But maybe not. Everyone has their opinions these days, especially about the U.S. Postal Service.  I have to be careful in my support of them, lest I get pegged as going the wrong way on a one way street, running headlong into a crash with aging methods of communication and away from better technology.

  

Or do I?    

 

Okay the post office isn't perfect and won't be anytime soon, but then again neither is any other business I know of. True, they may be less perfect than others, however they are working hard to make amends by creating a tighter, leaner ship that can more easily navigate the rough waters that surely still lay ahead. So let's give them credit for trying and let's see what they are doing specifically to enhance the advantages that are inherent in utilizing direct mail as a marketing medium.

 

DID YOU KNOW?

 

The post office has another QR Code promotion running right now thru the end of August?

 

They now offer you the ability to enhance your postal permit or Indicia with your logo or other special identifying mark?

 

Every Door Direct Mail is a great program for many consumer focused businesses?

 

That's right these are three noteworthy initiatives that raise the bar and create additional value for people like you and me. Each one has value for the right organization and application. Some of you may be able to take advantage of all three. So what are these three offers all about? Here's a quick glimpse along with some links for a more detailed explanation.

QR Code Promotion 

 

The 2012 Mobile Commerce and Personalization Promotion provides business mailers with an upfront two percent postage discount on Standard MailŽ and First-Class MailŽ letters, flats and cards (presort and automation) that include a two-dimensional (2-D) barcode or print/mobile technology that can be read  

or scanned by a mobile device. The technology must directly lead the recipient to either:

 

1. A mobile optimized webpage that allows the recipient to purchase an advertised product or service through a financial transaction on the mobile device. The entire purchase and checkout experience must be mobile optimized.

or 

2. A mobile optimized and personalized web page that is tailored to an individual recipient.  For each mail recipient, the web address and content of the web page must be unique.  (Text is taken directly from the USPS website)

 

Click this link and select 2012 USPS Mobile Communication and Personalized Promotion for
more detailed information: www.usps.com/search.htm?q=qr%20code%20promotion

Picture Permit Imprint Indicia

You can customize your permit indicia by incorporating a logo, brand images, or trademarks along with required information. This provides immediate recognition of your company's logo, products, promotions, and brands, which could improve the effectiveness of the overall mailing.  (Text is taken directly from the USPS website)

 

Click on this link and select USPS.com Picture Permit Imprint Indicia:  

www.usps.com/search.htm?q=logos%20on%20indicia  

 

Every Door Direct Mail  

 

Huh, do what every day? Send direct mail of course.  With Every Door Direct MailŽ service from the U.S. Postal ServiceŽ, you can reach every home every address, every time. You can reach the market that matters most to your business: nearby neighborhoods. Postage is as low as 14.5˘ per piece - and you don't even need to know names or street addresses. You simply identify the neighborhoods you want to target, and your printed piece is delivered with the day's mail to every address.  (Text is taken directly from the USPS website)

 

Click this link for more information:

www.usps.com/business/every-door-direct-mail.htm    

 

And there you have it, three new tools to help you reach more of the people you want to reach the way you want to reach them.

 

Please feel free to contact us with any further questions about any of these programs. And please forgive me for being a little behind schedule with our newsletter this month. A week off will do that to you.
Thanks for Listening,

Bill

Bill Strobridge

President