1. Tired of black and white cards falling short? Try adding color to the job. Adding color is not significantly more expensive than just using black ink, and has been proven to increase response rates 75 to 80 percent.

2. The United States Postal Service estimates about 17% of Americans move every year. That means nearly a fifth of your database could become obsolete within a year. National Change of Address (NCOA) processing can update database and help find lost customers.

3. Tired of that same old letter? It doesn't take much to make an old ad new again. Try testing another format. Something as seemingly unimportant as the envelope size can make a huge difference in response rates. Try mailing your newsletter or appeal as a flat. Your mail will stand out - and so will your numbers.

4. You know the old axiom - timing is everything. In direct mail, that couldn't be more important. If response rates aren't up to snuff, try mailing at a different time of the week or month.

5. When was the last time you changed your offer? Sure its true that people have to see something three times before they respond, but that won't help much if the offer is crummy. People like free gifts, but they also like discounts, rebates and cash back. Try changing your offer to one of equal value to test the validity of your offers.