When to Send Direct Mail: Timing Guide for Ontario Contractors

A complete guide for Ontario contractors by Niagara Stands Out

Timing can make or break a direct mail campaign. Mail too early and homeowners forget. Mail too late and they have already hired someone else. This guide gives you the exact months and windows to mail for every contractor trade in Ontario.

The Golden Rule of Direct Mail Timing

Mail 2-4 weeks before the homeowner starts thinking about your service. You want your flyer to arrive just as the need begins to form — not after they have already Googled three competitors. For seasonal trades, this means mailing before the season starts. For year-round trades, it means timing around trigger events (storms, holidays, back-to-school).

Month-by-Month Mailing Calendar for Ontario

Month	Best Trades to Mail	Why
January	HVAC (emergency), plumbing	Frozen pipes, furnace breakdowns. Emergency positioning works.
February	Landscaping, fencing, general contracting	Book spring before competitors wake up. Early-bird pricing.
March	Landscaping, painting (ext), concrete, roofing	Spring is coming. Homeowners start planning outdoor projects.
April	HVAC (AC), roofing, painting, electrical	Warm weather projects kick off. AC tune-ups, roof inspections.
May	All trades peak season	Everyone is hiring contractors. Last chance to fill summer schedule.
June-July	Concrete, fencing, painting, landscaping	Outdoor project season in full swing.
August	Roofing, general contracting	Back-to-school renos. Parents want projects done before fall.
September	HVAC (furnace), roofing, insulation	Winter prep. "Is your furnace ready?" messaging is gold.
October	HVAC, plumbing, painting (int), cleaning	Last outdoor window closing. Interior project season begins.
November	Plumbing, electrical, cleaning	Holiday prep. Homeowners getting ready for guests.
December	Avoid (except emergency trades)	Holiday mail overload. Low response rates. Save budget for Jan-Feb.

Post-Storm Rapid Response Campaigns

Storms are the single biggest opportunity for roofers, landscapers (tree damage), and general contractors. After a major storm hits the Niagara Region or Hamilton area:

Within 24 hours: Call us. We can turn around a storm-response mailer in 48 hours.
Target the affected postal walks specifically — not the whole city.
Messaging: Free damage inspection, insurance claim assistance, immediate availability.
The contractor who mails first wins. Most competitors will not think to mail for days or weeks.

Post-storm campaigns consistently generate the highest response rates we see — often 5%+ (vs 2% average).

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How Often Should You Mail the Same Area?

Direct mail compounds. The second mailer to the same neighbourhood always outperforms the first because familiarity builds trust. Recommended frequency:

Minimum: Once per season (4 times/year) for seasonal trades
Ideal: Every 6-8 weeks for the same postal walks
Maximum: Monthly (only if you are in a high-competition area and want to dominate)

Most of our successful contractors run 4-6 campaigns per year. Some run monthly Takeover campaigns and completely own their territory.

The Dead Zones — When NOT to Mail

December 15 - January 2: Holiday mail overload. Your flyer gets buried under Christmas cards and flyers from every retailer in Canada.
Canada Day week / Civic Holiday week: People are on vacation or at the cottage. Lower open rates.
March Break: Family vacation week. Slight dip in engagement.

These are soft rules, not hard ones. Emergency trade mailers (plumbing, HVAC) can work any time because the need is urgent.

Direct Mail Packages for Ontario Contractors

Package	Doors	Price	Per Door	Expected Calls
Test Strike	250	$397	$1.59	2-7
Block Buster (Most Popular)	500	$647	$1.29	5-15
Street Sweeper	1,000	$1,197	$1.20	10-25
Neighbourhood Takeover	2,500	$1,997	$0.80	25-60

Start with 500 Doors — $647

Most popular: includes design, printing, Canada Post delivery, and tracking

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the single best month to send direct mail for contractors?

There is no single best month — it depends on your trade. HVAC contractors should mail in September (pre-winter). Landscapers should mail in February (pre-spring). Roofers should mail in March and after any major storm. The key is mailing 2-4 weeks before demand peaks.

Should I mail in winter?

Yes, depending on your trade. HVAC and plumbing contractors see strong results from January campaigns with emergency messaging. Landscapers should absolutely mail in February to book spring. The only month we recommend avoiding entirely is late December.

How far in advance should I plan a campaign?

Give us at least 2 weeks lead time for design, printing, and Canada Post scheduling. For optimal seasonal timing, contact us 3-4 weeks before your ideal delivery window. For post-storm campaigns, we can turn around in 48-72 hours.

What happens if I miss my ideal timing window?

Direct mail works year-round for most trades — seasonal timing simply optimizes response rates. A campaign mailed two weeks late will still generate calls. We would rather you mail slightly late than not at all.

Can I schedule campaigns in advance for the full year?

Absolutely. Many of our successful contractors plan a full-year mailing calendar. We lock in your territory for each campaign and handle design, printing, and delivery on schedule. Contact us to set up an annual plan.

Ready to Get Started?

One contractor per trade per territory. Lock yours before a competitor does.

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When to Send Direct Mail: Timing Guide for Ontario Contractors