Insurance Agent Forum

[Beach Broker]

Is anyone using direct mail on a consistent basis? If so, what type are you using? Postcard, tri-fold self mailer, letter?

Thanks,

Beach Broker

[Jim]

I use a card for final expense usually get 10-20 back and close around 5-10 polices.

[The Rabbi]

The wording is most important. I like a little sensationalism and bright color. Something more interesting than what everyone else is doing.

I guess the more expensive the mailer, the better the return. I've seen big producers use basic postcards.

The idea is to provoke them to take action. Reply cards - a lot of people return for spite. Maybe if they have to make a phone call it would be better.

Remember, KISS.

[Markingriffin]

Originally Posted by The Rabbi

Remember, KISS.

Keep It Simple Stupid. Yes I remember it and agree 100%.

[ddelp]

Any of you guys ever test using a toll free # on the lead card as well? Something to call into a basic message and leave info to be contacted. Ive heard a few marketing people mention this as a potential way to get higher response rate..thoughts/experiences with this?

[mickeyma]

Originally Posted by Beach Broker

Is anyone using direct mail on a consistent basis? If so, what type are you using? Postcard, tri-fold self mailer, letter?

Thanks,

Beach Broker

I've used direct mail for mortgage protection for years and have recently done mailings for final expense and annuities.
All are done with a postcard. I've tested a letter with a return envelop for mortgage protection and the return % was the same as a small postcard but the cost was double for the return envelop.

For final expense and annuities, the lead companies I have checked all use a postcard that fits in a #10 envelop.

Replies vary according to your area and product. Mtg protection runs .5% throughout the nation although I get .7% in Los Angeles. My replies for final expense and annuities ran 2% but the leads were lousy and I'm going to tweak the demographics to get less leads but more qualified ones.

All my direct mail goes out in a plain white envelop. The postcards have an attention-grabbing headline (at least that's what I think). I do my own mailing because the leads come directly to me and I get to call the prospect quicker.

What are you doing in direct mail?

[Beach Broker]

What are you doing in direct mail?[/quote]

I use joint venture partners like:

A P&C Commercial agent or a High Risk P&C agent or any of the following:

Health agents
Financial planners
Life agents
Lawyers
CPA’s
Chiropractors
Dentists


Then I will send an endorsed mailing to their list of customers with their permission. The letter goes along with a testimonial from the dentist or lawyer saying something to the effect of "This is a good guy, he has taken care of my insurance needs for a long time and has done a good job. Call him and get a quote." Then in reciprocation, I will let them send an endorsed mailing to my list of customers. It's all about the relationships. It has worked well so far.


Beach

[adbox]

Originally Posted by Beach Broker

What are you doing in direct mail?

I use joint venture partners like:

A P&C Commercial agent or a High Risk P&C agent or any of the following:

Health agents
Financial planners
Life agents
Lawyers
CPA’s
Chiropractors
Dentists


Then I will send an endorsed mailing to their list of customers with their permission. The letter goes along with a testimonial from the dentist or lawyer saying something to the effect of "This is a good guy, he has taken care of my insurance needs for a long time and has done a good job. Call him and get a quote." Then in reciprocation, I will let them send an endorsed mailing to my list of customers. It's all about the relationships. It has worked well so far.


Beach[/quote]

Sounds very thorough. Thorough = better