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="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;"> <div><div style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><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 href="http://us.f835.mail.yahoo.com/dc/www.mitchellpianoservice.com" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">www.mitchellpianoservice.com </a> (415) 994-1030   -----Original Message----- From: Dean May [<a href="mailto:deanmay@pianorebuilders.com" target="_blank" onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)">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>