Hey there everyone.

I have a new show and created an 8.5x11 post card that will be mailed out as part of this campaign.
the question is I am trying to make it not so wordy on the back however it does require more words then I normally would want as its such a unique concept so some explaing needs to be done

so do you think putting Details of whats included and price needs to be on there or should I direct them to my website for more detials and financial considerations and discounts.

of course there are enough details on the card to let them know what the show is and whats involved and who I am

what I really want to know is do I need to list things like

45-minute spectacular educational show filled with Magic, Comedy,
Grand Illusions and tons of audience interaction and participation
Students also learn Self- Esteem & No Bullying!
We provide everything –sound, curtains, mic, & spectacular magic
Resources provided include but not limited too

I LIST THE RESOURCES HERE BUT NOT FOR YOU TO SEE RIGHT NOW AS ITS A
NEW SHOW AND PROTECTING IT. HOPE YOU UNDERSTAND:)
With these resources you and your students can continue the
learning experience after Sam and his assistant disappear!

UNDER THIS-
I have the financial considerations listed
cost
how to get discounts
etc


I just feel its too much and makes the post card to BUSY
however I also don't want to make them work harder to get the info they need to book me
having them go to a website I guess is the norm today

what say you

I am open to any ideas and suggestions

on a side note I have created and run several succuseful post card targeting the clients I want in the past however this is bigger and much more complicated then ones I have done.

I have written the text and then hired a copy writer to go over it and awaiting her reply and revisions of what I have done.

thanks in advance
sam

Hey Sam,

I would give them enough of the unique features as well as direct “benefits” to them to entice them and get tem interested. Then hit them with a powerful call to action. This call to action could be directing them to the website for more information or mentioning the postcard for an immediate percentage off the show etc.

I personally wouldn’t put the price on the postcard. Consumers tend to lock too much on the price and never read anything else. It also gives you the opportunity to talk to these folks and get them to know more about what you offer.

More importantly, if you do not have the price stated on the card, then it gives you more flexibility. You know many times once you get the client talking, you may realize that the solution that is right for them is a different show package all together. You may end up selling a higher priced show. You would never have that opportunity if you are locked in on a set price printed.

You can also do a postcard mailing and then a 2 step follow up system. In the follow ups (direct mail or email) you can give a bit more information so it does not all have to be on the card as a single mailing marketing campaign.

Just food for thought.

Kyle

Agreed kyle with most of that and yes I am doing a phone follow up after the initial mailing.

as for price this is a school assembly and the price is FIRM there is not negotiating with this other then the possible discounts they can get thru suggesting another school to book the same day or having a second show same day same school. so I am not to afraid to put the price.

however you are right especially with this economy many people are only looking at price,

I can tell you that I have done 2 of these new shows in last week and price was never an issue one school was a public school and one was a private shcool. so it seems that I have found the right price with hopes of charging more in the near future as it becomes more popular and schools start talking. I already booked 3 libraries this summer for this show and 2 more schools this school year. so I think I am on my way.

will send a PM I have a question for you.

don't you hate that when some one says that (i will send a pm) and now every one reading this is gonna be like oh man what is the question and why cant we hear it. LOL

sam

Sam -

I have a couple of ideas.

One thing you could do is create a sales letter and shrink it on the postcard. You could put the pages 4-up on the 8.5"x11" postcard. That way you can tell your full story if you're going to include rates.

Another idea is to have less information on the postcard, but drive them to a website for full information.

One more thing to remember. When quoting rates in any mailing, be sure to say that they are valid if they respond within 60 days (and also put a date on the mailing). After then, they have to call to confirm current rates.

I also like to be specific when quoting rates in a mailing, and make it clear they are for a certain type of show (school shows, for example), in a certain community (in Victoria, for example), in case the mailing changes hands.

- Donald

I agree with Donald and much of what has been said here. The first question you must ask yourself is what action are you trying to get the reader to take? Call you, go directly to a web site, signup for a free something, or the much harder - try to sell them directly with the mailer whether it be a post card, letter or other.

for example, many people do not want to give their pricing or special details out in the mail piece. The want the opportunity to talk to them directly and present this info in a special way. They create a predetermined and calculated stream for them to follow..visit the website, opt-in for a special discount offer and/or additional information, call your booking representative within (X) days to receive an additional (savings, premium, offer), etc.

Once you've determined the call to action you want the reader to take, your headlines, copy, photos, and other content are all created and based around this. It really makes the entire process, including testing, much clearer. Often this allows only a single message on your mailer without trying to have to include so many elements. This can be a serious strategy in and of itself. Best of luck!

Sam
As a rank amateur here I'll put my two cents in. IMHO your post card should supply enough information to make the potential customer want to contact you. You are the sales men, and the card is just the bait, so make it colorful, and easy to read.

How did it go at that restaurant?

I'd say KISS. Keep it simple, stupid if they want more, they'll ask:)

Thanks everyone!

Al I am supposed to call today! will let you know what they say

Radmak- yup that's always been my favorite quote KISS when designing my mailers

yes I am trying to get them to call me however I feel that there is too much going on the back side of the mailer so I am refocusing my efforts. I will still get them to call me but will drive them to the web for MORE DETAILS somthing like for detials and discounts visit samsandler.com

using the dicounts that will peek their interest.
also I am mailing this out to an area that pretty much already knows me so most of the schools have heard of me or actually have had me there for other shows and there are a flurry of quotes from other schools on this mailer as well.

when its finished I might be tempted to post it to let you all see it, its a new show so I am very over protective LOL

thanks for all the suggestions and ideas every one I appreciate your time

sam

I am in general agreement regarding putting the price on the postcard. I am in sales fulltime, and price is the LAST thing we bring up...as we do NOT want customers to focus simply on price. Someone is ALWAYS willing to perform for less.

In sales we use a features and benefits mode. Features are what the product does (in this case what goals your show has), and b enefits are the "whys" for the customer. WHY does this matter? What difference will it make? In this mode, I think you have attacked it correctly. You make sure to mention the self-esteem aspect. This is a definite benefit.

If you do a good job selling the benefits, they will contact you to get the price. PLUS, I would ALWAYS follow up with a phone call. School administrators have a mile-high pile of stuff on their desks.

wishing you much success,

Mike

I have put my price in a school mailing before. But that was a multiple-page letter, not an over-sized postcard.

Also remember, that Jim Snack talked about being up front with schools about your prices, in his course. Re-read the section on school shows, to get the idea within proper context.

- Donald

P.S. Did I miss it, or did you not mention anything about having testimonials from other schools on your mailing?

Donald no you did not miss it. I do indeed have several schools testimonials on the post card both on front and back.

as for jim snacks course I don't own that actually I don't own any of those marketing courses. I get the same info for free from my library. not to mention I was a biz major in Highschool and been doing this for 20 years now.

the target margeting is something that I have done off and on over the years as I don't advertise my show anywhere but now with the market of educational shows that I have been doing over the last 3 years I have moved into the target market area and so far so good.

this campaign will be the largest and most aggresive I have ever done so I sought the advice of Café members and so thankful for the inputs so far.

Yes sell the benifits I need to refocus some of my efforts there. I have some other benefits mentioned on the front with the testimonials however I can do better and I will

thanks again guys

sam

Sam;

My question is why you feel it necessary to send an 8.5x11 post card out if you feel you can’t fill the format with content?
The larger card is accepted at the post office at a premium rate driving up your costs and is more easily damaged by the mailing system.

Just a question on your choice.

Buzz

Hey Buzz,

good question. I felt that the size 8.5x11 would help with the WOW factor that I am presenting. I am advertising this as the best school assembly show in america and want to have an off the hook piece of advertising. this is a full color front and back post card that will indeed catch the attention and present itself as above average type of show. with the endorsements and quotes from other schools and prominet educators plus the content and picturs lots of pictures I feel this is the way to go.

not worried about the cost. my follow up post card is going to be a 6x9 or 6x11 not decided yet. I go to print on the big one next week.

sam