before you answer read this.
- I read that if you are doing a direct mail piece targeting the whole town that the PO will address the post cards(for a price) for you so you wouldn’t have to buy a list…….is this true?
-The town has about 3600 people in it
-I’m a graphic designer so I wouldn’t have to pay for the design
-What else do I need to get a direct mail piece out?
This is to announce the opening of my wife’s new jewelry store in this particular town
Comments
team up with another or other local businesses and split the costs.
businesses that would compliment yours, like say a printer in your case
I don’t know what you are selling, but your money will be far better spent if you target your audience rather than including everyone. Your response rate should be higher as well.
Statistically, you will need to commit to mailing on a consistent basis as your greatest response will come between the 3rd and 4th mailing. It is at this point that people will recognize your “brand” and being to consider you as a valid business.
You can use a simplified address, but you must mail to 100% of any given route, within the zip code
It would look like this:
*****ECRWSS
Postal Customer
Rural Route
Local
You can print this on all the cards as part of your layout when you have it printed.
Then you must bundle them by route and indicate on the tray, which route it is and the quantity within.
You can get the postage down to 13.5 cents
This can only be done if none of the routes in your city are considered “City Carrier Routes” if so, you need to sequence and barcode the addresses.
You also need an indicia (bulk permit number) in the corner of your mail. You can usually rent or borrow that number from your local printer.
I’ve posted some tips on direct mail on my personal site
I’d be glad to give you an objective look at your piece when you get it done….more eyes are better than one 
If you have any further inquires please feel free to ask