Recognizing that "in a competitive market, you have to have very sharp arrows in your quiver," Shepherd also has consolidated sales and delivery operations under two of its five operating units, the Greater Detroit Newspaper Network (GDNN) and
Alternate Delivery System (ADS).
As fluorocarbon-containing metered-dose inhalers are being removed from the market, dry-powder inhalers appear to be the most effective
alternate delivery system, said Dr.
The paper took two key steps that made the
alternate delivery system successful.
But so many different variables play into it, from union contracts to how old equipment is to whether an
alternate delivery system is used or a TMC product goes through the mail" he said.
Newspaper subscriber delivery plus total-market-coverage delivery produces "darn good response," he said, stressing the importance of an
alternate delivery system or direct mail for a total-market-coverage product in keeping ad dollars out of direct mail.
However, when the panel was asked ff an
alternate delivery system that can target individual households would be appealing, the reaction was overwhelmingly positive.
Another panel explored the pros and cons of an in-house or outside
alternate delivery system for TMC products.
Traditionally, newspapers established an
alternate delivery system because their total-market-coverage ROP product, mailed to all non-subscribers, was subjected to higher postal rates.
In Tampa, Fla., postal workers have begun campaigning against the Tampa Tribune's Tribune
Alternate Delivery System, or TADS.
The Union-Tribune's current strategy is to offer preprint distribution in paid circulation by ZIP code and give specific non-subscriber households an
alternate delivery system, Wilson said.
The Tribune's TADS (Tribune
Alternate Delivery System), which delivers all kinds of products to homes in 30 ZIP codes, was profitable after eight months.
The
alternate delivery system, Publishers Express, announced that it has recently signed a letter of intent with the Atlanta Journal & Constitution, which will deliver magazines, catalogs, advertising materials and other products in the greater Atlanta area.