<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:st1="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"> <head> <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=us-ascii"> <meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 11 (filtered medium)"> <o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PostalCode"/> <o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="State"/> <o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="City"/> <o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"/> <o:SmartTagType namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="PersonName"/>  <style>  </style> </head> <body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=blue> <div class=Section1> >>I meant to jump in on this yesterday but got sidetracked by the blue moon...<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> I enjoy a good blue moon as well, in a frosted mug with an orange wedge. ;-)<o:p></o:p> <div> Dean<o:p></o:p> <u1:PersonName u2:st="on"><st1:PersonName w:st="on">Dean May</st1:PersonName></u1:PersonName>             cell 812.239.3359 <o:p></o:p> PianoRebuilders.com   812.235.5272 <o:p></o:p> <u1:place u2:st="on"><u1:City u2:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Terre Haute</st1:City></u1:City> <u1:State u2:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">IN</u1:State></st1:State>  <u1:PostalCode u2:st="on"><st1:PostalCode w:st="on">47802</u1:PostalCode></st1:PostalCode></st1:place></u1:place><o:p></o:p> </div> <div> <div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'> <hr size=2 width="100%" align=center tabindex=-1> </div> From: pianotech-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:pianotech-bounces@ptg.org] On Behalf Of paul bruesch Sent: Friday, June 01, 2007 3:06 PM To: <st1:PersonName w:st="on">Pianotech List</st1:PersonName> Subject: Re: another slightly off-topic question<o:p></o:p> </div> 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 <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Stillwater</st1:City>, <st1:State w:st="on">MN</st1:State></st1:place> <o:p></o:p> <div> On 6/1/07, Rob Mitchell <<a href="mailto:rob_mitchell@pacbell.net">rob_mitchell@pacbell.net</a>> wrote:<o:p></o:p> <div> <div> <div> Dean,<o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> 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). <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> Rob<o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> Mitchell Piano Service<o:p></o:p> <a href="http://us.f835.mail.yahoo.com/dc/www.mitchellpianoservice.com" target="_blank">www.mitchellpianoservice.com </a><o:p></o:p> (415) 994-1030<o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> -----Original Message-----<o:p></o:p> From: <st1:PersonName w:st="on">Dean May</st1:PersonName> [<o:p></o:p> <a href="mailto:deanmay@pianorebuilders.com" target="_blank">mailto:deanmay@pianorebuilders.com </a>] <o:p></o:p> Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2007 11:09 AM<o:p></o:p> To: '<st1:PersonName w:st="on">Pianotech List</st1:PersonName>'<o:p></o:p> Subject: RE: another slightly off-topic question<o:p></o:p> >I enjoy doing the marketing stuff, but I want to make sure I get the <o:p></o:p> >most bang for my buck!<o:p></o:p> ><o:p> </o:p> >Annie<o:p></o:p> 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. <o:p></o:p> 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. <o:p></o:p> 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. <o:p></o:p> Dean<o:p></o:p> <st1:PersonName w:st="on">Dean May</st1:PersonName> cell 812.239.3359 <o:p></o:p> PianoRebuilders.com 812.235.5272 <o:p></o:p> <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Terre Haute</st1:City> <st1:State w:st="on">IN</st1:State> <st1:PostalCode w:st="on">47802</st1:PostalCode></st1:place><o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <o:p> </o:p> </div> </body> </html>