Do you have a print catalog?

[CawMama]

I always have this in the back of my mind as something that I need to do to expand my business. This year might be the year to start sending out a print catalog. Do you have one for your business? Can anyone give me tips on where to start?

[dogmom327]

Originally Posted by Carrin

I always have this in the back of my mind as something that I need to do to expand my business. This year might be the year to start sending out a print catalog. Do you have one for your business? Can anyone give me tips on where to start?

I don't. Personally I think they are wasteful (except seed catalogs--I love seed catalogs ) but I know there is a segment of the population who loves them so I completely understand considering that option.

I don't see us doing one anytime soon due to cost and the fact that we are constantly adding to our inventory. I can't imagine what a headache it would be!

[spunk]

I help my clients with direct mail campaigns and they are often successful - I also get a lot of traffic to my various sites from mailings. And from a personal level - I get a ton of emails from Avon, but it is not until I have a catalog in front of me that I actually call my rep with an order.

What are your ideas for direct mail? I can probably help you ...

[CawMama]

Spunk....send me a pm. I have some basic ideas, but like I said, have no idea where to start.

[Quirky]

I just can't see doing it for my business -- and even for yours -- I think the ROI would be pretty poor, given how you can put more info on a website and how most of our customers are going to order online anyway.

Maybe, possibly, direct mail targeted postcards or brochures might be worthwhile....but I can't see how catalogs would be a great thing.

[lilyka]

I was thinking along the same lines as the previous poster. I have been considering a one page flyer/mini catalouge sort of thig but more in the way of advertising than an ordering sort of catalouge. something I can hang on buliten boards and such.

[spunk]

The direct mail I have done has always been to direct people to the site - something simple - sometimes a postcard and sometimes a one page ad sheet of highlighted products directing people to get to the Web to order (or mail an order in for the non-Web savvy) - I even used direct mail to promote some items a non-profit was selling on eBay for a drive, and the campaign resulted in nearly twice as many bids as the previous drive that relied on eBay traffic alone - I would rarely suggest anyone make a 30 page color catalog, but doing a simple mailer can be very successful depending on your product or service.