Even then, ordering and customer service information is best provided in the local language. For example, a Number 10 envelope here in the United States is several millimeters too long for the European automation mail standards and could add unnecessary expenses to your mailings. Even after you ve taken all the steps to insure the graphics are right and the language is flawless, don t commit the cardinal error of sending it in the wrong format. Well before you commit to a mailing, make sure that the format will fit the standard dimensions in the destination country to avoid wasted time and money. It would be a waste to come that far only to realize everything you ve done is in the wrong format incurring you needless delays and expense.
Numerous studies show that local indicia result in significantly higher response rates.
Same with Germany. One of the few exceptions to this may be the entertainment segment where DVDs and music CDs with US indicia, for example, can garner higher response rates than those indicia within your target country. It s entirely possible that you may already have many foreign addresses in your database. Do your homework and check the list thoroughly. Not only can these names be the nucleus of your larger foreign database list, these individuals may eventually be the core of your international customer base well into the future.