Handmade European Home Accessories from A Mano

Importing a diverse collection of upscale home accessories from "Europe's finest artisans - potters, weavers, crystal engravers, glass blowers and silversmiths," A Mano offers handmade decorative pottery, ceramics, dish and glassware in its catalog of the same name. According to an introductory letter found on the inside cover of a recent edition, A Mano, which means "by hand" or "handmade" in Italian, carries one of the largest collections of majolica (richly colored and ornate earthenware) in the United States. Products offered in the 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" book are featured in lavish table and room settings topped off by a decorator's touch with floral bouquets, fruit and additional accessories. The layout of the catalog sets it apart from most in the home decor market with the noticeable absence of product names and prices amidst the room settings. Instead, both can be found on a five-page price list in the back of the book. Prices range from $18 for a 22" cotton napkin made in France to $3,500 for an imported French stone fountain, while a piece of the heavily promoted majolica ceramics, an urn with handles, sells for $385. A few items that stray from the home set are displayed in the catalog as well and include a leather credit card and checkbook wallet for $135 and a silk handbag with bamboo handle for $85. As a bonus, customers who fax, email or call with a corrected name and address will receive "20 A Mano Dollars" toward their first purchase from the catalog.

A Check in the Mail from Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund

Following a creative strategy in line with mailings from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, a recent promotion from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund included a genuine $2.50 check. "Check Enclosed - Postmaster: Deliver to Addressee Only" is printed on the front of the #10 kraft envelope in a bold red font to inform recipients of the enclosed check, which is personalized and printed over a subtle, yet visible American flag background. According to the solicitation letter, "the check is real and you can cash it if you wish." Instead, however, the Fund recommends returning it along with a gift of $10/$15/$25/$50/other to help the organization continue its mission to honor, educate and heal veterans as well as maintain the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall) in Washington D.C. The letter begins with the sentimental, "It's been 39 years...I think of you often" (a note posted by a high school friend to a deceased Army private) to promote the importance of The Wall and the online Virtual Wall for remembrance of lost loved ones. Mailed prior to the holiday season, the package also encloses a tribute: "Dear American Hero, You Are Remembered with Honor and Gratitude." Recipients are urged to personalize the insert's reverse side with their individual holiday greetings.

Pirro's Loose-Leaf Catalog Targets Seniors
A new 6" x 9-3/4" loose-leaf catalog package mailing was tracked recently from Pirro's Apothecary & More! Outer envelope copy calls out to the mature market, promising "products to help keep you healthy & active" as well as two senior-oriented gifts, a personalized emergency I.D. card freemium and portable magnifier premium given with any order. The promotion's product mix combines selections for seniors such as rolling walkers, compression stocking dressing aids and anti-aging creams with general merchandise that is not age-specific, or related to health, including jewelry, compact discs and apparel -- many items are "As Seen on TV." Specific product examples include IGIA Never Snore (set of 2, $15.99), MicroMagic Microwave Pressure Cooker ($7.99), and Jim Nabors' "It Is No Secret" cassette or CD ($7.99 - $9.99). Highly promotional, items are presented with yellow highlighted "Reduced Prices" in red, "Compare at" language and calculated percentage savings (i.e. "Save 25%!") Interestingly, free shipping is not offered in addition to the aforementioned incentives, breaking from the conventional practice established by other loose-leaf catalogs Handsome Rewards, Signatures and Starcrest of California.