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and the 55 factors affecting
your direct mail
 
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Factor 52: signatures in sales letters

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A simple one but one that often seems to get missed.

The person who signs the letter should be the person you invite the reader to get in touch with.  Don't ever, never, ever say, "please call my secretary" or anyone else - whoever writes the letter should be available for the calls.

And if your argument is, "but I am a director - I don't have time to take sales calls," then don't sign the letter.  By all means write it or oversee it, but don't sign it.   There is nothing in the rules that says a director has to sign a letter.

The other argument I hear against the person who signs the letter being the person to call is that too many calls might come in at once.   That's fair enough.  So add a note saying "if I am already on a call then one of my colleagues will be happy to help you out."   

Sending a letter from Person X and then telling the writer to talk to Person Y is basically an insult.  It says, "I expect you to read this letter from me, but don't expect me to take your phone call.  I'm not coming down to your level."

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Free analysis of your mailshot

This article is written by Tony Attwood, Chairman of Hamilton House Mailings Ltd.  If you would like to discuss the writing or design of your mailing campaign, or indeed a single mailshot, with Tony, without cost or obligation, just call 01536 399 000, or email Creative@hamilton-house.com   You can also send Tony a copy of your latest advert and he will call you back with his thoughts on how your response rate could be raised - again without cost or obligation.