Hello,

The Ballantine Corporation would like to welcome you to the August issue of our Sample of the Month Newsletter. This issue will feature a case study from our client Roll Call and their attempt to measure their direct mail copy effectiveness.

We would like to re-announce the release of our new direct mail samples page. To view these samples, please click here

Roll Call
Poly-wrapped Package

This backer is part of Roll Call's most recent control. The complete package consists of a poly-wrapped issue of Roll Call with this backer included. The backer also contains a perforated order card. The offer is a 1 year subscription for $299- a 20% savings- with an offer expiration. In addition, the offer includes a bonus 1 year online subscription at no additional charge. They tested this package against the self-mailer below.

If you would like to subscribe to Roll Call, you may do so online here.

Roll Call
Self-mailer Test

This was a test using a square shaped, three panel self-mailer with a perforated order card. The copy found on this self-mailer is the same as that found on the backer piece. Roll Call mailed this test to see if the package above was successful due to the poly-wrapped free issue or the copy. The offer is for a 1 year subscription for $299- a 20% savings- with an offer expiration. There is, however, no mention of the bonus online subscription. The results of this test are below.

If you would like to subscribe to Roll Call, you may do so online here.

Back in January, Roll Call successfully tested a poly-wrapped package which included a free issue and a backer piece. In a test to see if the increased response rate was due to the poly-wrapped free issue, or if the copy had influence, Roll Call tested it against a simple self-mailer with the same copy. It was a David vs. Goliath direct mail test with surprising results. The self-mailer outperformed the poly-wrapped package and had a significantly lower package cost. It's testing like this that can help your direct mail projects thrive. You sometimes find a package that costs less to produce, but actually pulls better in the mail.

If you have a specific question related to direct mail and would like to ask one of our experts, please email us. We'll answer all questions and possibly feature it in an upcoming newsletter.

We're giving away free $20 gift certificates of your choice to either Starbucks® or Amazon.com®. Please click here for more details.

Ballantine is a full-service direct mail production agency providing creative copy and design, print production and mailing services. Established in 1966, we bring a full plate of benefits to our clients including top-notch project support and competitive pricing.

Thank you for taking the time to read the August issue of our Sample-of-the-Month Newsletter. If you have any feedback, please email us.