Picturemailorder
A blast from the past! Picture mail order was a popular way to purchase items, especially toys and collectibles, through the mail in the mid-20th century. Here's how it typically worked:
- Catalogs: Companies would publish colorful catalogs featuring their products, often with detailed descriptions, prices, and illustrations.
- Ordering: Customers would browse the catalog, select the items they wanted to purchase, and fill out an order form with their name, address, and payment information.
- Payment: Customers would send a check or money order with their order form to the company.
- Shipping: The company would process the order, pack the items, and ship them to the customer via mail.
Picture mail order was popular for several reasons:
- Convenience: Customers could browse and order from the comfort of their own homes, without having to physically visit a store.
- Wide selection: Companies could offer a wider range of products than a physical store could carry, as they didn't have to worry about shelf space or inventory management.
- Targeted marketing: Companies could target specific demographics or interests with their catalogs, increasing the likelihood of sales.
- No sales pressure: Customers didn't have to deal with pushy salespeople or feel pressured to make a purchase on the spot.
Some iconic picture mail order companies include:
- Sears, Roebuck and Co. (founded in 1893)
- Montgomery Ward (founded in 1872)
- Spiegel Catalog (founded in 1905)
- JCPenney Catalog (founded in 1913)
- L.L.Bean (founded in 1912)
While picture mail order is less common today, many companies still use similar strategies, such as online catalogs and e-commerce platforms, to reach customers and sell products.