Postage costs

[APOS Recruitment]

Hi All,

Due to family illness I had to shelve my plans for the recruitment agency I was hopingbto set up. I'm hoping that the worst is behind us now. So I am focusing on getting started again.

I have a few questions. I have read similar threads but they may now be a bit dated. My first question is.......

Soon, not just yet I plan to send out an introduction to my company. I have a company list (I also posted a question on improving this) that I want to send to.

Inside the envelope will be one A4 letter and either an A4 or A5 leaflet on glossy paper. So two pieces of paper in total and one business card in an A5 envelope.

I got in contact with Royal Mail and asked if they offered any discounts for bulk deliverie and they said no. It would be 60p for first class and 50p for second class delivery.

If I use a ball park figure of 500 lettersthatb want to send out do you know of anywhere else you can get a discount?

Many thanks

 

[IanG]

Installing a franking machine would get that down to 33p for second although you'll normally need a contract.

Only real option if you're doing it as a one-off would be to find someone who has a machine and agree a price to use that.

I'm not sure of anyone who offers short term bulk mail any more formally than that.

 

[FirstClassVirtualOffice]

I bin anything like this. Honestly, it's quite uncommon now for mail coming in the post with this sort of thing. Do an e-shot instead - far cheaper, and if it's gonna get ignored, then it hasn't cost you too much. You can also see the click through rate, add to the mailing list and much more using newsletter software. I'd reserve sending mailshots to the interested parties though usually once you know they are remotely interested a phone call is far batter and more productive and still cheaper.

 

[Jeff FV]

Someone like docmail might be what you need?

 

[APOS Recruitment]

Thank you Ian, Firstclass virtual office and Jeff.

Certainly food for thought. I'll look in to both your ideas In and Jeff.

First classvirtual office....do you have any for companies or websites you know of for you suggestion?

Once again many thanks for your help.

 

[FirstClassVirtualOffice]

Find a local design agency or go to the person who has done your company logo/website. They can design you a customised e-shot and set this up with some newsletter software. I'd suggest something that has a good, eye-catching introductory offer rather than the plain, boring announcement that you are a new recruitment company and you do this, that and the other.

Try something like "£100 for your first placement - offers ends 31st Jan" - it gives people a chance to try you without much to lose. You might sweep up all those sole traders looking to hire their first employee and can't afford the usual recruitment fees, but it gets you some customers and testimonials at least.

 

[simong93]

A franking machine could be a idea you can send a second class letter for 33p and they tend to get to their destination as quick as a 1st class stamp. Also with a franking machine if you get the right machine you can just feed the letters through saving time. When it comes to a contact on these bad boys you can get a 30day no committal contract that we offer and as far as i know no one else does offer this service.

Just to look at the cost saving compared to normal stamps.

Stamp = 500 x 60p = £300

Franking = 500 x 33p = £165

Giving you a saving off £135 and for a nice size machine that would cost you around £60 so you could still save a bit of money.

You also said you wanted to put two A4 paper into the envelope, now as you can imagine this could take ages but there is a machine called a folder inserter that could do the task in a matter of minutes. The only problem these cost a lot so they can't be sold on a none committal contact but if you need any more help send me a PM or give me a call on 020 7989 0282

 

[alice_p]

Franking machines are one way to save money on your postage

Useful page on franking machine savings vs stamps http://www.themailingroom.com/stamp_user.php