Our New Post Card Mail-Out

[BBQMAN]

My main entertainment provider and I routinely do a mail out twice a year to potential clients (the ROI is huge).

Here is the new design:
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BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005.

[OddThomas]

I think the message and content are great and including the photos is what will probably get the most attention, but I don't care for the design or the colors and especially not the clip art sort of just stuck there in the middle. What's a guy in a tuxedo got to do with a luau party anyway? He looks like an MC for the Oscars...

It's just too busy for me--too many (primary/contrasting) colors and too many type faces (I count 5) and the opposing gradients blur the text for me. It's hard to focus on any one thing for long because it's so loud. I'm a more minimalistic type guy though and I stick to the basic design teachings that just because you CAN use 5 type faces, doesn't mean you should.

The back is pretty nice and I like the added photo of the folks dancing--I think more than anything that gets the message across.. The highlighted "call for a free copy" area is done well and catches the eye quickly.

I suppose this is the designer you were talking about earlier who is "affordable"? If you got it designed and printed for $128, I suppose you can't complain too much.

Either way I'm sure it will do well for you as it has in the past as I'm equally sure my input will roll of you like water off a ducks butt; especially since it's already a done deal. .

[BBQMAN]

The guy in the tuxedo is my entertainment providers logo Mike- not my first choice either!

The artwork cost me $128, and was delivered to me on a CD formatted for easy changes if/when we need to make any down the road.

I thought the price was reasonable, considering a one color logo cost gator $75.00 (but that's just me! )

5,000 6x9 postcards printed on Aqueous Coated paper were $460.00 plus tax, and the fuel to pick them up in Tampa (about $15.00 in my out-of-tune F250).
_________________
BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005.

[OddThomas]

Dude I would have done a heck of a better job for you so the next time you need affordable artwork, you should PM me first. I can't do anything about your boy's "logo", but I could certainly help you in other areas.

[OddThomas]

[marvsbbq]

As I see the post card thing.... you are offering your "potential" client no reason to call you or to keep your postcard.

In other words, 99% of the mailings I get offer SOME sort of discount and ask that I "bring this card" or at least "mention this card" or a "promotion number" so the business can track how the card is generating business for him.

Even though they were cheap enough to make (in comparison to some others) how do you track your dollars spent to KNOW if it was a GOOD deal or not???
_________________
Often imitated but never duplicated

[BBQMAN]

Marv, I normally ask people how they found us.

The idea of the postcard (first time using one as a mail-out) is to save us from stuffing (and paying for) envelopes and full color pick-a-party brochures that they are not interested in anyhow.

The main idea is to spark interest. At my normally reasonable prices, there is no discount to offer........................

OddThomas: So your design fee for this would have been how much?
_________________
BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005.

[mds2]

BBQMAN, personally I think you over paid. All that you got was some clip art and prepackaged gradients from MS Word. Anyone with a PC could have made that. And no, Im not just trying to be an asshole, i would have told anyone this.

You cant really compare the price of this card to the logo in the other thread, because it is an original piece of art.
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The Saucy Lads BBQ Team

[BBQMAN]

[mds2]

[BBQMAN]

You fellas go right on ahead, and design me up something more appropriate.

I'll expect to see something in the next 10 minutes, since you obviously have the time to get-r-done................

Upon completion, and delivery, I will gladly send you the $5.00. I usually don't send cash in the mail, but it after all only $5.00.

If you do a really nice job, there may even been a nice gratuity for ya!
_________________
BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005.

[OddThomas]

[OddThomas]

[BBQMAN]

Our last mail-out generated over $10,000 in sales.

Next go round when we need design work, we will certainly give you a try Mike!

mds2 10 minutes and $5.00 is just about over/spent though!
_________________
BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005.

[BBQMAN]

Glad you fellas like the post card!
_________________
BBQMAN
"I Turned A Hobby Into A Business".
Providing "IMHO" Since 2005.

[mds2]

[Louie3]

Good Idea Bbqman...keep em hopping for more..

[marvsbbq]

I all too often think like myself instead of thinking like a customer. When I get that crap in the mail it does not even make it in my door....That is IF I can get it by my wife.

We all do what ever we think works or has proven to work in the past to generate business.

I can't tell you (without researching) how many parties I have booked by just driving my truck to the store..or anywhere else.

BTW...another booking this morning for a wedding in Aug that found me in the "Yellow Pages" under "wedding supplies". EDIT And I wasn't even dressed yet...still in my PJs
_________________
Often imitated but never duplicated

[Oregon smoker]

from a printers stand point that is not a bad price for 5,000 aqueous coated cards. did they run em 4 up? do they bleed on all 4 sides? in the future look for a variable data printer, then they can address and mail them from a list as they are printed.
on the design side of things they are a little busy for IMO, but if they generate business then that is a good thing.
jason

[BBQMAN]