mailing lists

[sonsrap]

Has anybody ever used a service to get addresses for a mass mailing? any reccomendations?

[caribbean tan man]

i did one last year and it was a waste........stick to your database!

[Carribbean Island Tan]

most of the time waste of money

[spraytannedjenn]

I have done it huge waste. Most of the post cards came back to me unable to deliver. The company reimbured me for those names but didn't for the postage or the cost of the post card. Hint: Go to superpages.com and put in a street name in you area you want to market to. It will give you up to date listings as well as thier phone #'s A touch time consuming but well worth the money saved. Just Cut and paste to your lables or data base so you don't have to retype them. You could hire a responsible teenager pretty cheap and pay them to do it. A bonus them for each of the post cards that gets brought in would motivate quite well for them to get it right.

Vista print has some really good deals for post cards depending how many you need. Look really good too.

Another hint: Do a mailing this week and then do the same mailing 3 weeks later with the same card. Pretty effective Just don't resend to the people who have come in already.

Hope this helps

Jennifer

[sonsrap]

I don't have a data base I am opening a new salon.

[dcjjp2]

Most data bases suck.. You are better off doing a little research and targeting certain apt bldgs in your surrounding areas.

[I KNOW IT ALL]

Jeffery your statment of targetting certian apt buildings in your area is bizzare at best. You want to target a gender and age group but not certain apt buildings in the area. Are you suggesting avoid the Government Housing ones?

Mrs. W

[dcjjp2]

I know in my area there are several new apt bldgs that attract a MUCH younger clientel as they are built over shopping malls/bars etc in chic urban areas. Going to the property and scoping it out will confirm this as will talking to a leasing agent as a "perspective" tenant. Getting how many apts are there and the configuration of how many per floor etc....

I have been seriously successful doing this and my competitor is literally below them in the retail space , occupied by the mall. Doing this I have brought in more than 50+ in the few years I have been open doing a post card sized mailer with an offer to check us out. In the 500 I have put out to gain 50+ people from, is the best return you will ever get.

[dcjjp2]

Not to mention my best way was putting people to work for you in the field. I have people from all walks of life that I either give a great discount or even fully comp their tanning for bringing clients in to us.

Wait staff at restaurants, bartenders, stylists, nail techs, travel agents, Capitol Hill/White House staffers, wedding planners, college kids at nearby schools, nurses, executives in offices above us, hotel concierge, apt bldg leasing staff, dry cleaners etc.....

You HAVE to hold the accountable to so many per period to keep the discount.

[caribbean tan man]

if your just opening you need to do everything you can afford!

radio... make a few commercials and give the station free gift cards to give away on air.

local paper...... advertising your grand opening (make a event out of it or a free tan coupon)

hit up local businesses with your flyers especially ones right next to you.

give local business employee free tan cards for themselves and friends gym members, hair salon employees, nail techs

get the lights/salon sign on in your salon and dont shut them off untill a week after you open

strobe light in windows..... balloons on poles

its time to get creative.