Use pretty, commemorative, or artsy postage stamps. That's right. Studies show that envelopes with commemorative stamps get more opened more frequently. Recipients perceive almost unconsciously that your mailing is sent by a real person, not a mass marketer. On the other hand, STAY AWAY from the generic "flag" stamps or postage meter imprints or labels. "Old Glory" might seem the patriotic thing to do, but it smacks immediately of "junk mail." And you know what you do with "junk mail!" Give your mailings every advantage, including the postage that carries them. Make your stamps pretty and grab your recipients' attention. You can't win over more customers and sales, if you don't get their attention. I worked as a part-part-timer for sociology professor Dr. Ivan Fahs way back who found this result. Since then, its been confirmed over and over. My personal postage favs were those terrific Warner's Bros stamps with Daffy, Wile E Coyote, and Road Runner. I wish they were still available. Beep! Beep!

(c) 2003 Joanne A. Simons, all rights reserved.