Every year the USPS publishes a calendar outlining their mailing promotions. The purpose behind the initiative is to bring attention to creative uses and innovation in mailing. If you plan and design your direct mail campaigns accordingly you can take advantage of the promotions and save money.
Below is information taken from the USPS site on each of the promotions taking place in 2016.
Tactile, Sensory, & Interactive Engagement Promotion
Get attention by making your mailer a multi-sensory experience for the recipient. This promotion is all about leveraging the physical aspects of mail and highlighting the advances in today’s print technology. Enhance your customer’s experience by promoting engagement with mail.
Promotion Period: March 1 – August 31, 2016
Registration: January 15 – August 31, 2016
Discount: 2% of eligible postage
Eligible Mail:
- Standard Mail® letters and flats
- Nonprofit Standard Mail letters and flats
Emerging & Advanced Technology/Video in Print Promotion
Combine and integrate direct mail with technology providing an unparalleled experience for customers as they interact with your brand on a whole new level. Mailpieces must contain one form of approved emerging/advanced technology to receive the discount.
Promotion Period: March 1 – August 31, 2016
Registration: January 15 – August 31, 2016
Discount: 2% of eligible postage
Eligible Mail:
- First-Class Mail® presort and automation letters, cards, and flats
- Standard Mail® letters and flats
- Nonprofit Standard Mail letters and flats
Earned Value Promotion
The Earned Value Promotion will provide a discount to eligible mailers who send Business Reply Mail (BRM) and Courtesy Reply Mail (CRM) enclosures. Earned credits, once approved and accepted, will be credited to the Permit accounts and can then be applied to future mailings.
Promotion Period: April 1 – June 30, 2016
Registration: February 1 – March 31, 2016
Eligible Mail Business Reply Mail and Courtesy Reply Mail
Acceptance Period for Credits Credits released when mailer agrees to credits at promotion end. Volumes must be accepted by September 15, 2016 or will be forfeited.
Personalized Color Transpromo Promotion
Invest in color print technology by producing bills and statements that us personalized color trans promotional messaging. For eligible mailers, this promotion will provide an upfront postage discount.
Promotion Period: July 1 – December 31, 2016
Registration: May 15 – December 31, 2016
Discount: 2% of eligible postage
Eligible Mail:
First-Class Mail® commercial letters that are part of an IMb® Full-Service mailing
Mobile Shopping Promotion
Mobile is the way of the future. Take your direct mail to the next level by integrating mobile shopping. Make it easy for your customers to shop online. Eligible mailpieces that direct customers to a social media “Buy Button” may receive a discount on postage.
Promotion Period: July 1 – December 31, 2016
Registration: May 15 – December 31, 2016
Discount: 2% of eligible postage
Eligible Mail:
- Standard Mail® letters and flats
- Nonprofit Standard Mail letters and flats
Download the WCP Mail rates and Postal Promotional Calender to help you plan this year’s campaigns.