Please! Don't Send Out Cards...
...at least not to me, please. You're better off spending your money elsewhere.(And please, my objective is not to ruffle any feathers for anyone representing the company, but to share a viewpoint that many seem not to have considered. BTW - if you do use Send Out Cards, I do welcome ALL your opinions)
If you're not familiar with Send Out Cards, they're a simple-to-use service where you can easily send out cards (thus, the name) to friends, business associates, potential customers, etc.
From the website:
"You can send a printed greeting card with your message in Less than 60 Seconds.
* Choose your card
* Write your message
* Click send
SendOutCards prints it, stuffs it and mails it, all for less than a greeting card at the store."
They also offer wholesale, retail and distributorship (7-level multi-level program) memberships. And on the distributorship end, people are pushing this hard...and likely why I receive a card from a Send Out Cards rep at least once per week.
No, the cards don't say "Send Out Cards" on it. They're just easy to spot right away...the "handwritten" font is a dead giveaway.
My first card came from Marlon Sanders and when I first got it, I thought, "Wow...why is Marlon sending ME a handwritten card?"
Then I looked at it closer and clearly it was a printed card, rather than handwritten.
Then more cards came from other people. Some were nice cards to wish me a Happy Birthday (thank you!), some wanted to introduce me to another product and still others wanted me to join the Send Out Cards opportunities. And low and behold, all these people sending me these cards had exactly the same handwriting. ;-)
As a side note, Send Out Cards now has the ability to allow you to use your own actual handwriting, but to date, I've never received any cards like that. I'm thinking it would be a useful investment ($49 on the site at time of writing, from regular $98) for anyone using the cards.
Now, I don't want to upset anyone who has sent me a card because, I do appreciate it. However , if you've sent me any type of offer with a card from Send Out Cards, you can bet it likely found its way to the recycling bin without serious consideration. I DO read all the cards I get, but there's something about these things that scream insincerity to me...even though the message behind them may very well be sincere.
See, I'm an Internet marketer and I use a computer every single day. I am usually able to spot things like the computer-generated fonts. Believe me, I know that you don't have the time to actually handwrite every note or card you send out (neither do I!). But honestly, I'd be more receptive to a type-written letter and if it had your true handwritten signature - I'd see that as more sincere.
But that COULD just be me. I'm just sharing my opinion and if you're using the cards, I'd suggest:
> Consider your market: Are they receiving these cards frequently (ex. a website owner like me who receives a good number of JV and other offers on a regular basis)? Are they tech-savvy and able to see that it's simply a printed card? Will it matter to them?
> Test your results: If you're using the cards to generate new business or to encourage repeat business, test out your results. Sure, you may see results coming in from the cards, but it's possible your results could be even better with a different method.
Again, I'm sure Send Out Cards is useful in so many ways...I'm just giving you the other side of the coin from someone who really kind of loathes the things.
24 Comments:
Alice, this fits in with the theme of my last blog, about digital tools for relationship building.
2 points.
1. It is possible to send out real handwritten notes - automatically. Stephen Pierce talked about outsourcing it to a team in India many years back. The script is sent to the team, who then writes it by hand, hand addresses the envelope, sticks stamps on them and mails them out!
2. What matters more than the 'automation' is the 'thought' - at least, it should. Someone cares enough about you to send communiques through one MORE channel, to make sure it reaches you. Either because they care about you (or your money/business! ;-) ) Either way, the thought counts. And with email becoming unreliable in the extreme, this is 'smart marketing' - and I doubt many people are being 'deceptive' and trying to create an illusion that they are sending out these cards manually, individually.
Just a thought.
The blog about digital tools and relationships is here:
http://MoneyPowerWisdom.com/building-relationships-using-digital-tools/
All success
Dr.Mani
I do use Send Out Cards (SOC), but I did pay for the handwriting which looks great. For me it's a good tool.
But I agree, I've never been more annoyed getting so many cards, CDs, etc encouraging me to try the system.
Well, duh, do your homework people - I already use it.
I don't receive these sort of cards so I think that I would quite likely take more notice of them than an email (which could easily just get deleted amongst all the genuine spam). If timing was right then I might well follow it up. Having said that, if I started to get dozens of them, then I would probably consign it recycling much quicker.
I do agree about quickly seeing through the insincerity of these, however, I don't really see that as any different to personalised email newsletters. Unless the organisation is very small then I know that "Hi Richard" for example is computer generated, but if it is something I have chosen to receive gladly (like the Internet Marketing Sweetie ones from Alice), then it doesn't worry me at all.
www.qm-consulting.co.uk
Hmmm... does this mean I'll have to stop order on your Christmas gift card? ;)
I use it although not as aggressively as others. I'm one of those whom the business builders would call a slacker.
I too paid for my own handwriting font and really like it. As far as insincerity goes.
You know, even though the system makes it easier for me to send a card. It still requires me to sit down, spend a few minutes to choose just the right one and type in my message. So if that makes me insincere then I'm not sure what does.
On the flip side, there is an automated part of it where you can create campaigns just like your email auto responder. But that... is hardly used. At least for me.
I am in agreement with you here Alice, I have received these several times in the mail. Though I am like you and appreciated the gesture, I do believe that a personal handwritten card would have been a better option. I personally love to send cards to people. Here at home, I am known around my friends and family as being a note sender, and a thank you card person. I just love to send them and have a good stash that I can always look to for using. Send real handwritten cards people!
Last week I had my car repaired at a new, "independent" car repair shop near my home. My first time there.
Yesterday, I received a "hand written" Thank You card in the mail.
No coupons. No marketing hype. Just a flip up card with a nice note and their business card.
It was nice to get something so simple and not another survey!
--Brian
Assist.com
Thanks for the feedback everyone. Just to clarify a bit, I did say:
"I DO read all the cards I get, but there's something about these things that scream insincerity to me...even though the message behind them may very well be sincere."
Although, I suspect most are not trying to trick me and their message is still sincere, it's simply the packaging that gives me the feeling of insincerity.
Lynette - if you cancel that card, I'll always take cash for Christmans. ;-)
I remember back when I worked for a real estate agent that they had card services back then... the agent I worked for wouldn't touch them. He said that it was important to him that his clients see the same crude lefty signature on his Christmas card as they saw on paperwork when he helped them buy or sell a house. ;)
I posted more of my thoughts on cards on my blog.
Alice, I'm just sending out a handwritten card to you today as a matter of fact. Do you have any problem with Napoleon Dynmite?
LOL!
Carrie, my favorite animal is ALSO the liger, so I'll love it!
Oh don't shoot me for just trying to be a sweetie :)
Overall, I like the product and it really helps me keep in touch with friends who I would otherwise never have thought of sending anything.
I do however, very much wish the company was not network marketing oriented. There has been similar services like this online for a while so really, it's nothing new.
I actually enjoy receiving the cards. Even though they are printed, I know that someone out there was thinking of me when they prepared the card for printing!
I actually help a few ladies out with promoting this opportunity on my website.
I am a member of Send Out Cards, but I do not use it to spam people.
But I am in agreement with Lynette here!
Getting a card in the mail from one of my close friends or colleagues just brightens and makes my day. Yes it may be a computer handwritten font or sometimes it is their own font, but honestly WHO GIVES A CRAP?
They sat down at their computer, or desk, or laptop have you... and came up with a genuine thoughtful message to write to me. That speaks millions to me. They could have picked up a card from Target signed their name and that was that. No real meaning to the card I think in that sense, where as with the Send Out Cards, I am actually getting a "REAL" genuine message from my friend, family, or colleague.
Plus I do not have to take two girls out of the van, wait in the hustle and bustle of the post office line with my three year old trying to run from me. I just put in the address and Send Out Cards mails it for me!
Just my opinion of how I portray Send Out Cards!
That's a good point, Jen. And most of the birthday cards, well wishes I have received weren't exactly from friends - but from people who were trying to get business and happened to have some personal info about me. If they were from friends, I'd probably view it differently.
I am definitely talking about people using Send Out Cards to build business. And again, my opinions may not reflect the opinions of everyone else who is receiving cards...but I'd be willing to bet, there are a few who do feel the same way.
You're so right, Alice. I HATE cards like that. At least have a sincere signature, and if you don't, then it's not worth it. Tsk, tsk. I can understand, being a busy entrepreneur myself, that it's difficult to make the time to send cards, but it's the small things like that that make a big difference. Thanks for pointing out something that's easy to forget. Also, for all of you other sweetie entrepreneurs, you should check out a great contest that I found. It's called “Make Your Dreams Come True with Mirassou”. They will be awarding one aspiring business woman $50,000 plus a team of highly professional consultants to help kick start your business. Visit http://www.mirassou.com/women_in_business/dreams.asp for more info and to enter. I work with them so just wanted to give you the inside scoop! Keep up the great work, Alice, and keep reminding us small entrepreneurs of what we forget on a daily basis.
Alice,
I hate when people send cards with the "appearance" of trying to be nice when really all they are trying to do is get you to buy Send Out Cards. That is totally against the philosophy of the company. They should be sending honest, heartfelt sentiments that show love, appreciation, and gratitude.
People who are using these cards in a spammy way are making a bad impression if you ask me.
I think when people find time to make a custom photo card, add a caption, and write a thoughtful note just for you - that really goes a long way to build a relationship.
I think Send Out Cards has hit at a time when relationship marketing has hit a real high. It's the right thing at the right time.
I've gotten only a couple but they have been from friends (clients)and I thought they were very nice. I can see if you're getting a lot from people you don't really know who are TRYING to use them to make an impression on you then that could get annoying.
I just use them with people I have a relationship with and have been meaning to send them to potential clients who contact me.
Never gotten one of these so I must not be special enough. ;)
With any card I prefer a special message handwritten within the card from the person.
I dislike getting a card where it's only a siggy. I also prefer handwritten letters over typed.
I wouldn't be upset at receiving a card without a special handwritten message or siggy...I appreciate any card, but I find it more special when you take the time to sit down and write something.
Nell sent me an IM tonight and said she couldn't believe I cussed on your blog. I didn't realize crap was a cuss word?? She is right about I never cuss. I just use crap a lot though, so I'm sorry Alice if I offended you in anyway. It was just a figure of speech :( not directed towards you.
You can remove it if you would like.
Good to know Nell is watching out for you, Jen. Ummm...no crap doesn't offend me, but I was surprised when YOU said it. I just want to hear it out loud in your sweet accent. ;-)
Like many things, I think Send Out Cards was a decent idea that got out of hand because of people who saw it as a way to make some "easy money."
As far as card sending and receiving in general, I'm happy to receive any kind of a card for a special occasion. It's not something I'm good about so I'm always impressed when someone remembers my birthday or gets it together to send a holiday card in time. :)
Just getting a card period is a nice thing, no matter what type. I do have to admit I'm tired of getting cards that promote the send out card opportunity cause that's basically just a promo not a real card.
I've had a few of those in the last month.
I use Send Out Cards in my business because it strengthens the relationship between my subscribers and me in a way that email alone simply can not and in a way that is simple for me, yet personalized to those I send cards to.
One woman, who was just starting in an online business, took the time to call me to tell me that she actually framed the card I sent, put it on her desk because the card said, "The possiblities are endless".
The company has quite an amazing story and mission and, as an online marketer, I never in a million years, dreamed I would join a company with a network marketing business model.
The company's mission is about 'giving to give."
That being said, Send Out Cards is a tool, and like any tool, it's how the individual uses it that will determine the impression it leaves with the recipient.
Had someone taken the time to send you a heartfelt message of appreciation, perhaps thanking you for something you've done, I would bet the impression you have written about would have taken a different angle.
I can honestly say that SOC has helped both my business and personal life. I send out cards to relatives with pictures of my daughter all the time. I also used them to send a bike team picture to all my contributors for a charity bike ride. The cards have been very well received. I am usually one to buy the card, write the message and then forget to mail it. SOC has really helped...
I also send custom designed cards out to clients after interviews, for referrals, etc. I'm not a big business builder -- but it is a great, easy tool for keeping in touch.
I can't really imaging sending a card just so people will join SOC...
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