I just happened to see this thread on direct mail and thought I'd join in on the discussion ( a little late maybe). I, too, did my first direct mail attempt (also in Nov., John). I ordered 1,000 larger postcards through modernpostcard.com, but gathered names on my own (ugh!). I spent a lot of time and money on this "project", hand addressed them and used artistic stamps. I got names through private school buzz books and (get this!) through the internal revenue website by searching street names. I happen to know where the wealth is in my city, in fact I was even able to get the addresses of August Busch and Mary Englebright (like she would have me do a portrait for her!). However.....I must tell you all that I have gotten ZERO responses. The only people who verbally mentioned something were those I knew personally. If I could get one small commission from this mailing I would feel it was worth it. To tell you the truth, I will not be using this marketing method too much in the future. I think people get so much junk that even the most gorgeous postcard goes unnoticed. I would love to hear if any of you get a response from your mailing and I will let you know if I ever do
