Follow up phone after letter?

[Em308]

I have been tasked with acquiring raffle prizes for a local gala. Having sent out over 100 letters plus about 25 emails, I have managed to get a few prizes. The responses are mainly from emails or hand delivered letters. I haven't had any response from over 90 of the lettered companies. I am considering a follow up phone call to some of these companies. My AIBU is do you think this is a good idea or does the lack of response mean they won't be donating and I'll just annoy them with a phone call? If I do call how long should I wait after sending the letters?

I don't see that you've got anything to lose from a follow up call.

The key here is to tell a white lie!

"Just giving you a call as I've had reports some people are not receiving the letters - can you confirm if you've received a letter at all? Ok thats great...."

Ooooh I like the "did you receive our letter?" angle!

As someone with a long experience at work of this kind of exercise, I would say definitely call. Had you checked who an appropriate, named contact to approach would be before you wrote and sent the letters? And preferably checked addresses as well? If not, you may well find that the right person did not see the letter, in which case be prepared to explain briefly what you would like and possibly email details and call again.