EFFECTIVE DIRECT MAIL MARKETING FOR NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
Non-Profit Organization Postcards Success Story
Direct Mail Marketing for A Charity-Run Thrift Store in Tallahassee, FL
The Challenge
A charity-run thrift store in Tallahassee, FL wanted to boost store visits and donations of gently-used goods. Although they had a loyal base of repeat shoppers, they struggled to reach new customers outside of their immediate neighborhood. They decided to use direct mail marketing in Tallahassee, FL to connect with a larger audience and communicate the impact of every purchase.
The Solution
A purpose-led postcard series—“Every Purchase Changes Lives” stories, inviting store photography, a 20% first-visit coupon, and a donation how-to + pickup panel—turned mail into reasons to visit and give.
A results-focused postcard campaign was planned and executed:
- Impact-Driven Message: “Every Purchase Changes Lives” paired with stories of programs funded through thrift sales. This messaging made each transaction feel purposeful, motivating more store visits.
- Store Photography: High-quality images of the shop’s interior, friendly staff, and unique items available. Showing the store visually encouraged recipients to picture themselves visiting.
- Incentive to Visit: Special 20% off coupon for first-time shoppers included on the postcard. The discount offered a low-risk reason for new customers to step inside.
- Donation Appeal: Side panel dedicated to explaining what types of donations are accepted and how to schedule a pickup. This positioned the store as a convenient drop-off point for unused goods.
- Targeted Mail List: 6,000 households within a 10-mile radius, focusing on neighborhoods with higher disposable income. Strategic targeting ensured outreach to likely shoppers and donors.
- Multi-Drop Schedule: First mailing announcing the discount, second mailing one month later featuring “New Arrivals & Seasonal Items.” This kept the store top-of-mind for potential visitors.
- Performance Tracking: Unique coupon code on postcards to measure redemption rates and sales impact. Tracking allowed the team to see exactly how effective the campaign was.
A 6,000-home, 10-mile radius list focused on higher-income neighborhoods, followed by a two-mail cadence (“Discount” → “New Arrivals & Seasonal Items”) with unique coupon codes, kept the store top-of-mind and made performance trackable.
The Results
heading
The campaign brought a steady stream of new shoppers into the store and increased donation pickups significantly over a two-month period.
The postcards drove strong awareness and inbound inquiries.
By combining a compelling offer with a clear explanation of their mission, the thrift store grew its customer base and expanded donation volume, directly supporting its charitable programs.
💡 Pro Tip: For thrift stores and resale-based non-profits, direct mail is most effective when it combines an in-store discount with a heartfelt explanation of the mission behind the sales.
Interested in doing a similar campaign for your business? Call us and we will get you connected with a marketing consultant.
USPS & Industry Data Proves It
Historic data shows Direct Mail Marketing is still the most effective channel for local businesses
Why Direct Mail Outperforms Digital for Local Business:
Start Small, See Big Results
You can start with as few as 200 postcards and experiment with your local market!
No commitment • Free consultation • Local market analysis included
We're More Than Just
Postcard Printers
MailProsUSA isn't just a direct mail printer, we are a full service marketing company, able to manage every aspect of your campaign from start to finish!
Complete In-House Services:
Design & Print
We design, address, print and mail postcards in-house
Digital Marketing
Email marketing, pay per click management, website development
Follow-up & Tracking
Online follow up and tracking and more
FREE Marketing Advice
Plus FREE marketing advice, whether or not you're a MailProsUSA customer!
From Strategy to Mailbox - We Handle Everything!
Let our experts create a campaign that delivers real results for your business
Get a Free Education Marketing Kit
Call or text us at (949) 380-9500 to get started even faster!
- Entrepreneur
- MSNBC
- Forbes
- ADWEEK
- INSIDER
- Inc.
- USA TODAY