For those direct mail marketers, or those who offer services to support this industry, you may benefit from a variety of new online sites specifically designed to serve those businesses in need of an “acquisition” mailing list.  BBDirectLeads.com (now located at www.mailinglistorders.com) provides users with immediate access to a host of quality compiled mailing lists.  Not only can you view the available selects from each of the databases on the site, but you can run counts to determine how many names and address are available within a given market.  Should you want to purchase th...

When considering the many descriptors of your market territory, many retail businesses owners will consider the closest population from their store location.  This tool is available with most mailing list providers today and if used properly, can be an effective way to identify potential prospects.
A radius is the circumference population defined by distance from the centroid (center).  From your store, you may want to reach out 10 miles in every direction.  The 10 mile band is called the radii band which identifies the furthest most prospects you may want to consider mailing.  With some mapping programs, the radius function grabs all data contained within the radii band, while others cross through a whole carrier route.  In crossing through this carrier route, the ...