Comments on: Anatomy of a Direct Mail Piece

By: --Deb

--Deb — Tue, 04 May 2010 21:46:57 +0000

@Carey–Yes, I’d love to hear how this resolves for you!

By: Carey Folk

Carey Folk — Tue, 04 May 2010 14:18:15 +0000

One last thing – I tracked down the producer of the DVD. http://www.questar1.com

They actually have a lot of nice products and sell directly online. Why would they license to a distributor that uses deceptive practices? Money I guess.

I sent a complaint the Questar via their website. Never heard back from them.

By: Carey Folk

Carey Folk — Tue, 04 May 2010 14:08:31 +0000

Deb,

I know this thread is a bit old but I am in the middle of a TN Marketing deal right now. I received the same thing you did – only my DVD was called “Lessons of Faith – Jesus and His Times.”

What they are doing is legal but deceptive. It’s a numbers game and they obviously come out on top or they wouldn’t still be in business.

I have filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (they are a member and have had several complaints against them – but most are resolved).

I asked for 3 things:
1) Cease selling the DVD’s unsolicited in a deceptive manner, and
2) Provide me with where they obtained my name and address, and
3) An apology from the owner/CEO.

I got a form letter back, acknowledging none of the above that said they are removing my name from their mailing list.

The BBB sent me an email asking if resolved. I just emailed back to say no. I did say that the company could do 1 thing that would trump all my others requests – they could add a 3rd option on that REPLY FORM that states 3) since you didn’t request this DVD, you may keep it as a gift.

That is much clearer to me. We’ll see what I get back. Please respond to this if you are interesting in hearing what happens.

Thanks so much.

By: Faux Invoice Direct Mail

Faux Invoice Direct Mail — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:27:50 +0000

[...] a look at another direct mail I received recently, this time for a magazine subscription. Like the last one, I consider this to be [...]

By: Friday Fun and a Little Link Love

Friday Fun and a Little Link Love — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:32:09 +0000

[...] week. 25 Women That Rock Social Media, by Lee Odden. The Gift of Written Language, by Karen Swim. Anatomy of a Direct Mail Piece, by [...]

By: Mary Brown

Mary Brown — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:33:53 +0000

Why don’t you ask them?
Regarding your earlier comment about the legality, since when does legality stop everyone from doing something? It is unfortunately another sign of the times we are living in that some people and businesses don’t see integrity as a desirable trait or prerequisite for doing business. They are out to make a fast buck, only. They’re OK with doing something illegal, and they keep the money until they get caught and shut down. Then they do it again with a new name or angle. As long as they can keep the money (or even a big enough chunk of it) and aren’t put away forever, there’s enough incentive to keep doing it.
Fortunately, most people aren’t like that, yet, even here.

By: --Deb

--Deb — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 23:51:44 +0000

Well, apparently the marketing company has a B- score from the Better Business Bureau: “The BBB has received complaints concerning the marketing practices of Ultimate Racing and their solicitation. This company mails a free DVD to consumers to see if they are interested in joining the NASCAR Ultimate DVD Collection. The company states to preview the DVD risk free and consumers are under no obligations to return or pay for the DVD. If consumers do not want to join the program, they may keep the DVD free according to the company.
Consumers have stated they do not like this company’s solicitation practices and ask to have their personal information removed from Ultimate Racing files. The company has responded to and resolved all complaints.”

I really am starting to wonder if the Smithsonian actually IS involved in this mailing?

By: Melissa Donovan

Melissa Donovan — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 23:28:05 +0000

I think this is a good example of the times in which we all find ourselves living. Many businesses (especially big businesses) no longer strive to offer a valuable, beneficial product or service at a fair rate. The new model is to find creative ways to make as much money as you can off the consumer while selling them as little as possible (preferably nothing — i.e. “snake oil”). This often involves creating a lot of confusion in the consumer’s mind about what, exactly, they are paying for. Problem is, these marketing tactics often work because they pander to the lowest common denominator. I just see them as scams. And I find it troubling that an organization like the Smithsonian is using this strategy.

By: --Deb

--Deb — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:51:50 +0000

I don’t think using the Smithsonian name to launch a DVD-mailing scheme would be legal? Though, when I did a google search for the actual DVD, I couldn’t find a link anywhere. Hmm!

And, yes, at least I got a good blog post out of it (grin)
–Deb´s last blog ..Anatomy of a Direct Mail Piece

By: Mary Brown

Mary Brown — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 07:43:02 +0000

I think the idea that it’s not from the Smithsonian is the most likely, but I doubt it is a competitor purposely trying to give the Smithsonian a bad name. More likely it is a company using the Smithsonian name for credibility, and probably not with Smithsonian’s knowledge or sanction at all.
Totally frustrating. I hope you have recovered from this outrageous treatment, had a nice dinner and even got a great blog out of it!
Mary