Special offer

don't throw me out again!!!

By
Mortgage and Lending with Cherry Creek Mortgage
About a month ago I printed two copies of a letter I was mailing out to prospective customers. One copy of the letter I put in a stamped individually printed envelope. Knowing full well that the majority of these would be discarded having seen the letter was coming from a mortgage company. The second letter I crumpled up and wrote acrossed the top in red marker "...don't throw me out again..." folded and stapled shut... then addressed outside in red marker... I mailed to 250 people... 26 responded... 2 thought I actually went thru the garbage to look for these letters and mail them back... all had a good laugh... I did 4 refi's and one purchase... I'll be doing another mailing like this next month... try it out

Comments (17)

Heather Oberhau
Prudential Fox & Roach - Newtown, PA
Bucks County Real Estate, e-PRO

What a cute idea!  I just want to make sure I'm understanding - you sent out the first mailing, then waited a bit, then sent out the second mailing, right?

And how did you package the second mailing?  Explain it for me again...

Love this!

Jan 22, 2008 01:25 AM
Delete Account
Clermont, FL
I've heard of other people doing this also. One lady, I believe she was in Houston had the authorities called on her because the home owners thought she was really going through their garbage.
Jan 22, 2008 01:27 AM
Rick Kellow
Cherry Creek Mortgage - West Bend, WI
FHA & Reverse Mortgage Expert

Hi Heather,

Yes I waited a week to mail the second copy... the seconed letter was simply folded and stapled, no envelope... it was hand addressed in red marker... thank you for your response best of luck to you...

Rick

Jan 22, 2008 01:31 AM
Don Draughn - Mortgage Professional
High Point, NC
Very good idea.
Jan 22, 2008 01:35 AM
Susan Haughton
Long and Foster REALTORS (703) 470-4545 - Alexandria, VA
Susan & Mindy Team...Honesty. Integrity. Results.
Brilliant!  My background is in marketing and I spent a few years in direct marketing...no matter how great the letter is, the ENVELOPE is the key!!!  Seems as if you have discovered this and used it to your advantage.  Good for you!  Great tip - and thanks for sharing.
Jan 22, 2008 01:36 AM
Tim Bradford
Cleveland, OH
NMLS 250013
Congratulations for Thinking outside of the Box.  
Jan 22, 2008 02:24 AM
Charity Lane
O'Brien Realty - Prince Frederick, MD
My Broker was just sharing this tip in the office yesterday afternoon that she learned in GRI class. I will have to give this a try. Do you mind if I ask what kind of letter or offer are you sending?
Jan 27, 2008 04:06 AM
Frances C. Rokicki
Fran Rokicki Realty, LLC - Bolton, CT
Broker-Mentor,CRS

Do you mail to your database or just to anyone?  I open mail, only from people I know, otherwise, it goes into the circular file:)

It's a Good Life!

Fran

Jan 27, 2008 05:29 AM
Jeff Belonger
Social Media - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc - Cherry Hill, NJ
The FHA Expert - FHA Loans - FHA mortgages - USDA loans - VA Loans

Rick..... I have heard of ideas of this.... never tried it myself. Question...  are you saying that you didn't put the crumpled up letter in an envelope?  That you just addressed the letter on the outside with their name and address?  In any case, glad that it has worked and thanks for sharing this.

jeff belonger
Jan 28, 2008 04:58 AM
Charles Dismuke
Amerifund Lending Group - Palm Springs, CA
Palm Springs Mortgage Guy
Awesome Rick.  Totally Awesome.  I would love to know what the letters said that got you that many refi's
Jan 28, 2008 09:43 AM
Rick Kellow
Cherry Creek Mortgage - West Bend, WI
FHA & Reverse Mortgage Expert

Hello everyone

and thank for all your kind words... the letter was very basic and could have used a bit more punch but the second mailing is what got to must people... My next will be have more zing... or at least be more interesting than just a basic intro... the point is just get there and do something... even with a poorly written letter I got a few deals closed...

Jan 28, 2008 09:54 AM
Kimble Bosworth
Proforma Printelligence - Nashville, TN
bozTEAM
I LOVE IT! I would love permission to tell your story to one of my business development classes! It's absolutely perfect for the brainstorming on how to be different! Thanks for blogging it and let me know if you are ok with me mentioning you to a monthly class of TN new agents.
Jan 28, 2008 10:33 AM
Karen Hubert
Center Stage Design-real estate staging, Ancaster/Hamilton - Ancaster, ON
Home Stager
Very cool Rick.  I'm not sure I can find the guts to do something like that. I admire your courage. I guess, it could tick some people off but intrigue some which is probably better than just being mediocre to all.  Good on you.
Jan 28, 2008 10:34 AM
Ron Avneri
Seattle, WA
Financial Professional
That's awesome.  Did you go through their garbage?  just kidding.  You might freak them out if you tell them what they had for dinner last night.
Jan 29, 2008 03:24 AM
Anonymous
wes g
Thats how you get it done. what a great return on your your crumpled mail piece.
Jan 29, 2008 04:33 AM
#15
Dan Hartman
Province Mortgage Associates - NMLS #2861 - Providence, RI

Great idea, Rick!  Love it!

Dan

Feb 01, 2008 10:05 AM
Jason Maniecki
Keller Williams Realty - Tampa, FL
CDPE

Great Idea RIck!

Sep 03, 2009 03:03 PM