What have you all found to be the best when sending out a particukar appeal? A tear off form on the brochure or letter or a separate reply card?

Hillary Murphy
Phoebe Foundation
Phoebe Putney Health System
www.phoebeputney.com
Hillary Murphy
Financial Administrator
Phoebe Foundation

It really depends on the group that you are mailing to. Many organizations test their direct mail packages extensively, trying every possible combination to maximise their return. We found in our testing that our donors are more likely to respond if they receive a stamped addressed envelope with the solicitation letter. However, this adds to the cost of the mailing, so we only send sae's to donors who have already given to a direct mail are are likely to give again. To new prospects we mail a standard business reply envelope from USPS, as we found that it did not significantly affect the return and it saves us money on postage. What do you think this group of people would best respond to? What is your second best choice? Send half the people your first choice and half the people your second choice. Use RE to track their response. Gavin Gourley Global Partnerships 206-652-8748 [Email Removed]

Seperate reply card. J. Hummel Chadwick School, California

Seperate reply card. J. Hummel Chadwick School, California

A bit late to the party, but I'll throw in with an answer. At a couple of organizations, now, I've found that a separate reply device works best. Specifically, I've had good luck with a 6 3/4" or a 9" remit envelope. The inside of the large flap and the body of the envelope can be printed with any info you would normally place on a separate reply card. Some might argue that there's an advantage to having the donor's name/address pre-printed on the tear-off or separate reply card. I tend to think this may be offset by the fact that a percentage of donors do not include the tear-off or card when they send their gift. Also, if you provide blanks for the donor to write in their own name and address, you can pick up individual donor preferences as to how they wish to be addressed (i.e. "Bob" instead of "Robert"). Just my $.02. Phil [i]Rule #1: You have to ask.[/i] [i]--- Edited at 3/18/2005 4:25:09 PM by Phil McCorkle[/i]