MDI Lists Direct Marketing Blog

MDI Lists Announces New Strategic Alliance

2010-08-18T13:11:00.003-04:00

August 18, 2010

For Immediate Release:

Weston, FL: Bold New Move Puts MDI Lists at Top of Class

MDI Lists is pleased to announce it’s affiliation with one of the largest data suppliers in the US. This new arrangement, according to David M Raff, Managing Director of MDI, will allow us to bring both postal and email data to the market place quicker than almost any other list house’. In fact, MDI now obtains the same data used by the credit bureaus before they receive it.

The implications of this relationship are tremendous and beyond the scope of most traditional list houses. In one swift and powerful move we were able to install MDI as a market leader in consumer data. ‘MDI Lists’, according to Raff, will now be able to provide all consumer marketers both opt in email addresses and postal addresses’. This will facilitate all marketers in developing a comprehensive marketing strategy enabling them to effectively reach new customers using a two pronged marketing approach. Raff states ‘MDI will be able to provide marketers email and postal addresses for prospects based on self reported data across nearly 100 categories’.

Retailers will be able to more effectively drive store traffic. E-marketers will now have a better avenue to reach potential customers. Direct mail marketers will be able to use finely honed self reported data to reach new prospects which would be otherwise missed.

We are releasing datacards this week promoting the new and exciting files. If you have any questions please contact David Raff or Laura Ellis.

Laura Ellis Joins MDI Lists

2010-04-19T18:25:00.005-04:00

Weston, FL: MDI Lists, a leading and award winning direct response ad agency located in Weston Florida is please to announce the addition of Laura Ellis. ‘Laura is an extraordinary talent and brings her knowledge and experience to our organization’, according to David M Raff, Managing Director of MDI. ‘Laura’s wealth of talent, knowledge and experience are going to help us diversify into many new markets. We are extremely pleased Laura is part of the MDI Lists team.’

‘David and I have worked together for years’ according to Laura Ellis ‘and I am excited to be joining the MDI team. MDI is a leader in the sweepstakes and occult marketplace and my clients’ will fit right in with MDI’s client base. In addition, I plan on assisting David and MDI expand its market reach into other markets.’

Laura has over 24 years of experience in the direct marketing community and works with many of the preeminent direct marketers in our industry. Laura personally handled all aspects of list brokerage and list acquisition for 13 major mailers in the catalog, travel, publishing and insurance fields. Laura is bringing Western States Reporter, USLM, CHAMP and others to MDI’s management and brokerage roster.

For more information on MDI Lists please contact David M Raff at 954-384-1557 or view their website at www.mdilists.com. Laura Ellis can be reached at 954-384-1557 or via email at Laura@mdilists.com.

LifeLock Settles Charges by the FTC and 35 States That Identity Theft Prevention and Data Security Claims Were False

2010-03-30T14:31:00.001-04:00

On March 9, 2010 the identity theft protection service, LifeLock, settled charges made by the Federal Trade Commission and 35 states alleging that the company made false claims. The settlement would provide $11 million to the FTC and $1 million to the group of states that include California, Florida, Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania. Moreover, LifeLock and its co-founders will be barred from making any deceptive claims about its services and will be required to take strict measures to safeguard the sensitive information of their customers.

The FTC, in its complaint, stated that LifeLock had claimed it could guarantee that identity theft would never happen to customers who purchase its services. To prove this point, it even advertised the CEO's social security number as a demonstration of total confidence. Moreover, LifeLock claimed that it is the "first company to prevent identity theft from occurring" and it "stop[s] identity theft before it happens." According to the FTC's Chairman, Jon Leibowitz, these claims are blatantly false and "the protection it actually provided left enough holes that you could drive a truck through it."

Allegedly, LifeLock provided no protection against the misuse of existing accounts, which happens to be the most common form of identity theft. Its services also provided no protection from medical or employment identity theft. More importantly information given directly to LifeLock, such as social security and credit card numbers, was also inadequately protected. LifeLock claimed that only authorized employees of LifeLock had access to the information, that it was only provided on a "need to know" basis and that the storage of the date was electronically encrypted. The FTC explicitly negated these statements and even stated that the company's system was vulnerable and could have been exploited.

The FTC will be sending out letters to eligible former and current LifeLock customers and will use the money from the settlement to provide refunds to those consumers.

MDI Lists Helps Haiti

2010-01-19T11:35:00.014-05:00

The screams in Haiti are being heard around the World and the World is responding. The 7.0 earthquake that rocked Port Au Prince on Tuesday brought the already impoverished city of nearly three million people to its collective knees and the far reaching impact is devastating the rest of the country. Hospitals, homes, schools and buildings lay in ruin. There are bodies piled knee deep in the streets. There are literally hundreds of thousands of people are still missing in the wreckage, their fates unknown. There are still parts of Haiti rescue workers have not been able to reach. There is no food, water or electricity. The emergency crews fight to get to the scene; people are digging through rubble using their hands to unearth survivors. Out of the houses and buildings left standing most are structurally unsound and are potential disasters. People who were lucky enough to escape with their lives are huddling together in open fields too afraid to enter the still standing buildings.

The devastation is unthinkable and unimaginable. The sheer amount of destruction is seemingly insurmountable. One news blog that I read a little while ago ended with the sentiment that “Any thoughts of full recovery during this generation is unrealistic.”. The more news, videos and photos that reach us from Haiti, the more we begin to realize how true that small statement is. For up to date information you can always click on CNN, as they are giving updates from Port Au Prince often

Those of us who are not in Haiti are scrambling, trying to figure out how can we help, how can we lend a hand and make a difference. What we can do often leads us to do nothing at all. In my opinion, this is not an option right now. The devastation caused by this earthquake is being compared to losing an entire war in just a few short moments.

There are many trustworthy organizations who are already on the scene, and many more that are gathering together resources to aid the victims of this awful tragedy. We have come up with a list of some of the ways that you can help. Please remember that every penny – literally – counts. If you are in a situation where you cannot send money or supplies, do not feel as though you are worthless. Your thoughts and support are needed by the people in Haiti, as much as the physical donations are.

American Red Cross – There are three ways you can contribute via the Red Cross: monetary donations, blood donations, and signing up as volunteers.

Text to Donate – If you want to donate money but are a little short right now, the State Dept. has set up a way to donate via text message. Text “Haiti” to 90999 and a donation of ten dollars will be added to your next phone bill and forwarded to the Red Cross.

Doctors Without Borders – The Doctors Without Borders program has been stationed in Haiti for a long time already. Their facilities were destroyed by the earthquake, along with much of their supplies. They are rushing to attempt to care for the injured people who need them, but they need your help.

National Nurses United – The nation’s largest organization of registered nurses tonight activated its nationwide disaster relief program to recruit nurse volunteers to provide assistance to residents of earthquake devastated Haiti.

UNICEF –is dedicated to helping children. Before Tuesday, there were already thousands of children who were orphans living below the poverty level. Today, there are many thousands more.

Operation USA – Operation USA has been rated as a four-star charity for the past six years. Every penny that goes in to the organization goes right back out to the places that need it.

Mercy Corps – Mercy Corps allows you to send a flat donation of your own, or can help you organize your own fundraising team. They also accept donations other than money, such as clothing and building materials.

World Food Bank – The WFP has already pledged more than two million dollars to help feed the people of Haiti. It is expected that the amount needed will far exceed this.

T-shirts – Emerald City Fashion Week is raising money to support the relief effort with a Fashion4Haiti T-shirts which are available for immediate purchase! Net proceeds will be donated to World Vision to help children and families affected by the 7.0 earthquake.

Our hearts go out to everyone in Haiti, as well as to the people around the World waiting for news of loved ones. MDI Lists and David M Raff have asked all of their list owners and friends to help with this cause. To this end, David M Raff (Weston Florida) and MDI Lists plan on donating a portion of all commissions earned in February to Help Haitti Relief Causes

International Mailing is on the rise

2010-01-12T17:02:00.002-05:00

Savvy US direct marketers recognize the growth potential in international markets, where an uptick in ad spending is expected this year. However, even the most successful international marketers recognize that reaching consumers in other countries isn't without its challenges — such as the need to address local languages and regulations.

"Any marketer that is building its business plan and has the ability to deliver outside the US is looking to see where the opportunities are internationally," says John Greco, president and CEO of the Direct Marketing Association.

Kevin Smith, president of international at TBWA, agrees. "I think a lot of people have woken up to how important some of the international markets are" as they grow and prosper, he says.

Consumer marketplaces in certain corners of the world are growing particularly fast, such as China and Australia. Many marketers in those regions have skipped over traditional tactics such as direct mail, opting instead for sophisticated digital, mobile and social media initiatives.

"These are wonderful places to learn some of the techniques being used in order to bring those 'learnings' back to the US market," says Greco.

Understanding how much to invest in marketing within a specific country and deciding which media channel to use isn't always easy, but it is crucial for successful direct marketing.

"Getting clients over the hurdle of the idea that international direct mail is significantly more expensive is tough," says Stacy Berver, president of DM360, which works with direct marketers to convert their direct mail programs for international markets. While postage, lists and data processing all increase the cost of direct mail outside the US by up to 30%, Berver insists it's still worth it.

"There is far less competition around the world, plus consumers aren't typically receiving as much mail, so they respond at a higher rate," she explains, adding that the average response rate for an international direct mail campaign is 30% to 70% higher than in the US.

"Marketers have to make a serious investment in international markets," says Smith. It's no longer sufficient to divert extra cash into international markets hoping for a hit, he notes.

Language is also an issue. E4X Inc.'s FiftyOne global e-commerce solution helps US online retailers create and optimize international landing pages.

"The level of comfort created by this experience helps retailers monetize any international traffic they may have already had" and drives repeat business, says Michael DeSimone, CEO at E4X.

Other issues US marketers face when trying to expand internationally are a scarcity of mailing lists and the need to understand local regulations and practices. With so much to consider, many marketers partner with third parties with international knowledge. Many marketers are contacting MDI Lists of Weston Florida. According to David M Raff, Managing Director, 'we are seeing a significant increase in mailers using our services'. Raff states this might be due to MDI being a market leader in International lists for several years now. According to Raff, 'our clients are seeing an up turn mailing internationally. We are seeing increased mailings into Canada, France and Germany plus a few Pacific Rim countries.'

ACQUISITION: ClickBank

ClickBank is an online retailer of e-books, software and games. With much of its business coming in through affiliates and the number of international affiliates growing, the company recently embarked on a strategy to create a global platform, says Dush Ramachandran, VP business development, sales and marketing at ClickBank.

ClickBank has a network of 120,000 affiliates in 220 countries worldwide helping to sell its 35,000 products. The ClickBank Web site started accepting payment in 13 currencies in addition to the US dollar.

The fastest growth for the company is coming from Western European countries such as France, Germany and Spain. French, German and Spanish language items added to the product selection, and all of the messaging on the site was translated into those languages. More languages will be added in the future.

"People are more comfortable with their own currencies and buying a product in their own language," says Ramachandran.

The company also pays attention to regional differences in online shopping.

"In Germany, people aren't comfortable using credit cards to spend online, so [we]focus more on alternative payment methods there," says Ramachandran.

When a new language becomes available on the site, ClickBank sends out an e-mail to existing affiliates and vendors in the appropriate geographies to make them aware of the changes.

In 2010, the company will expand its efforts to recruit new affiliates and vendors in several international markets by attending conferences and other events in those markets. Germany will com first on that initiative.

Three years ago, 78% of ClickBank's business came from North American and, today, 66% originates there. The company expects the international portion of its business to grow even further as it continues to roll out its global strategy.

ACQUISITION: Goldshield

Goldshield Direct Inc. has been selling healthcare products direct to consumers since 1993. The division of pharmaceutical and healthcare company Goldshield Healthcare International wanted to expand into Canada in order to generate incremental revenue.

"We have always viewed Canada as a very viable region, especially considering our years of success there with our other Goldshield businesses," says Michael Neal Swift, president at Goldshield Direct.

Goldshield launched a direct mail program for its Prostate Health Complex in Canada in 2009. Marketing services agency DM360 Inc. worked with Goldshield to use its existing direct mail creative that it was sending to US customers as a base to develop a mailpiece for the Canadian market.

Prices were converted into Canadian dollars, and the address block was reformatted to include a postal code instead of a ZIP code. Most importantly, US slang was toned down. However, other than that, the piece was fundamentally similar to its US counterpart.

"Normally, we like to keep the creative for the English-speaking parts of the world as close to what's working in the US," says Stacy Berver, president at DM360.

The effort launched with a 50,000 piece, 16-page mailer featuring information about prostate health and several offers to try Prostate Health Complex. The mailer pulled four times the response rate as a US campaign launched at the same time.

"Critical to Goldshield's success was a Canadian return address, Canadian dollar pricing and a Canadian response envelope," says Berver.

The healthcare company has since expanded the program to include three products in Canada. As a result of its Canadian direct mail program, Goldshield Direct has increased its overall mail volume by 45% and its customer acquisition by 55% or more.

David M Raff helps Cross Roads Food Pantry

2009-09-16T09:22:00.000-04:00

Weston, FL: MDI Lists, a leading and award winning direct response ad agency located in Weston Florida is please to announce their affiliation with the Cross Roads Food Pantry.’ According to David M Raff, Managing Director of MDI, ‘We are extremely pleased to be included in their circle of family and friends’. Mr. Raff stated; ‘While there are many worthwhile charitable organizations that are in need of funds and volunteer efforts, as a company MDI Lists, decided to work with The Cross Roads Food Pantry. In fact, we are asking our clients to join us in contributing to the Cross Roads Food Pantry. Together we are hoping to make a difference.’ Our work at the Food Pantry encompasses packing boxes containing well balanced diet for families, maintenance, assisting in distributing the food and most importantly spending time with the families.

The mission of the Cross Roads Food Pantry is to help and assist families who are on hard times by providing them with food. The Cross Roads Food Pantry accepts everyone with a need and all they ask in return is for recipients to volunteer four hours. Cross Roads mission is to dispense hope, food and clothing to the needy in our community, in accordance with the guidelines of the Florida Baptist Convention, the Gateway Community Outreach and the First Baptist Church Deerfield Beach. These three entities provide the food and/or funds to operate the pantry ministry.

For more information on MDI Lists please contact David M Raff at 954-384-1557 or view their website at www.mdilists.com.

MDI Lists proud to be a major sponsor for the Ann Storck Center's Celebrity Chefs Food Tasting & Auction

2009-09-09T13:49:00.001-04:00

Weston, FL: MDI Lists, a leading and award winning direct response ad agency located in Weston Florida is please to announce their affiliation with the Ann Storck Center. ‘The Ann Storck Center is a leader in helping children and adults with multiple developmental disabilities.’ According to David M Raff, Managing Director of MDI, ‘We are extremely pleased to be included in their circle of family and friends’. Mr. Raff stated; ‘In today's economic climate it is more important now than ever before for all of us to reach deep into our pockets and help others. The 16th Annual Ann Storch Center Celebrity Chefs Food Tasting and Auction is the Center's main fundraising campaign for the year. To this end, we are asking our clients to join us in contributing to the Ann Storck Center. Together we are hoping to make a difference.’

The Ann Storck Center is a nationally accredited, highly acclaimed 501 (c) (3) non-profit human service organization serving the needs of children and adults in South Florida who present severe and multiple developmental disabilities including Epilepsy, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and Mental Retardation. The Center strives to discover and build upon the uniqueness and strengths of each person it serves in order to provide life-enriching experiences.

For more information on MDI Lists please contact David M Raff at 954-384-1557 or view their website at www.mdilists.com. For more information on the Ann Storck Center please contact Daniela Bitshman at 954-584-8000 or visit their website at www.annstorckcenter.org.

MDI Lists helps CityMeals on Wheels

2009-06-23T10:50:00.003-04:00

Weston FL: MDI Lists, a leading and award winning direct response ad agency located in Weston Florida is please to announce their affiliation with CityMeals on Wheels. CityMeals on Wheels helps ensure homebound New Yorkers' recieve at least a few hot meals every week.

According to David M Raff, Managing Director of MDI, ‘We are extremely pleased to be included in CityMeals on Wheels circle of family and friends’. Mr. Raff stated; ‘While there are many worthwhile charitable organizations that are in need of funds, as a company MDI Lists, decided to work with charities that help the elderly, woman and children. In fact, we are asking our clients to join us in contributing to the CityMeals on Wheels. Together we are hoping to make a difference.’

Citymeals-on-Wheels raises private funds to ensure no homebound elderly New Yorker will ever go a day without food or human company. Last year, our family of contributors helped us bring over 2.2 million nutritious meals to 18,065 frail aged in every borough of New York City. In addition, over 1,500 volunteers collectively spent 62,000 hours visiting and delivering meals to New York’s frail aged.

There is no greater treasure than our grandparents and our childre. Hunger and the Elderly hits everyone across all walks of life. According to Mr. Raff, ‘At MDI Lists, we are committed to making a difference in our community and only hope others will follow suit.’

For more information on MDI Lists please contact David M Raff at 954-384-1557 or view their website at www.mdilists.com. For more information on CityMeals on Wheels please contact Beth Shapiro, at beth@citymeals.org or 212-687-1234.

MDI Lists and the Daniel D Cantor Senior Center

2009-05-28T10:37:00.002-04:00

Weston, FL: MDI Lists, a leading and award winning direct response ad agency located in Weston Florida is please to announce their affiliation with the Daniel D Cantor Senior Center.’ According to David Raff, Managing Director of MDI, ‘We are extremely pleased to be included in their circle of family and friends’. Mr. Raff stated; ‘While there are many worthwhile charitable organizations that are in need of funds and volunteer efforts, as a company MDI Lists, decided to work with The Daniel Cantor Senior Center. In fact, we are asking our clients to join us in contributing to the Daniel Cantor Senior Center. Together we are hoping to make a difference.’ Our work at the Senior Center encompasses maintenance, answering the phones and most importantly spending time with the seniors. We all experience joy and pleasure while sitting and listening to stories of their past.

The mission of the Daniel D. Cantor Senior Center is to enrich the lives of our senior community, by providing interaction and services for the independent, non-institutionalized elderly, including Alzheimer's participants. We seek to preserve the dignity of our local seniors in a manner consistent with our Jewish heritage. The Daniel D. Cantor Senior Center, incorporated in 1991, is located in the heart of the senior Jewish community in Broward County . The center is a hub for educational, social, and recreational activities for the Seniors in the West Broward area. We offer more than 60 classes each week. There is something for everyone.

For more information on MDI Lists please contact David M Raff at 954-384-1557 or view their website at www.mdilists.com. For more information on the Daneile Cantor Senior Center please contact Susan Dubester at 954-742-2299 or visit their website at www.cantorcenter.com.

Peel 'em and weep: Stamps rise 2 cents

2009-05-12T11:15:00.001-04:00

The post office wants two more pennies for your thoughts.

The price of a first-class stamp for mailing a letter or paying a bill climbed to 44 cents Monday, though folks who planned ahead and stocked up on Forever stamps will still be paying the lower rate.

It's the third straight year rates have gone up in May under a new system that allows annual increases as long as they don't exceed the rate of inflation for the year before.While the new 44-cent rate covers the first ounce of first-class mail, the price for each additional ounce will remain unchanged at 17 cents. Postal officials estimate the increase will cost the average household $3 a year.

Most other Postal Service prices were adjusted in January and won't change now.—

The Associated Press
Copyright © 2009, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, MDI Lists

MDI Lists sponsors one of PEARR's programs

2009-05-06T11:51:00.004-04:00

PEARR PRESENTS ‘LIVE BOLDLY: TAKING CHARGE IN CHANGING TIMES’

May 30th Conference to benefit Women in Distress of Broward County

FORT LAUDERALE, FL, May 1, 2009 -- PEARR (Professionals Educating & Advocating Respect in Relationships) presents “LIVE BOLDLY: Taking Charge in Changing Times,” an educational and empowering conference aimed at helping women adapt to the changing times. Sponsored by David M. Raff and MDI Lists, the event will take place on Saturday, May 30th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Jim & Jan Moran Family Center Auditorium, 1153 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale.

Highlights of the conference include dynamic speakers and informative panel discussions on topics at both the professional level and personal level, including social networking for business development, personal finance, time management, relationship & sexuality, and more. Networking opportunities along with raffles and entertainment are also scheduled throughout the day.

“PEARR’s goal is for participants to walk away with a new perspective on how to deal with these issues as well as the knowledge and resources to survive and thrive in these changing times,” said Ruben Rozental, president of PEARR.

Advance tickets are $30 for PEARR members and $35 for non-members, and includes breakfast, lunch, and raffle tickets. All event proceeds will go to support the emergency shelters, counseling and educational services, and 24-hour crisis line at Women in Distress. To purchase tickets online, visit www.womenindistress.org/pearr.html.

About PEARR
Founded in 2006, PEARR (Professionals Educating & Advocating Respect in Relationships) is the Professionals Auxiliary of Women In Distress of Broward County, Inc. PEARR provides professional networking opportunities and activities for members while focusing on healthy relationship education and empowering lives. All proceeds from memberships, activities, events, and donations go to support the domestic violence programs and shelters at Women In Distress. For more information, visit www.womenindistress.org/pearr.

About MDI Lists
Based in Weston, Fla., MDI Lists is a full service direct marketing company specializing in list brokerage, list management, and media placement for the purpose of servicing major accounts whose needs were not being adequately handled by their existing list brokerage and list management firms. For more information, visit www.mdilists.com or contact David M Raff.

Fees, long odds stack deck against entrants

2009-04-23T11:42:00.001-04:00

The following article appeared in the April 20, 2009 edition of the Las Vegas Sun as is being posted on this blog site for informational purposes only.

By Abigail Goldman

Mon, Apr 20, 2009 (2 a.m.)

Linda likes number games, but this is a tricky one.

Linda is 81 years old. She lives on roughly $2,000 a month. Every day her postal carrier brings her 50 to 120 invitations to enter sweepstakes or solve puzzles for cash prizes. Linda believes she can win these contests, and so she pays the entry fees, anywhere from $5 to $40 each. In five days last month Linda wrote 40 checks to contest companies, $594.39 in all. She also bounced 23 checks in March and was charged $35 for each overdraft. When Linda’s daughter checked her mom’s bank account, she discovered Linda had spent $10,000 from February to March. Linda now has 2 cents in savings.

The odds of solving this problem are as good as Linda’s chances at winning any of the many direct mail contests she has paid to play. She is one of many consumers, according to the Federal Trade Commission, who are “deceptively lured into playing skill contests by easy initial questions or puzzles,” becoming hooked and, as the questions get harder and the entry fees higher, “rarely receive anything for their money and effort.”

Junk mail contests and sweepstakes are perfectly legal in Nevada and most states, provided the odds are disclosed to entrants. Of course, disclosure can look like a lot of things: Like a little slip of small print tucked into a crammed envelope, or a paragraph printed on the back of a paper promising BIG WINS. These halfhearted disclosures make the contests perfectly legal and perfectly manipulative, at least according to consumer advocates, who argue that the schemes fool the elderly, uneducated and naive into thinking they’ve struck it rich.

Linda — who’s fuzzy when it comes to remembering things like her ZIP code, how long she has lived in Henderson, how much money she has spent on contests — doesn’t read the fine print. She’s focused on the envelopes that land in her mailbox, covered in neon stickers or stamped with phrases like “restricted information for addressee only,” “attention at once — financial disclosure,” “account alert — return important enclosures at once” — all in eye-grabbing capital letters.

Inside the envelopes, more direct mail double-talk, the text version of a late-night infomercial: “You are holding real documents sent to you from the AWARD NOTIFICATION COMMISSION ...” Send in a number, solve a little puzzle, sign a document — always enclosing a payment for “confirmation processing” or a “registration fee” or a “release fee.”

You could win so much money, one letter said, “you may wish to consult a financial professional for investment purposes.”

The FBI estimates consumers lose hundreds of millions of dollars every year to mass marketing schemes like these, Supervisory Special Agent Jason Pack said. More than 50 million people play junk mail sweepstakes and contests every year — and millions play more than once, reports say. In one contest mailing Linda received, the fine print revealed 100,000 entrants were expected to pay $5 to qualify for round one of a multi-round competition. Another contest disclosed its odds to win were 1 in 300 million.

The sweepstakes and contest companies are accustomed to criticism. In 2002 the attorneys general of 10 states joined to go after Contest America Publishers, a Kansas City, Mo., company that’s been in business for more than 30 years. Without admitting guilt, the company agreed to issue several thousands of dollars in refunds.

On Thursday, Contest America customer service representative Erika Barrett said entrants who do not understand the contests can ask for refunds by calling the phone number listed on all contest mailings. Besides, she said, “there are people who are going to win, and there are people who are going to lose.”

And that, after all, is the same maxim accepted by Las Vegas’ millions of casino gamblers.

Barrett said Contest America does not know the ages of the people it sends its contests to. So to suggest that the company specifically targets the elderly would be misleading, she said.

Even if the company is not specifically targeting the elderly, Yale professor Ravi Dhar said, it is taking advantage of them. Many of the contest mailings are designed to look official, with seals that emulate government documents or financial papers. Many are also personalized, with type designed to look like handwriting. Some elderly people aren’t aware this is possible with modern printers, said Dhar, a marketing professor who has studied the sweepstakes business.

Susceptible people, the same people who tend to play the lottery and other hard-to-win games of chance — are more likely to focus on the possible payoff than the probabilities, he said. The contests seem even more plausible than sweepstakes because they are presented as games of skill rather than games of chance, he said. And disclosing the odds is not enough, Dhar said, if the odds aren’t clear.

“Even if they’re prominent, they can still be misleading.”

Some media accounts have suggested many direct mail scams operate out of Las Vegas, but none of the mailings Linda received appeared local. Edie Cartwright, spokeswoman for the attorney general’s office, said there are no cases currently pending against bad operators, and she was unaware of previous litigation.

But the Nevada attorney general’s consumer protection bureau does receive a few complaints or inquiries about mail sweepstakes every week, most of which come from senior citizens, Senior Deputy Attorney General John McGlamery said. Nevada’s Fight Fraud Taskforce, a division of the Business and Industry Department, has a Web site specifically aimed at seniors — fightfraud.nv.gov/Seniors.htm — who are at risk because they tend to have savings stored up and are trusting, said Elisabeth Shurtleff, the task force’s chairwoman.

Linda, who asked that her real name not be used, said she now understands that she wasn’t a winner. What she doesn’t understand is how strange companies are now directly withdrawing money from her bank account.

Inside many of the contest mailings Linda receives is a form that allows for payment by credit card — just fill out your account numbers and sign. Linda swears she never did that.

She did, however, accept a number of phone calls from strangers across the country who reported that she had won large amounts of money. If Linda would wire them transfer fees and taxes, the money would be hers. In the past few weeks she started wiring money around the globe: New York, Florida, Costa Rica, Utah and Mexico, roughly $2,000 in all.

Bulk mail companies sell the addresses they collect to other bulk mail companies. This is the beginning of a circle: The more games you play, the more your address is distributed, the more games show up at your door. Suddenly your mailbox is overflowing and you’re getting five calls a day from strangers wanting money.

Last Wednesday, Linda accepted such a call. The person on the other end of the line, speaking over a bad connection, explained that Linda had won a large sum of money, and needed to wire a $300 collection fee to New York. When Linda started taking down directions from the caller, an onlooker took the phone from her hand and asked the person on the line what they were after. The phone went dead and Linda looked listless.

“But they have money waiting for me,” she said. “They had it right there.”

Whose Sandbox are you playing in?

2009-04-22T16:21:00.000-04:00

The Company You Keep

I am sure like most parents you have told your child– ‘don’t play with those kids they are trouble makers and you will be looked at like a trouble maker just for hanging with them.’ This situation happens more than you believe and according to research 73% of children who socialize with trouble makers are labeled as trouble makers. In addition, when trouble hits you are now looked at because of your association and friendship with them. Basically you are the company you keep.

As a kid you would ignore the above statement but as business owner can you afford to ignore it. Are you or your organization being judged by people in and out of the industry? The answer of course is yes – you are. Can you afford this? Only you can answer that question.

We at MDI have a different philosophy than most direct marketing organizations. We are not your typical List Broker. While we strive hard to perform above the expectations of our clients we also believe in being strong supporters of community efforts.

As the economy turned south, MDI Lists stepped up. In 2008, David M Raff, instituted a program of charitable giving. As a company we isolated several causes that were near and dear to our hearts and then contacted local charities who handled these special situations. To be honest, choosing who to help was an extremely difficult and heart wrenching decision as there are so many worthy causes. In the end we chose.

Women in Distress. WID is the only nationally accredited, state-certified, full service domestic violence center serving Broward County. MDI Lists is sponsoring their ‘Living Boldly Workshop’.

Ann Storck Center - The Ann Storck Center is a leader in helping children and adults with multiple developmental disabilities. MDI Lists is a Silver donor and has adopted students.

Tel-a-thons and Fundraisers – members of MDI’s staff regularly help local and national Tel-a-thons by answering the phones and taking pledges. We participate in walks and other events as well.

In addition to our charitable work, MDI Lists has been awarded two years in a row now, the Best Agency Award by U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).

We have never asked a client of ours to support any of the charitable functions we participate in however; many have sent contributions knowing the causes can use additional support.

If the Company You Keep is important to you then look no further than MDI Lists. We are more than a List Brokerage house; we are good community citizens as well.

Woman In Distress is helped by David M Raff and MDI Lists

2009-04-22T09:40:00.000-04:00

Weston, FL: MDI Lists, a leading and award winning direct response ad agency located in Weston Florida is please to announce their affiliation with the Women In Distress (WID) of Broward County. ‘WID is the only nationally accredited, state-certified, full service domestic violence center serving Broward County.’

According to David M Raff, Managing Director of MDI, ‘We are extremely pleased to be included in WIDs’ circle of family and friends’. Mr. Raff stated; ‘While there are many worthwhile charitable organizations that are in need of funds, as a company MDI Lists, decided to work with charities that help woman and children. In fact, we are asking our clients to join us in contributing to the Women In Distress. Together we are hoping to make a difference.’

WID’s mission is to provide victims of domestic violence with safe shelter, crisis intervention and resources, and to educate the community in order to Stop Abuse For Everyone (SAFE) through Intervention, Education and Advocacy. We strive to accomplish this mission by offering a 24 hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, counseling, education and professional trainings on domestic violence and related topics.

WID believes that each survivor of domestic violence has the right to a safe secure home and the capability to self-determine her violence free future. That is why we center our efforts in providing an environment that will help the victims recover from the traumatic effects of victimization and develop an understanding and awareness of the dynamics of domestic violence by empowering them to gain independence and self-sufficiency.

Domestic violence hits everyone across all walks of life. According to Mr. Raff, ‘there are women in our industry who have unfortunately been the victim and have been harmed in their own home, a place where they should have been safe. At MDI Lists, we are committed to making a difference in our community and only hope others will follow suit.’

MDI Lists is sponsoring the ‘Living Boldly Workshop’ on May 30, 2009. The goal of the workshop is to introduce WID members to potential employers and offer them additional resources as they get back on their feet and pull their lives together.

For more information on MDI Lists please contact David M Raff at 954-384-1557 or view their website at http://www.mdilists.com/index.php. For more information on WID please contact Ruben Rozental at 954-760-9800 or visit their website at www.womenindistress.org.

MDI Lists and David M Raff team up with the Ann Storck Center

2009-04-22T09:21:00.000-04:00

Weston, FL: MDI Lists, a leading and award winning direct marketing ad agency located in Weston Florida is please to announce their affiliation with the Ann Storck Center.

‘The Ann Storck Center is a leader in helping children and adults with multiple developmental disabilities.’ According to David M Raff, Managing Director of MDI, ‘We are extremely pleased to be included in their circle of family and friends’. Mr. Raff stated; ‘While there are many worthwhile charitable organizations that are in need of funds, as a company MDI Lists, decided to work with charities that help children. In fact, we are asking our clients to join us in contributing to the Ann Storck Center. Together we are hoping to make a difference.’

The Ann Storck Center is a nationally accredited, highly acclaimed 501 (c) (3) non-profit human service organization serving the needs of children and adults in South Florida who present severe and multiple developmental disabilities including Epilepsy, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and Mental Retardation. The Center strives to discover and build upon the uniqueness and strengths of each person it serves in order to provide life-enriching experiences.

For more information on MDI Lists please contact David M Raff at 954-384-1557 or view their website at www.mdilists.com. For more information on the Ann Storck Center please contact Daniela Bitshman at 954-584-8000 or visit their website at www.annstorckcenter.org.

David M Raff interviewed by Listline

2009-04-22T09:09:00.000-04:00

Meet the Broker: David M. Raff, MDI Lists
Feb 19, 2009 11:35 AM, By Jim Emerson

Today we meet David M. Raff, president of MDI Lists in Weston, FL. Raff brokers both domestic and international lists. He travels the world for business and pleasure.

“I got into the list business because I’m really good in math. After more than 20 years, I still have a passion for my work and I really love what I do as a broker,” says Raff. He started at Edith Roman Associates Inc. back in 1985. Later he worked for 21st Century Marketing, Uni-Mail List Corp., B.M.C. Marketing and DIMAC Direct.

An insatiable need to build new relationships for business, find fresh sources of data and improve upon response analysis is what keeps brokerage work challenging for many brokers.
List segmentation and response analysis are essential basic skills, but seasoned brokers know that opportunities for delving deeper into list strategies really have no bounds.

“We’re all learning the same stuff over and over in new ways. We’re looking for better ways slice and dice data, add new elements to lists and find better ways to read backend results for lifetime customer value,” says Raff.

Raff works and plays hard too. He spends his free time coaching his sons’ (13 and 17) flag football and basketball teams. He rides a motorcycle and travels extensively in Latin America and elsewhere. He’s also active in his temple. “One of my most interesting trips was to Columbia, where because of security concerns it’s common to see people walking around with machine guns everywhere you go,” he says.

Roughly 30% of his business involves brokering international lists.
His client roster includes the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority, Excitement Ventures, Global Access Management and Marketing Magic.

Is there much difference between domestic and international list brokerage?

Finding international lists is more difficult and time consuming for several reasons, explains Raff. Outside the U.S. there are far fewer list management companies and brokers typically must deal directly with mailers, as most international list rental deals are handled privately, rather than on an open list rental market. Working in many time zones and looking for list owners who speak English further complicates international list brokerage.

Know someone you'd like to suggest for Meet the Broker? E-mailJim.Emerson@Penton.com