How to keep your customers after you've relocated your business, part 1

Relocating your business??  Here are some how to tips before you move to get the message out so that you don't loose any customers.   See also my next blog for how to tips after you move.

• put a sticker on all packages with new address letting customers you will be moving with date of move and new address 
• create maps with new location and date of move (best to show both old and new, especially if two locations are fairly close)    
• send a press release to local paper(s) and local business paper     
• add comments to quotes, invoices, packing lists with date of move and new location    
• send e-mail to active customers with new address and date of move    
• initiate a post card mailing to current customers to inform them of your move  
• send letters or e-mails to vendors/suppliers, etc. with new address    
• post a banner at old location with "Relocating to...." (get approval from old landlord and new tenant to leave up)    
• file a change of address notification with post office    
• order new packing supplies with new address (or put labels with new address on top of old address).

If you are moving in near term, hope the above will help and best wishes in your new location.   Stop by or call our print shop to discuss the best, most cost effective way to get this important message out.

How to dramatically increase your mailing response rate

Most experts agree that a typical mailing response rate for a flat mailing is 1.5%.  

According to an ASI survey,  the response rate can be significantly increased by sending lumpy mail and by also putting an enticing message on the outside of the envelope.   A case study was given that a fortune 500 service provider sent a pop-up item customized for each city (think skyline) with a their company logo embedded inside of the 3D city scape.  Recipients of the mailing liked the 3D pop up and held on to them.  10% of the recipients responded to the mailing and signed up for the advertised service.   

Adding a sense of urgency on the outside of the envelope such as "The first 50 respondents  will be entered to win a prize" has been shown to increase response rates.

Key learnings:

• Lumpy mail gets noticed
• An enticing message on the envelop will be more apt to be opened
• Sending an interesting, useful logo item will be have a higher chance of being held onto, thus creating more impression opportunities.

For more how to mailing tips see my other mailing related blog entries or stop by our shop to learn more ways to improve response rate and how to minimize costs.