by a new car wash in my... Read More

Are You Losing Business?

As a small business owner, you are grateful for all... Read More

Referrals . . .The Secret Weapon

Are you getting referrals from you customers? If not, you... Read More

How to Develop an Effective Company Profile -- and Why

What is a company profile? ... Read More

How To Perfect Your Marketing Message!

When it comes to your marketing message, the little things... Read More

Know Thy Competition

BREAK FROM HO-HUM MARKETING ? IT'S TOO BORING! Once you... Read More

10 Beer Budget Event Marketing Tips

Are you planning an event or participating in a trade... Read More

Explode Your Sales With Free & Exclusive Content

Offering free and exclusive content to ezine publishers and webmasters... Read More

Walking Talking Advertisements

So you've made a sale. Great!Now what? You're not just... Read More

Preventive Marketing Offers Small-Mid Sized Business Owners An Ideal Way To Maximize Their Results

As the owner of a creative services boutique - I... Read More

Three Simple Ideas That Increase Profit? FAST!

Are you spending more time trying to get new clients... Read More

What Does Your Business Card Say About You? - Making A Great First Impression!

Interesting article in USA Today that I read this week... Read More

My Marketing Budget Is Small - How Can I Make The Most Of It?

Regardless how small or large your budget is, there are... Read More

How to Take Your Law Firm to the Next Level

How to Take Your Law Firm to the Next Level... Read More

Increase Your Profits Through Customer Loyalty

The job of convincing your existing customers to spend higher... Read More

Rules of Thumb for Marketing to Your Past Customers

Keeping in touch can dramatically increase business, when done properly.It's... Read More

If you'd like to keep up-to-date,
please complete the form below and we'll put you on the mailing list
to receive our twice-yearly newsletter for supporters

* Your email address:
* choes your language:
 

العاب منتديات هيدى الزاوية الحمراء

Pharaohs products    egypt products    Egypt shopping   Shopping in Egypt   sho  Egypt Bazaar Pharaohs Shoping Center   Egypt  Pharaohs