In the past three years, retail sales have increased at a much slower annual growth rate than mail order sales. We are bound to see some direct marketers fall by the wayside especially in today's business environment and with the fluctuating prices in paper and postage. The ones who best manage their growth and provide consistent service over a period of time will be around in the long run. Direct mail is so much more competitive than it was when I started with a purse and a dream. These days, we have to approach potential customers with an entire line, a solid marketing plan.
Professional management becomes crucial.
If an employee misspells the name on a child's coat rack, we better be as concerned about it as the child's mother. As soon as we ease up on the details, we will be wondering why our orders disappeared. To those of you in a position to invest or start a business, give your entrepreneurial spirit a chance. It's one of life's ironies that the more you can prove that you don't need a loan, the better your chances usually are of getting one. This is especially true for start-up businesses.