25 Steps For Building a Successful Mail Order Business

You may be wondering why you'd want to have a12. Use only good quality printed material. Your material
mail order business when you can have an internet(and all of your products) reflects directly upon you as
only business. A mail order business is something thata business person.
you can run even if something happens to your13. Always KEY your material and advertising. Keep a
computer or internet service. Here are some tips torecord of which is selling and which is not so you can
build a successful mail order business.make adjustments.
1. Read all you can on the subject of "Mail Order14. In your ads, use Free Information. Details for a
Selling" and apply this knowledge to building your MailLSASE (Large Self Addressed Stamped Envelope)
Order business.etc. to sell offers. Never ask for more than a dollar or
2. At first start slowly on a part time basis until youtwo from your 1" or 2" display or classified ads.
begin to make money. Then, expand your business15. Place as many ads in different Mail Order
until you have made enough money to go full time.publications as you can with circulations of at least
3. Be willing to stick-to-it and give yourself enough time2000 and up.
for a good chance to begin making money regardless16. Change publications to reach as many prospects
of past setbacks or failures.as you can.
4. Purchase printed stationary, labels, rubber stamps17. Use ideas from suppliers advertising. These ads are
and a quality postal scale, typewriter, etc. forproduced by professional ad writers that know how to
professional appearances.get orders.
5. Plan your area you'll be operating from so you have18. Don't write any advertising until you have studied
everything in easy reach. This makes operating, mailing,everything you can on the subject. Gather, study and
etc. easier and faster.learn from other dealers' ads.
6. Build your business around all types of money19. Don't hesitate to use professional help (if
making plans; read about dealership offers, dealernecessary) to write ads for your offers until such time
supplies, advertising and all types of books andas you feel you can write ads to test and see if you
information to bring the most profits for your efforts.get orders.
Weed out non-producing offers. Keep up on what's20. Many times a "cover letter" (sales letter) sent along
new, give customers the best choices.with order form and/or circular for offers that cost
7. Choose a product or service that appeals to you$5.00 and up will pull more orders (See #19).
and is in demand. A good way to see what's selling is21. Place your advertising in publications that are read
to get listed on several of the Big Mails Wanted Listsby people that can relate to and may want or need
for several months.what you have to offer.
8. Check out sources of printed material. Get reprint22. Use a bulk mailing permit when mailings reach over
rights if you can to assure a constant supply to fill250. Try asking for a first class stamp for free details.
orders.23. Ship orders promptly, within 15 days minimum.
9. If source is a drop-shipper, make certain you can beAlways use correct postage amount.
assured orders will be shipped and on time.24. Inform customers if their order will be delayed
10. Offer customers a choice of related items listedbeyond 15 days.
and priced in your sales letter or circular.25. Be an HONEST DEALER and abide by all Postal
11. Offer customers a money back guarantee on itemsRegulations. You must never argue with a customer if
not special order or customized.a refund is requested and refund it promptly.