A properly formatted, large-flap #9 reply envelope makes donating to your fund-raising campaign easier. Which means it makes receiving donations easier. And in reality, depending on the configuration of your current solicitation package, a large-flap #9 could actually increase your income and reduce your expenses.
Typically, fund-raising campaigns employ one of two popular methods in their fund-raising.
1) They send a cover letter, a reply card and a #9 envelope with pointed flap. The recipient reads the letter, fills out the card, places the card and a check in the #9 and mails it back. The variation on this is having the recipient cut or tear off a section at the bottom of the cover letter and return it in the #9 along with the donation.
If you currently use this method, a large flap #9 envelope will reduce your expenses by allowing you to delete the reply card.
2) The other method is to mail a cover letter and a postcard serving as a pledge card. The recipient reads the letter and checks off how they want to support the campaign and mails the "pledge card" back.
Those who advocate the pledge method say that many people will "pledge" because they do not immediately have to write out a check. And the fact that they do not have to part with their money now, causes them to pledge more than it they were to write a check up-front. The theory is, is that it is easy to guilt them into covering their pledge later.
While that may be all well and good, you must consider if the end truly justifies the means. Does the income adequately cover the time, energy and money spent following up those pledges? Put another way, how much is your acquisition cost?
By and large, if you subscribe to the 1st method, you'll want to consider using a #9 replay envelope with a large flap. If you are a die-hard pledge solicitor, then I won't change your mind. However, if you currently use the "pledge" approach and are open to alternatives, figure out how much it's costing you to follow up on the pledges. You may discover that by utilizing a large-flap #9 reply envelope in place of the pledge card, you'll reduce your overhead resulting in a net revenue gain.
The large flap of a large-flap #9 reply envelope along with the lower portion of the back is enough room to obtain all the information from the donor/supporter. As an added bonus, the donor can insert the check right in the envelope, seal it and mail it back.
When the flap is sealed, all of the donor's vital information is covered.
The solicitor's address is pre-printed on the front in the middle. The donor adds a stamp and mails it.
When the envelope arrives, carefully slit across the top and you've got the donor's information, how they want to support the campaign and a check.
Note that you must carefully design the imprinting on the envelope so that all vital information clears the glue strip area.
A reply envelope makes it easy for a donor to donate. Because of that, it also makes it easier for the campaign to solicit and RECEIVE donations. Whichever method you currently use, careful consideration of a large-flap #9 reply envelope could mean a net increase in revenue for your fund-raising efforts.
Michael Crooks owns Crooks Advertising Alliance a creative strike-force specializing in creative problem-solving. The firm also serves two niche markets through www.WaterlessTattoos.com and www.GopLogo.com. For more information visit CrooksAdvertising.com
Michael Merrick Crooks, is founder of Crooks Advertising Alliance a creative strike-force specializing in creative problem-solving. An internationally known author and speaker, Crooks writes a monthly marketing column for Brilliant Results magazine and recently published, "ReThinking Trade Show Giveaways."
A Battle Creek, MI native, Crooks is a Boy Scout leader and Little League Baseball coach.
Read Chapter One of his new eBook, "ReThinking Trade Show Giveaways: Stop Simply Giving Stuff Away" FREE at http://www.PromoReThink.com
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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