For 2013 the USPS has rolled out several new promotions that will go throughout the year. Below is an overview of each of the promotions and how to get more details about each one.
Mobile Coupon and/or Click-to-Call, March 1 – April 30, 2013
This is actually 2 separate promotions that are closely related. One promotion is the use of mobile coupons where through direct mail of coupons, consumers use new technology (whether it be mobile codes, NFC, SMS response, etc) to store the coupon on their mobile phone for retail redemption. There are redemption options for those participants who don’t have retail operations or want to also encourage online redemption. The second promotion of the Click to Call is the use of mobile technology to scan a code that allows their mobile phone to automatically make a call. The promotion for either of these uses is an upfront 2% postage discount. Action Graphics can help you register for this promotion (registration opened on January 15 and runs throughout the whole promotion) if you are interested. To read all the fine details of the promotion – click here for the USPS Program Requirements or contact us to discuss.
Earned Value Reply Mail, April 1 – June 30, 2013
This is a promotion geared toward First Class mailers who use Business Reply (BRM) and Courtesy Reply mail (CRM) regularly in their outgoing pieces. The mailer will register their mailer ID with the USPS and will receive postage credit for each returned BRM or CRM that is scanned through the postal network. The credit will be for 2 cents per scanned piece which can be used to offset future First Class mailings. For complete program requirements click here or contact us to discuss.
Product Samples, August 1 – September 30, 2013
This promotion aims to increase awareness of the USPS’ new “Simple Sample” pricing for Standard mail that went into effect on January 27, 2013. The promotion will provide mailers an upfront 5% postage discount on any mail that includes product samples. Stay tuned for more details on this program.
[intlink id=”1402″ type=”post”]Picture Permit[/intlink], August 1 – September 30, 2013
This is a promotion to raise awareness of the USPS’ new picture permit as a valuable marketing tool. You must still have your designs pre-approved, but during the promotional period the USPS will waive the 1 cent fee for First Class mail and the 2 cent fee for Standard mail. Customer registration is required and begins on June 1. For complete program requirements, click here or contact us to discuss.
Emerging Technologies, August 1 – September 30, 2013
This promotion is a continuation of raising awareness of how new technology can work alongside of direct mail. For all mailers who utilize specific emerging technology in their mail campaigns, including NFC, augmented reality, and mobile-enabled authentication, the USPS will provide an upfront 2% postage discount on all eligible mailings. Customer registration begins on June 15. Stay tuned for more details.
Mobile Buy It Now, November 1 – December 31, 2013
Just in time for the Holiday Season, the USPS is providing a 2% upfront postage discount on all eligible direct mail that demonstrates how direct mail and mobile technology work together to make holiday shopping more convenient. Registration will open on September 15, 2013. Stay tuned for more details.
As these promotions show, the USPS is aggressively trying to promote the integration of direct mail into the marketing mix alongside of mobile and online marketing. This is key, as numerous studies show, direct mail is a preferred method of communication and when integrated in with other marketing channels the response is greatly increased. To learn more about these promotions and how they might benefit you, please feel free to contact us to discuss your needs.
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