A reader once asked me why my telephone number isn't listed on my mail order materials, adding, "I've had a mail order business for over six years and have never offered a phone number, either. I don't think this has hurt my business, but I wonder if you'd comment on it."
Other readers have also asked why I don't offer charge card services, so let me address both questions here.
My business is strictly mail order. Except for the help of my husband, Harry, who processes the daily mail, I have no other help. Since neither Harry nor I have ever wanted anyone else in the house, I'm naturally limited both the kind and volume of work that can be done.
I use outside services whenever possible, but when the phone rings, I have to answer it. And if I'm on the phone all the time, I can't write, which is all I really want to do.
I don't advertise the phone number because I don't solicit charge card orders and I don't offer that service because, quite simply, I don't want to become an order taker.
Mail order is a simple, clean way to do business and it suits my needs and marital lifestyle. The information products I sell are too varied and too low-priced to justify the use of an outside order-taking service (but I do use a book fulfillment service).
As long as my name is in the phone book, anyone who really wants me can find me, but by not advertising my number, I manage to keep some distance between me and the kind of people who only want free advice.
Yes--I may be losing some business by operating the way I do, but we must all make choices when we work at home and the desires of spouse or family should have the highest priority.
My high visibility and international reputation as a writer and speaker proves that mail order marketing, in conjunction with aggressive publicity efforts, can be just as effective in building a business as using the telephone.
And it's a whole lot quieter.
Barbara Brabec is the author of HOMEMADE MONEY (Betterway), now in its fifth edition. Her book addresses every issue relevant to the operation of a homebased business. In bookstores or through the author's website at www.barbarabrabec.com.
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