Sales Letter Talk: Reader’s Digest Sweepstakes Letter

[Jessica]

What do you all think about one of my favorite copywriting sales letters? I like this sales letter because the first time I read it, I was surprised of how the writer put a $250,000.00 sweepstakes in the same letter with "Jim Nabors Sings" album. Its like two different letters but, it works. What do you think?


Reader’s Digest sweepstakes letter
Shows strong use of personalization


Dear Mr. & Mrs. Hodgson:

Imagine the thrill of walking into a bank near the Hodgson home -- and surprising the teller if you
deposited a check for $250,000.00 into your account.

And think of the look on the faces of your West Chester neighbors if you drove down Johnnys way in a
brand new car -- a car you completely paid for in cash.

Or how would you like to start out from Philadelphia International Airport on an around-the-world
vacation -- your pockets bulging with spending money?

These dreams could come true because your sweepstakes deposit slip above gives you a chance to win the
grand prize of $250,000.00 cash (or $125,000.00 now plus $1,000.00 a month for life -- your choice) in
Reader's Digest $1,000,000.00 sweepstakes.

A mailman from your West Chester post office may soon be knocking at your door with a check for
$250,000.00!

But you can't win unless you enter. And all you have to do is return your sweepstakes deposit slip in
either of the enclosed envelopes by February 28! (return it by March 2 and you could win any of 40,710
other cash prizes but not the Grand Prize.) That's all there is to it. There's no other obligation; nothing to
buy.

And the sooner you reply, the more money you could win.

Why were you sent this opportunity to enter our sweepstakes? To call your attention to Reader's Digest
products...and in particular to the brand-new album we're offering featuring a remarkable performer . . .
"Jim Nabors Sings."

As an owner of “That Old Time Religion,” you obviously enjoy Digest music. You'll find the same kind
of enjoyment in "Jim Nabors Sings."

From Amazing Grace to Tennessee Waltz, you'll hear 82 memorable performances . . . inspirational
hymns, love songs, popular hits, broadway classics, country tunes, movie themes . . . the largest collection
of Jim Nabors' songs ever!

Why not hear them all for 7 days home trial on your choice of 7 records; 3 8-track tapes or 3 cassettes.
After 7 days, if you're not satisfied with "Jim Nabors Sings," simply return the album. You'll owe nothing
and we'll even reimburse you for the return postage.

If you agree, though, that "Jim Nabors Sings" belongs in your music library, then keep it and pay the low
price of only $39.96, payable in 4 monthly installments of just $9.99 each, plus $1.55 postage for records,
86¢ postage for 8-track tapes or 63¢ postage for cassettes. There's no finance charge, no annual
percentage rate of interest, no charge for handling. The postage will be added to your first installment.

To audition "Jim Nabors Sings" for 7 days home trial and enter the sweepstakes at the same time . . .
return your deposit slip in the enclosed yes envelope. (Please indicate if you want records, 8-track tapes or
cassettes by punching out one of the circles on the envelope flap.)

If you don't want to audition Jjim Nabors Sings" for 7 days home trial but you do want to enter the
sweepstakes...return your deposit slip in the enclosed no envelope. Whatever you decide, return it by
February 28 to be eligible to win the $250,000.00 grand prize or by march 2 for any of the 40,710 other
cash prizes. All prizes will be awarded! The sooner you return your deposit slip, the more money you
could win!

 

Dislike ads? Become a Fastlane member: Subscribe today and surround yourself with winners and millionaire mentors, not those broke friends who only want to drink beer and play video games. :-)