Channel | Direct Marketing | Print

Asking a good question is a highly effective way to open your sales letter or direct response e-mail. And a good question is one that is both attention grabbing and involving.

AT&T Inc. has unveiled a number of resources geared to small business owners including free advice, online courses and special offers. For information, visit http://www.att.com/OnwardSmallBiz.

Attention catalogers: holiday 2006 was bumpy, and 2007 might not be smooth either.

The ServiceMaster Co. generated $169.7 million in net income, and $3.43 billion in revenue, for fiscal 2006. But while its revenue rose from 2005's $3.24 billion, its net income dropped from $198.9 million, in part doe to changes in its direct response marketing activities. The fiscal year ended on Dec. 31.

Net direct marketing sales at Harry and David Holdings Inc. reached $270.5 million for the fiscal year second quarter that ended Dec. 30. This reflects a 4.9% increase compared to the same period last year.

(Multichannel Merchant) DVD and video merchant Movies Unlimited and cable channel Turner Classic Movies (TCM) have teamed up for a cobranded catalog. The 832-page catalog sells a broad range of discs, including classics from the '30s, '40s, and '50s, rare B westerns, Japanese animation, and television shows.

Rainmaker Systems Inc. has reported $48.9 million in revenues for 2006, a 52% increase over its $32.1 million in revenues reported for 2005.

Data wholesaler ChoicePoint has sold part of its public records compilation operations, involving bankruptcy, lien and court judgment records.

Hallmark Flowers & Gifts has mailed a 16-page catalog touting a variety of flower-and-heart-based merchandise, just in time for Valentine's Day. The catalog promises free shipping for orders placed by a certain date. Omaha Home for Boys has sent out a 6"x 11 1⁄2" mailer that features a teddy bear on the cover, and teases…

Colorado residents who want to stop receiving unrequested direct mail may get the option to sign up for a state "Do Not Mail" list if a bill slated for proposal in that state's legislature gains final passage.