As part of a fundraising campaign, my organization is sending out
handwritten thank-you notes (about 2 pages in length each) to a large
number of donors. We have the text of these notes in typed format, but
copying them out by hand is proving to be a major problem, as they
must be written in non-eraseable pen on our letterhead and contain
absolutely no errors. Is there any company which we would hire to
hand-copy these letters for us? In your answer, please include an
estimate of the cost per letter and the turn around time.

Hello -
  
I was able to locate a company that does just what you're looking for.
 They have a couple of different approaches.  One approach they use,
called Penmanship Printing, will emulate handwritten letters.  They
also do actual handwriting, folding, inserting, mailing, etc. They can
be contacted via email, or you can contact Michelle at 218-834-0706. 
I'd be glad to call her for you, if you provide me with specifics on
your project, as a variety of factors will determine the ultimate
price.  E.g., quantity, turn-around, scope, etc.  An example of one
particular project the company has done included 48 handwritten words,
folded, inserted, and mailed... cost was $2.76/item for 144 cards. 
That's to give you a very rough estimate, which will again vary
depending on the scope of your project.  You will pay per-word on
genuine handwriting.
 
If you need additional clarification/information, please ask before
rating this answer.
 
jbf777-ga

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Request for Answer Clarification by gremlin-ga on 30 Dec 2002 01:43 PST

In the long run, my project could easily run up to hundreds of
letters, but we're sending them out in small batches, so, at least at
the start, it would be easiest for us to only purchase about 12
letters at a time. (We might be able to manage a larger volume if it
would significantly lower the price.) Each letter would be on the
order of 500 words. Within each batch of 12 letters, we'd have two
different templates, and we'd need 6 handwritten copies of each, with
only the addresses changing from letter to letter. Is this enough
information for you to get a cost estimate?

I'm on vacation right now, and I've been sleeping through much of the
work day, so your willingness to take the initiative for me is greatly
appreciated. You're on track for a 5 star rating, and I don't usually
give those.

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Clarification of Answer by jbf777-ga on 30 Dec 2002 15:03 PST

Hi -
  
They have a small order fee for quantities under 5,000 pieces.  There
are also no price breaks until the very high thousands [they
specialize in extremely high volume runs for Fortune 500 and 1000
companies, so this would explain why].  So it would be most beneficial
for you to do as many as you can so as to avoid repeatedly paying
small order fees.  Also, she tells me that they have 3 additional
quality checks above and beyond the handwriters to insure accuracy.  A
basic quote is $17/letter for what you're requiring.
   
I checked on handwritten envelopes as well.  These will run you .$46
for a 3-line address and $.58 for a 4-line.
  
Your message would have to be approved as well.  Irresistible Ink is a
division of Hallmark, and they don't do things for Tobacco companies
and certain other entities.
  
Please let me know if you need any additional clarification or 
information.  Thank you.
 
jbf777-ga
GA Researcher