The Secrets of Leaflet Distribution (for Printers)

The secrets of leaflet distribution for printers seeking a reliable company to recommend.

What paper is best for leaflet deliveries? As the founder of Leaflet Distribution (tm) which is one of the biggest door to door delivery firms in the UK, I would recommend 250gsm, A6 gloss. The reason for this is that A6 being postcard-sized fits easily in the leafteter’s hand, gloss is shower-resistant and heavier paper makes it less likely to crumple in draught excluders in letterboxes. Customers who order A4 size leaflets on light paper from printers are likely to be dissatisfied with the result of their leafleting campaign and are unlikely to place repeat orders. A4 is cumbersome for leafleters to carry and has to be folded to go through a letterbox. If there is a passing shower, it can turn to mush! It is not a popular choice for delivery staff. Some customers imagine that bigger is better for leaflets, but I disagree and try to guide them to smaller, thicker leaflets. Remember that delivery staff are carrying hundreds each of several leaflets for some hours, so heavy leaflets will be resented! I have tried 300gsm, but this makes the overall cost of the delivery more expensive due to the increase in printing costs and I do not feel it adds any benefits over 250gsm.

We normally use printcarrier in Germany for printing due to their cheapness. I once asked the owner of a chain of print shops near me on the south coast how printcarrier could do it more cheaply than UK printers despite the transportation cost. He replied that he did not know! If any other printers can beat their rates at a comparable quality for runs for 5,000, 10,000 and 20,000 usually, they are welcome to email me, Peter Munro, at info@leaflets.tv . I just explained this to a potential franchisee in Scotland and she was not at all happy that a German printer far away could undercut a local Scottish printer!

When you are choosing a leaflet distribution company, you need to feel lucky! As it is apparently easy to start this business, many of them are established without much forethought and are badly managed, so printers would have to be careful who they recommend. Most do not last long, but there is always a new supply of “entrepreneurs” who are keen for a year or so. Clients for printers who are happy with their flyer drop will become repeat customers. Some form of tracking is essential. There are various types. Examples are:

• gps.
• the leafleting firm having another business alongside it (such as carpet cleaning), so that they can track the drop from the carpet cleaning calls they receive.
• knocking on doors with the leaflet to verify people have seen it.
• having local people who live there watching out for specific leaflets.

About Leaflet Distribution (tm)

Established in 2004, it has expanded to over 30 branches in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Deliveries in Spain have also been undertaken.

For more information about contacting your local branch, do not hesitate to look at www.leaflets.tv and search for your area.