As a real estate investor, I’ve always known that hand-addressed envelopes achieve the highest open rate in direct mail campaigns. The problem? I used to spend hours — literally hours — hand-addressing each one myself. I tried outsourcing it too, but even at $15/hour, the math didn’t add up. Each envelope took about 67 seconds on average, and honestly, it just wasn’t sustainable to keep up that pace for 8 hours a day.
That’s when the iAuto automatic handwriting machine came into the picture. I wasn’t looking for a fancy device, just something that could replicate real handwriting. And that’s exactly what iAuto does — it’s essentially a handwriting robot, and for someone like me who sends a lot of direct mail, it’s been a game-changer.
The Problem Before iAuto
Before I got the iAuto, I was either doing everything manually or paying someone else to do it. Neither of these solutions was scalable. Mail days were dreaded events, as they would consume entire afternoons.
With postage costs rising, every letter has to have the best shot at being opened. If I’m going to invest in sending it, I want to make sure it gets seen.
How iAuto Helps Me Scale My Direct Mail Campaigns
Now, with the iAuto, I can produce far more handwritten envelopes in a fraction of the time. I no longer have to deal with fatigue or sore hands, and I can easily scale up my direct mail efforts without hiring more staff or burning out my weekends. It’s a huge time-saver that allows me to focus more on acquisitions and closing deals, instead of spending hours writing addresses.
iAuto Pros:
- Simple Setup: While it took a bit of time, it wasn’t overwhelming and was easy to manage.
- No Fatigue: The machine just keeps going, whether you need 50 or 500 pieces. No hand cramps here!
- Great Value: When you run the numbers, it pays for itself quickly if you’re doing regular direct mail.
iAuto Cons:
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Shipping Communication Could Be Clearer: There was some confusion on when the machine would ship. I would’ve liked more upfront communication.
UUNA TEK’s solution: We provide shipping notifications within 24 hours of order placement via email. -
Mac Setup Was Challenging: Getting the software to work natively on my Mac was a bit of a headache. I ended up using Parallels to run the Windows version, which worked but wasn’t plug-and-play.
UUNA TEK’s solution: We offer a step-by-step guide for setting up WiFi connectivity for both Windows and Mac. -
Limited Font Selection: I was surprised by how few legible English fonts were included. For the price of the machine, I expected more options. To achieve a truly professional look, I ended up purchasing additional fonts.
UUNA TEK’s solution: We provide custom fonts created by our team. You can also purchase fonts from third-party providers like PremiumUltra and follow our guide for installation. Alternatively, create your own custom fonts with our free font creator.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re serious about direct mail and want your envelopes to stand out, the iAuto handwriting machine is a solid investment. It’s not flashy, but it does exactly what I need — and it saves me a ton of time in the process. I’d highly recommend it to real estate investors or anyone who regularly sends mail and wants to boost open rates without burning out or hiring a full team.
This article is contributed by @Patrick Otis