Direct Mail Programs & Services
Auto Repair Shop Direct Mail Helps Owners Thrive in Tough Economy
A few years ago, Greg Sands turned his more than 15 years of industry experience as owner of 20 national auto service centers into a new business venture that aims to help other struggling auto repair store operators keep their businesses afloat.
In 2008, Sands founded Mudlick Mail, which offers Direct Mail Services for several hundred automotive repair shops nationally. Mudlick Mail grew out of Sand's realization that the "standard direct mail" approach was not effectively reaching his target audience. Mudlick Mail distinguishes itself from other auto repair shop direct mail providers by offering strategically developed mailing lists that can target high-caliber customers by income, geographic area and even specific car model ownership. Mudlick also provides free, Web-based training on customer service, staffing and other parts of the business that will help shop owners retain new customers.
Three years ago, Chris and Heather Carney were close to giving up on the automotive repair shop they'd owned for more than two decades. Deeply in debt and failing to generate enough revenue to cover expenses, the couple turned to Mudlick Mail for help. Sands evaluated the Carneys' business, suggesting new customer service practices, employee training programs and marketing initiatives. As a result, the Carney's just celebrated the highest sales month in their 26-year history, and monthly sales have doubled since they adopted Sands' strategies, according to Mudlick.
"If we hadn't met Greg, we wouldn't still be in business," said Heather Carney, co-owner of CARNEEDS in Paducah, KY.
The couple says a major factor in CARNEEDS' success is the direct mail program provided by Mudlick Mail. The demographically targeted program is includes graphic design services, printing, listing services, postage and delivery for one flat fee.
Sands and Mudlick President Tim Ross have more than 17 years experience as successful advertisers in the automotive industry. Through Mudlick Mail, they say they've helped hundreds of shop owners all over the country improve their advertising results by sharing their techniques and strategies for serving customers who respond to direct mail advertising efforts.
"Our goal is to take what we've learned from our wealth of experience in the automotive service business and apply that knowledge to help other shop owners succeed," said Sands. "We know first-hand what works, so our customers don't waste money on marketing that isn't effective."
Mudlick Mail says it does everything for its clients, providing artwork, carrier route selection, printing, labeling, postage and trucking.
"Our marketing is on auto-pilot," said Heather Carney. "It's like clockwork every month."
Mike Veenstra, owner of Veenstra's Garage in Grand Rapids, MI, said his sales have risen by 10 to 20 percent since implementing a consistent direct mail program. Mudlick Mail customer Bob Hicks, of Golden Rule Automotive in Covington, GA, reports an annual sales increase of 32 percent and expects his repair shop direct mail to help him reach the long-awaited $1 million mark in sales.
About the Author
Source: Mudlick Mail
iGODirect Group - A Specialist Direct Marketing Services Provider
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Strength In Numbers
Toll free numbers are special sort of numbers for which the calling party does not need to pay. Based on the number of calls and the call rate the called party pays the entire amount. Hence, the name “toll-free” which means that one is free to call. A toll free number carries a special prefix included to it which indicates us that it is toll free number, for instance all the numbers in ‘800’ domain known as 800 numbers are toll free.
Companies to grow their sales generally 800 vanity numbers. By issuing a toll-free number for letting the consumer’s to provide their important comments a company can earn a lot of goodwill and status hence they can significantly improve their overall customer happiness which is a company’s extremely valuable aspect. They can also allow consumer to buy or order for any article over the toll free number thus marketing and management gets a lot easier. Many companies also provide after sales service so they provide toll free numbers to the users so that they can provide a quality feedback or report for any damage or repair.
Yet another awesome application of toll free numbers include the vanity numbers also commonly called the phone word. The domain that it operates is different in different nations, as an example 1-800 numbers in the domain given to vanity numbers, which operate in america. The idea, which operates, is alphanumeric numbering. In modern day phones, each number is given with few alphabets. Therefore, if we think about number 1-800-flowers so rather than flowers an individual can dial the numbers, which are linked to these particular alphabets. So just press the numbers that have the characters f, l, o, w, e, r and s assigned and you can dial the required number. This type of numbering allows a person to easily recall the number, because instead of recalling 1-800-356-9377 one can easily keep in mind 1-800-flowers. Statistics say that direct responses a lot of companies have increased greatly when they have opted for this kind of numbers.
Most emergency numbers are toll free. So, during emergency you don't need to bother about the phone balance. Every service provider has its toll free numbers where one can make grievances or can ask for specific helps or can clear their uncertainties and problems. Toll free numbers are quite useful from marketing and sales perspective together with consumer satisfaction and quality feedback.
Direct Mail Marketing Insurance Industry
What volume of the US Auto insurance market is sold "direct"? e.g. internet, phone, mail(not via local agents)
The Auto insurance market has historically sold policies via local agents: either "independent" agents (e.g. they sell several brands) or "captive" agents(e.g. the sell only one brand). There has been a great deal of media focus on growth in the volume of policies sold via the internet (with no agent involvement) or via the phone to a call center. Insurance providers GEICO and Progessive are leaders in this method.
I am looking for actual data on what was sold in a recent year (2005, 2006, or 2007) using these direct methods, for the entire auto insurance industry.
-$ volume of policies sold
-volume of policies sold
-% of policies sold
Someone in the world has the information your looking for, unfortunatly It's going to cost you some $$ to get it.
Groups like PCI, NAIC & III have people who gather insurance filings from all fifty states and create reports. But unless you're a member of their organization or pay for the reports, you'll have to gather bits and pieces from various places like media reports: http://www.iii.org/media/facts/statsbyissue/auto/
From raw data I've seen, direct writers account for around 20% of the personal auto insurance market. However a significant % of premium written by Progressive & GEICO (the #3 and #4 largest personal auto insurers) are written though their agency force.
Good luck in your search.
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