Is it customary for cultural organizations to swap mailing lists?
Absolutely. Twenty or thirty years ago, it was sometimes typical for non-profits to be quite restrictive and protective of their mailing lists. But, as the cost of direct marketing has increased over the years the cost of design, paper, printing, list acquisition, data processing, and postage it has become imperative that mailers utilize lists that are productive and profitable in their acquisition campaigns. And the most productive lists are lists that are similar in terms of customer demographics and psychographics. Non-profit mailers have become more intelligent and targeted in their direct mail efforts. Recipients of direct mail offers from common-minded organizations do not perceive the mailings as offensive, but rather a form of appreciated direct mail advertising.
