Direct Mailer Examples

USPS has been implementing the Promotions & Incentive Programs for First Class & Standard Mail since 2011 to create awareness of innovative usage of mail. You can get a 2% postage discount on any mail that qualifies for these programs, except for the Earned Value Reply Mail, which has it’s own promotional value. Check out the calendar to see the registration dates and promotion periods. The registration date for the Earned Value Reply Mail is coming up, so don’t miss the important details about the upcoming promotions/incentives:

1. 2016 EARNED VALUE REPLY MAIL

What: This promotion encourages mailers to promote mail as the primary reply mechanism, versus encouraging their customers to use technology.

When: Registration period is February 15th-March 31st, 2016. The actual promotion period is April 1st-June 30th, 2016.

How: You must have an Intelligent Mail Barcode, and register your Mailer ID on your Business Reply and Customer Reply Mail enclosures.

Why: Technology is becoming an increasingly popular way for customers to respond to mail they receive from businesses. Instead of paying an invoice online, USPS would like you to encourage your customers to pay with a mailed check.

Who: Anybody who offers Business Reply Mail or Customer Reply Mail as a way for customers to respond to your letters. Make sure to register your Mailer ID, and include IMB’s on the mailed pieces.

How much: Rather than saving 2% on postage, mailers will save $0.02 per BRM and CRM piece if you’re a first time mailer, or $0.03 per BRM and CRM piece, if you participated in this promotion last year.

2. 2016 PERSONALIZED COLOR TRANSPROMO

What: This promotion encourages mailers to incorporate color Variable Data Print on First-Class Mail that utilize personalization.

When: Registration period is May 15th-December 31st. The actual promotion period is July 1st-December 31st, so it goes all year long!

How: You must incorporate personalization into the text of your bill or statement to qualify. It has to be a full 4-color piece. Examples of personalization include addressing the customer by name, promotions based on an existing relationship, or leveraging any demographic and psychographic data.

Why: Personalization increases the bond between you and your customers, and increases response rates greatly, and colors attract the attention of these customers.

Who: If you already print in color, utilize personalization, and mail First Class, it’s absolutely worth trying to take advantage of this discount. Work with the post office or your direct mail provider to make sure you meet all of the requirements, or add the necessary message. If you mail standard mail only, then this isn’t going to work for you, and it’s probably not worth upgrading to First Class.

3. 2016 EMERGING & ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY/VIDEO IN PRINT

What: This promotion encourages mailers to integrate direct mail with mobile technology and now, with new advances in video/print technology. This works for First Class or Standard Mail.