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Mail Stream: A Report on Incoming Direct Mail

The summer catalog from Jeffers Pet features a genetic testing product among its 144 pages. While primarily canine- and feline-focused, it does offer items for other pets, as well as the opportunity to donate to the Morris Animal Foundation. Verena Knitting’s double postcard mailing offers five issues

The summer catalog from Jeffers Pet features a genetic testing product among its 144 pages. While primarily canine- and feline-focused, it does offer items for other pets, as well as the opportunity to donate to the Morris Animal Foundation. Verena Knitting’s double postcard mailing offers five issues (plus a premium) of the perling and stitching enthusiasts’ magazine for $17.97. And the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s understated fundraising appeal seeks donations for a variety of education-related activities.

Jeffers Pet Introduces DNA Testing Kit
Jeffers Pet recently sent out its Summer 2008 catalog showcasing a brand new genetic testing product for identifying dog breeds. The eye-catching creative on the front cover depicts five attractive dogs and a small puppy standing beneath looking up at them with the text “Who’s Your Daddy?” The book includes mostly merchandise for dogs and cats but also a small selection of goods for other types of animals. The company produces additional catalogs for equine and livestock supplies. The catalog contains 144 pages of merchandise including food, toys, clothing, travel accessories, grooming supplies, and medicine. The bottom left corner promotes flea and tick products Frontline Top Spot and Frontline Plus ($29.95 - $72.99) and Advantage Topical Solution ($36.95 - $55.95). The DNA Breed Identification Kit from Bio Pet Vet Lab ($58.95) can uncover breed composition present in mutts and gives step-by-step instructions with diagrams on how to perform the procedure by swabbing the inside of the dog’s mouth and sending it to the company’s lab. Additional items include Sweet Dreams Pajamas for dogs ($8.95 - $9.95), a Smart Chime doorbell for pets ($44.99), and a Dog Training for Dummies 2nd Edition ($28.95). Jeffers also includes the option to donate to the Morris Animal Foundation on the order form. Orders may also be placed by phone, fax, or online.

Verena Knitting Launches In North America
Verena Knitting, a quarterly magazine from European publisher Vikrant Crafts Publishing, recently introduced itself to the U.S. market with a charter subscription offer. The double postcard features an image of the Summer 2008 issue in the top left corner along with an involvement sticker below depicting the cover of the incentive booklet titled “The Verena Collection, 7 Sensational Styles.” Above the address is a short statement personalized by name that instructs recipients to “just place your claim sticker on the post-paid card and mail today!” The reply form contains more information about the soft one-year subscription offer ($17.97 for four issues plus a free bonus issue) and the premium with a paid subscription. A spot for the involvement sticker is located under a chart describing what subscribers receive along with another image of the free gift. The mailing introduces the magazine with, “Verena Knitting is the international leader in high-style knitting” and “Verena Knitting appeals to young knitters with its up-to-date trends AND to veteran knitters with its classic designs.” Additional text adds, “For faster service, order online at VerenaKnitting.com.”

Thurgood Marshall College Fund Prepares New Generation
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund mailed a simple #10 package to solicit donations by asking recipients to “support the development of a new generation of leaders.” The white envelope has no cover creative except for the fund’s logo – an abstract image of three silhouetted graduates in caps and gowns. Inside, the single page legal-sized letter begins with a personalized greeting and the opening statement, “We both know who Thurgood Marshall is.” The former Supreme Court Justice is remembered in the letter as an “Educator” with an “unwavering commitment” to quality education for all Americans. His legacy is preserved by the fund, which recognizes itself as the “oldest supporter of public Historically Black Colleges and Universities” in the country. The perforated reply form, located at the bottom of the letter, presents the $50/$100/$250/$500/other ask ladder. On the reverse side of the letter a list titled “Member Colleges & Universities” includes such institutions as Howard University in Washington, DC, Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, NY and Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.

The direct mail promotions appearing in Mail Stream are tracked and written up by ParadyszMatera, a media brokerage services company, through its MarketRelevance(tm) Promotion Library. Click here to visit their site: ParadyszMatera.com.

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