<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN"> <HTML><HEAD> <META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> <META content="MSHTML 6.00.6000.16441" name=GENERATOR></HEAD> <BODY> <DIV>Wowie-zowie, Paul, the NetPost Mailing feature on the USPS site looks GREAT!  And the prices are undoubtedly comparable to what I'd pay making them myself, if you figure wear'n'tear on hard-/soft-/wetware, not to mention all the energy expended cussing when the printer jams up........ <g>  Thanks for pointing this out!</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>For a nice blue moon shot, check out <A href="http://tinyurl.com/3brbom">http://tinyurl.com/3brbom</A>.  The spaceweather.com site usually includes cool stuff (except the solar photos, which are definitely HOT).</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Annie Grieshop </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> -----Original Message----- From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org]On Behalf Of paul bruesch Sent: Friday, June 01, 2007 2:06 PM To: Pianotech List Subject: [PHISHING]: Re: another slightly off-topic question </DIV> <BLOCKQUOTE style="PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid"> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Panda Antivirus 2007 has detected that this email could be spoofed Take maximum precautions, as spoofed emails could be the sign of a fraud attempt. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I meant to jump in on this yesterday but got sidetracked by the blue moon... The USPS website has a feature which allows you to send postcards (and other?) mailings. I haven't used it, and it's been a while since I've looked at it... but as I recollect you can upload a design and a mailing list. The cards are printed by USPS and delivered to your recipients, and the total cost is less than just postage for a DIY job. (Obviously this is a U.S.-only solution.) I plan to take another more serious look at this now with the great marketing ideas from this thread. About eight months ago I bought a business from a retiring tech. This resulted in a huge client list, but (way too) many have not been real active clients for the past few years... I know I don't have much in the way of "competition," so I'm thinking either they don't play at all any more or else I'll be able to soak 'em all for pitch corrections!!  (tongue-in-cheek, tongue-in-cheek, tongue-in-cheek!)  Actually, now I'm thinking a good marketing ploy might be to offer to waive the PC fee if they schedule during the slow summer months. I particularly like Bruce's newsletter idea... maybe a single "FAQ" on a postcard... Thanks all... Paul Bruesch Stillwater, MN <DIV>On 6/1/07, Rob Mitchell <<A href="mailto:rob_mitchell@pacbell.net">rob_mitchell@pacbell.net</A>> wrote: <BLOCKQUOTE class=gmail_quote style="PADDING-LEFT: 1ex; MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; BORDER-LEFT: rgb(204,204,204) 1px solid"> <DIV> <DIV style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: arial,helvetica,sans-serif"> <DIV> Dean,   I'm wondering if you have ever cost-compared printing your own cards versus having them professionally made? I ordered 250 standard postcards (color photo on one side, B&W on the other) for $70, but of course then I had to print out address labels. The laser printer is very nice since you get each card personalized for your customers (I think there's even software that will let you print the postage).   Rob   Mitchell Piano Service <A onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)" href="http://us.f835.mail.yahoo.com/dc/www.mitchellpianoservice.com" target=_blank>www.mitchellpianoservice.com </A> (415) 994-1030   -----Original Message----- From: Dean May [<A onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)" href="mailto:deanmay@pianorebuilders.com" target=_blank>mailto:deanmay@pianorebuilders.com </A>] Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2007 11:09 AM To: 'Pianotech List' Subject: RE: another slightly off-topic question >I enjoy doing the marketing stuff, but I want to make sure I get the >most bang for my buck! > >Annie Direct mail postcards I believe give you the most bang for your buck. You can put 4 on a regular 8.5x11 for the postcard rate. I do 2 on 8.5x11 giving me an 8.5x5.5 postcard which requires a first class stamp. I find better results with the bigger piece. I used to use 110 lb card stock, but now I use premium HP paper, 32 lb. It is really nice and much easier on the printer. I invested in a nice color laser printer that also duplexes (prints both sides). I mail merge the name and address, as well the date the piano was last tuned. Print your page, cut in half, add stamp and mail. Keep working your database of customers. Mine will get 2-4 mailings per year. I also acquired a database of 1100 churches in a 50 mile radius that I am planning on hitting. Dean Dean May cell 812.239.3359 PianoRebuilders.com 812.235.5272 Terre Haute IN 47802          </DIV></DIV></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE></DIV> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Panda Antivirus 2007 has detected that this email could be spoofed Take maximum precautions, as spoofed emails could be the sign of a fraud attempt. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- </BLOCKQUOTE></BODY></HTML>