Direct mail is used in many different situations, limited primarily by the imagination of the advertiser. Stores typically use direct mail to advertise new products or to distribute coupons. Charities typically use the it to raise money or recruit volunteers.

1.  Offer something for free with no risk

2.  Use polybags to display attractive literature

3.  Have more than one response method (ie: Website, fax, email, phone etc)

4.  Include all your contact info (Website/Phone/Fax/Email/Address)

5.  Window envelopes can lower the cost of personalizing your mailing piece

6.  Mail more than once

7.  Check dimensions and format of your envelope/self mailers to make sure they conform to postage requirements

8.  The more personal a mailing piece looks and feels, the more attractive it will be to your audience

9.  Have your list processed through Canada Post approved Address Correction & Verification

10.  Keep your message simple

A mailing house (often referred to as a lettershop) is a business that performs one or more of the services of assembling, packaging, and addressing printed materials, which it then delivers to Canada Post to be sent out to the mail targets.

Why use a lettershop / mailing house?

A Mailing house can save you time, stress and money on your mailings. You simply provide the mail pieces and the mailing list (for Addressed Admail). The Mailing house will then sort and correct your mailing list to Canada Post standards, address your mailing piece, stuff and seal your envelopes and take it to Canada Post. Quite often the postage costs are quite a bit lower than if you had done it yourself. Because Mailing Houses sort and correct the mailing list using Canada Post approved Software they are able to achieve postal discounts.

Why use West Coast Mail Services Ltd?

• We provide a fast turnaround. Generally we will have your mail out either the day of, or the day after, all the necessary steps have been completed.
• We will never sell your mailing list. We have a very strict confidentiality agreement. We do not believe in doing anything that may jeopardize future business with our customers.
• We care about your job. We take pride in providing the best customer service and attention to detail as possible.
• We will set you up with your own Canada Post account so that you will receive a statement from Canada Post showing you when your mail went out, how many pieces went out, and how much the postage was per piece.

Addressed Admail

What is Addressed Admail?

Addressed Admail is mailable items, bearing a uniform message, that; promote the sale or use of products or services; report on financial performance, primarily for promotional purposes; or solicit donations or contributions. It is solely an advertising and promotional product. The wording of Addressed Admail pieces does not need to be identical. You may fully personalize the promotional message by tailoring the entire content of the piece to the recipient.

Why send out Addressed Admail?

Addressed Admail enables you to promote your products and services to your best customers and prospects on a targeted and personalized basis. It helps you reduce waste by permitting you to focus your marketing budget on those most likely to respond. Whether you mine your own customer database, or purchase or build a list, targeting increases response rates. Unlike television or radio advertisements which demand immediate action, at least to note down a number to call, Addressed Admail allows the consumer to pay attention to the advertisement when they want to and where they want.

What is Unaddressed Admail?

Unaddressed Admail consists of printed matter and product samples that are not addressed to specific delivery addresses. This includes flyers, brochures, cards, coupons, single sheets, envelopes, samples, etc. It is sent to certain delivery areas, such as specific postal codes or letter carrier walks.

Why send out Unaddressed Admail?

Your mail will be delivered with the rest of the mail; it is not hidden in the advertising clutter of a co-op bag or delivered as one of many inserts in a newspaper. You are able to target houses, apartments, farms or businesses in certain geographical areas. By including a coupon or draw form on the mail piece you can measure the success rate of the mailing; this is hard to do with other forms of advertising.

If you have questions about this or anything related to direct mail and printing, please feel free to leave a comment or contact us directly.