direct marketing what is it an aspect of total not a fancy term for mail order the activities moving goods and services from seller to buyer has same broad function except that requires existence maintenance database record names customers expires prospects provide vehicle storing then measuring results advertising usually response purchasing performance continuing communication by or phone thus interactive requiring controlled activity through other media selected on basis previous makes generally desirable since inquiries transactions can be recorded building list providing information plays no favorites in terms methods selling there are only three where seeks out retailing exhibits personal electronically transaction at any location