?Is a phone response or mail back response better?
Both response mechanisms are effective. Some people prefer to phone in their response to direct mail offers, others prefer to respond by mail. So offer both options if possible.

?Do I need a toll-free number for phone responses?
If you are doing local mailings and calling your number's a local call, you don't. Otherwise, you do, especially for consumer mailings. Consumers expect toll-free numbers when placing orders. While it can be a nice touch to offer business people a toll-free number, the lack of a toll-free number is not going to stop business people from calling you.

?How much do credit cards help?
Accepting credit cards is essential for selling by mail. For one, credit cards allow you to get paid without having to take the risk of billing people. Also, consumers are more likely to respond to credit card offers. Many people find it less convenient to pull out a check than to use their credit card. Also, you can't use a check when ordering by phone. Using credit cards makes some customers more assured that you are offering a legitimate product or service, and that you are more likely to stand behind your product or service if they are not completely satisfied.

?How much do credit card firms charge me?
Fees vary with each credit card company, depending on whether you process payments electronically or manually, your sales volume, average sale size, and sometimes your negotiating skill. A small firm will pay about 3 to 5 percent of their gross credit card sales. It's a worthwhile investment, considering the potential for additional sales and the fact that the credit card company advances you cash almost immediately and assumes virtually all of the credit risk.

?Why do many direct-mail pieces include dated offers?
Dated offers generate more sales by pushing people to respond by a certain deadline. Especially if you are using bulk mail, be sure to give people plenty of time to respond. If you really aren't confident about when your mailing will arrive, you may want to make a special offer contingent upon "responding within ten days of receipt" for example, as opposed to by a specific date. I would recommend that you give people between ten and twenty-one days to respond to a direct mail solicitation from the time they receive the offer.

* Source Streetwise Small Business Start-Up