Business Opportunities · Success Stories

Money Mailer; The Barry Nix Story

Business Opportunity Success Story

By Amy Covington

Imagine if your customers came to you and then stuck around for dinner or maybe a movie. Not only is Barry Nix winning over clients with his engaging personality, he's helping them grow their businesses with direct response advertising. His clients are so appreciative, they recommend Nix's services to their friends and acquaintances.

In April 2004, Nix went into business for himself after spending years in the advertising business. He didn't venture too far away from his roots. Taking advantage of a great opportunity, Nix purchased a home-based Money Mailer franchise in Northeast Tarrant County, Texas.

Money Mailer franchisees serve as marketing consultants to local business owners, developing customized direct response advertising programs to help increase each client's customer base. Nix certainly had the background to transition smoothly into his new role.

"I was in advertising," Nix said. "But I wanted to be in business for myself. In the advertising business, there categories of ways to do that and direct mail is just one of them. With my background in coupon advertising, it [Money Mailer] was a natural transition."

For many franchise owners, there seems to a certain level of good fortune that comes into play-sometimes it's just a matter of being in the right place at the right time. When Nix began investigating franchises, he considered ValPak.

"ValPak is Money Mailer's main competitor," said Nix. "They are a fantastic organization but we would have had to move away from where I live because they did not have a franchise available in my area. We would have had to move to Florida." When he found out about the Money Mailer franchise for sale in the Dallas-Fort Worth area it seems to good to be true. "We decided to stay here and not move. I'm glad I did, it was the perfect transition."

Even with Nix's experience in the advertising area, there were some aspects of running his own business that presented challenges. "Yes, I experienced challenges," Nix said. "It was a struggle having to learn the process of bookkeeping, collecting money, accounting, invoicing, and all the administrative tasks. Before I had to go out and produce accounts as an employee-as franchisee I have to do all the stuff behind the scenes. It's a lot of work for one person. Fortunately, we at the point now where we will be hiring an administrative helper and I just signed a lease to open office outside of our home. Up until this point it was just myself and my wife."

Despite any obstacles, Nix seems more than content with his decision. "Money Mailer is a great product and it's affordable. I like the business model that they have set up. It's structured as small family business, is locally owned and operated, and focused heavily on relationships with clients. It's not a sales person business model."

Because Money Mailer franchises are smaller operations, typically done out of the franchisee's home, there is no need for a sales team, so franchisees have direct contact with their clients. "Money Mailer has allowed me to build solid relationships and friendships." Nix said. "I've become really good friends with my clients and built friendships outside of the business-we have dinner, see movies. The number of referrals I receive sky rocketed. A large percentage of my new business comes from clients who refer their friends." What could be better than having business come to you? Nix can't think of a reason and his success is evidence that he's doing something right.

When Nix took over the existing Money Mailer franchise in his area, he hit the ground running. Before long, he had substantially grown the business. "There were 20-22 advertisers when I bought it," he said. "As of today we have 153, so it has about doubled." When took over the franchise, the previous owner only mailed envelopes to 40,000 homes. In less than a year and a half, Nix now mails envelopes to 50,000 homes and has 225 spots (some clients take more than one spot) . He plans to mail to an additional 30,000 homes within the next six months and is looking forward to continued success.

Regardless of the type of franchise, Nix recommends doing your homework with whatever franchise you're considering.

"Know as much about that industry and franchise as you possibly can," he advised. "Don't rush into anything. Let time run its course. The previous [Money Mailer] owner bought off of a whim and bought too quickly. It's happened hundreds of times with franchises. People don't do enough research prior to investing in a business and end up buying the wrong thing." Lucky for Nix he doesn't have to worry-he seems to be doing just fine.

For More Information:
- Advertising, Direct Mail