A good way to compile a mailing list in a short period of time is to raffle an item from your store. It can be something relatively inexpensive. All the customer has to do is fill out a card with name. address, etc. Also be sure to disclose somewhere on the card that they will be added to you mailing list and that you are not sending the info to any other company. And lastly offer the raffle to everyone that comes through the door.

short survey cards:

ask both what general type of product they like to buy in your store, and ask what, if any specific things they come to look for.
You want to ask information that lets you get to know why he/she is your customer….both why they like doing business with you, and info that gives you marketing material.

For example, if you’ve got a guy who likes thick plaid shirts…well…if you send him a post card with a special discount for him on plaid shirts this week…I gaurantee you he will be in…even if you sent him one twice a month…you stand a high chance of him purchasing, the majority of the time. The reason is that you have communicated with him in a personalized manner. When you do that…in any capacity…you greatly increase your response…it is a proven unyeilding fact of direct mail.

(for convenience you can have a local printer print customized post cards on their digital printer (they use variable data technology)

You can also put a fish bowl on the counter and collect business cards…have a drawing every week.

If you want to have a book or something where they write their names/addresses in….then present it as a “special club” which includes rare discounts.
…give them an incentive to put give you their info.