With so many cyberspace options, you'd think that direct marketers would turn their backs on traditional methods of reaching customers. But a recent Gallup study of 251 midsize and large companies suggests that though 28% of them are on the Internet and another 39% are considering it, it's not seriously used for direct marketing -- yet. For generating sales, educating customers, and introducing new products, direct mail is still their top choice.
* * *Method and % of respondents naming it their top direct-marketing tool
Direct mail/catalogs 37.9%
Direct sales/sales reps 18.5%
Newspapers 10.6%
Television 10.1%
Magazines 7.5%
Telemarketing 4.0%
Brochures/flyers 2.2%
Radio 1.3%
Other 3.9%
None 4.0%
* * *Source: "Gallup Organization Direct Mail Study," a survey of 251 midsize and large companies, Pitney Bowes, Stamford, Conn., 1996.