How Many People Throw Away Direct Mail?
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Direct mail marketing remains one of the most powerful tools for businesses — especially for real estate investors and agents trying to reach motivated sellers or potential clients. But let’s be honest: how many people actually keep and engage with the direct mail they receive? And how many toss it straight into the trash without a second glance?
📊 The Stats on Direct Mail Disposal
According to multiple studies, about 44% of direct mail is discarded without being opened. That might sound discouraging — until you realize that 56% of recipients at least glance at it, and a surprising 42% actually read or scan the content before making a decision.
The takeaway? The opportunity is still there — but your mail needs to earn that attention.
🗑️ Why People Throw Away Direct Mail
Understanding why people discard direct mail helps us create campaigns that get noticed. The most common reasons are:
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Lack of Personalization: If it looks like a mass-produced ad, it gets treated like junk.
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Irrelevant Offers: If the message doesn’t speak to a real need, it’s ignored.
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Poor Design or Quality: Ugly mail goes straight to the bin.
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Mail Overload: People filter fast — anything that doesn’t stand out gets tossed.
✍️ How to Make Your Direct Mail Actually Work
If you want your mail to land in hands — not the garbage — here’s what works:
1. Use Handwritten Mail
Handwritten letters and postcards feel personal and authentic. They look like they came from a real person, not a marketing department. This simple change drastically increases open and response rates.
2. Target the Right Audience
No amount of clever writing or pretty design will work if you're mailing to the wrong people. Real estate investors and agents should focus on homeowners who are likely to sell — absentee owners, tired landlords, inherited property owners, etc.
3. Create Compelling Headlines & Offers
Whether it’s a quick cash offer or a free consultation, give recipients a reason to care right away.
4. Use Quality Materials
Crisp cardstock, clean design, and readable handwriting go a long way. If it looks like junk, it’ll get treated like junk.
5. Follow Up
Sometimes the first postcard sparks curiosity. The second or third one is what gets them to reach out. A solid follow-up strategy turns cold leads into warm conversations.
✉️ First Touch Letters: Your Secret Weapon for Real Estate Mail That Converts
At First Touch Letters, we specialize in handwritten direct mail for real estate investors and agents who want to build trust and get real responses. Every letter and postcard is handwritten, not printed to look handwritten — because sellers can spot the difference.
From your first outreach to follow-up campaigns, we help you cut through the noise and connect with sellers in a way that feels human, personal, and authentic.
🌌 Want to Stay Top-of-Mind? Use the Cosmic Postcard Sequence
For investors who need a full follow-up system, our Cosmic Postcard Sequence is the ultimate tool. It’s a monthly handwritten postcard campaign that keeps you on the seller’s radar — gently, consistently, and without feeling spammy.
Each card is designed to look like a real person reaching out — not a corporate ad campaign. That’s why it works.
🚀 The Bottom Line
Yes, a percentage of direct mail will always get tossed — but that doesn’t mean your efforts are wasted. With the right strategy and the right execution, direct mail can still be your most powerful lead generator.
Want your mail to land in the right hands and get real responses?
Start with First Touch Letters — and let your handwritten message do the talking.