A reader asked me a few weeks ago about what list broker I’d recommend.

While I’m still very much a direct mail beginner, as directed by my direct response mentors I start by making sure my foundation is built on quality brokers and quality lists.

One of the brokers I have been looking at so far is infoUSA (/ infoCanada). What I like in particular about infoUSA is that you can get consumer lists for as little as $100 - which means that for the more tentative among us, we can start very small.

I came across a very explanatory article on infoUSA here - I highly recommend you read it if you are looking at mailing lists at all.

Bear in mind that infoUSA, as they mention briefly in the article, deals in compiled lists rather than response lists. That is, they take public information and compile it, confirming  some of the information.

I’m don’t think they offer any response lists at all but I’d be glad to be told I’m incorrect on that count.

Response lists that you may get from a list broker like Edith Roman for example may be more valuable as the members of that lists have raised their hand in some form or fashion.

In particular a list of buyers would be very valuable to you if you have a proven sales letter and sales process.

Nevertheless, if you are a beginner and want to shake the nerves and get a feel for the direct mail process without breaking the bank I think infoUSA is a great way to start.