Small Business Toolbox

A library of business management info


Shipping and Mailing

  • Finding the Right Outsource Company
    05/15/2006
    If you have a retail business that provides delivery service, should you consider outsourcing home deliveries? That’s a question many retail business owners ask themselves. When retailers select the right company, it can enhance their reputation and possibly increase business. If they select the wrong one, it can lead to unhappy customers and brand their business with a reputation of poor customer service.
  • Use Direct Mailing to Your Advantage
    08/06/2004
    Direct mail could just be your key to success--if you do it right. When it is sent to the right audience, it offers a perfect way to reach out to past customers and target new customers with messages that make them feel appreciated.
  • Making Your Sales Letters Stand Out
    06/17/2003
    Many would agree that the most important part of a sales letter is the opening paragraph. Here are a few tips to help make your sales letters more captivating - and your readers wanting to learn more.
  • U.S. Postal Service Offers Small Businesses More Than Just Stamps
    04/18/2003
    Whether you send out reams of correspondence per day or just a few letters a week, the Postal Service should not be overlooked as it may turn out to be a valuable resource, saving you money and time.
  • Cherry Picking Your Direct Mailing Lists
    11/11/2002
    Cherry picking enables you to eliminate any recipients that you think unsuitable for your mailing.
  • Experience Shows That Some Accepted Direct-Mail Techniques Are Myths
    07/19/2002
    Direct-mail techniques in general have certain myths attached to them.
  • Cut Your Mailing Costs
    03/28/2002
    There is tremendous competition in the phone industry, allowing businesses to shop around and even negotiate the best price for long-distance calling.
  • Personal Postage Meters, Part II
    03/27/2002
    Today's Workshop discusses the pros of using a postage meter for your small business mailing needs.
  • Personal Postage Meters, Part I
    03/27/2002
    If your business spends $30-100 and more on postage per month, you might benefit from using Pitney Bowe's "Personal Post Office," which is for very low volume usage.
  • How to Speed Up the Mail You Send
    03/27/2002
    Perhaps spurred by competition from private delivery services, the U.S. Postal Service has come a long way in the past decade.
  • E-Commerce Shipping Solutions
    03/27/2002
    If your company is considering E-commerce, it would be wise to integrate package-delivery from the very start of your Web site design.
  • Insurance Options for your Business Packages
    03/27/2002
    While using carriers who provide door-to-door services and require signatures reduces the risk of loss or damage, purchasing additional coverage is often recommended.
  • Small Direct-Mail Campaigns Can Be Successful
    03/14/2002
    You'd be surprised to learn the total cost of a 1,000-label direct-mail campaign can be extremely reasonable.
  • Save Money by Using Postcards in Your Marketing
    03/14/2002
    While a lot of today's direct mail comes complete with cover letter, glossy brochure and return envelope, you don't need to be that fancy -- or pay as much -- to get your message across.
  • Include Incentives for Direct Mail Success
    03/14/2002
    In a direct mail campaign, you want to get people to open your letters, and then compel them to respond. Neither task is easy.
  • Direct Mail Smarts -- Seven Strategies to Make Your Mail Campaign Work
    03/14/2002
    Direct mail gets you into the homes and businesses of your customers -- where you might never be, even if you called and asked for an appointment.