Direct Marketing

Direct marketing is a sometimes controversial sales method by which advertisers approach potential customers directly with products or services. The most common forms of direct marketing are telephone sales, solicited or unsolicited emails, catalogs, leaflets, brochures and coupons. Successful direct marketing also involves compiling and maintaining a large database of personal information about potential customers and clients. These databases are often sold or shared with other direct marketing companies.

Example:
Direct marketing usually is carried out through telephone, direct mail, direct-response broadcast advertising (television & radio), online computer shopping, and cable television infomercials and home shopping networks.