Entries for Echo Awards, sponsored by the Direct Marketing Association, form the largest existing database representing the best efforts of direct marketing practitioners. This article examines the characteristics of these offers, in the hope of providing insights into both current practices and attributes of excellence. The key components in the analysis of offers cover 1) markets, 2) products, and 3) operational strategies and tactics.
BrownH.E.BruckerR.W.Just What Is a Direct Response Offer?Direct Marketing50198868–75March
3.
Buzzell, R. and P. W. Farris (1976), “Marketing Costs in Consumer Goods Industries,” Marketing Science Institute, Working Paper, Report No. 76–111.
4.
FarrisP.W.AlbionM.S.Determinants of Variations in the Advertising-to-Sales Ratio: A Comparison of Industry and Firm Studies1980Marketing Science Institute
5.
JanuzL.R.Making the Offer Fit the Goal Can Make a Mailing a WinnerMarketing News198314April 1
6.
KatzensteinH.SachsW.S.Direct Marketing1986Charles E. Merrill Publishing Co
7.
KleinfieldN.F.The Credit Card WarsNew York Times198823June 26, Sec. 3, 1
8.
KotlerP.A Generic Concept of MarketingJournal of Marketing43197946–54April
9.
KotlerP.ZaltmanG.Social Marketing: An Approach to Planned Social ChangeJournal of Marketing3519713–12July
10.
LilienG.L.LittleJ.D.C.The ADVISOR Project: A Study of Industrial Marketing BudgetsSloan Management Review17197617–31Spring
11.
NashE.L.Direct Marketing: Strategy-Planning-Execution1985McGraw-Hill Book CoNew York
12.
SachsWilliam S.Advertising Management: Its Role in Marketing1983Pennwell Books
13.
StoneBobSuccessful Direct Marketing Methods1986Crain BooksChicago