Mailing/Fulfillment - Postal Trends

Here are seven misconceptions about the plan gleaned from news accounts, conversations, and the Postal Service’s own presentation.

In order to claim automation discounts, mailers must switch from using the Postnet barcodes to the basic or full-service IMB by May of 2011.

The USPS is facing a possible loss of $7.8 billion in 2010, even after implementing cost-cutting initiatives that would slice away $3.8 billion.

The U.S. Postal Service in late February published a final rule regarding eligibility for commercial flats failing the deflection or “droop” test in the Federal Register.

This final rule provides revised mailing standards and price eligibility for commercial flats of all classes that don’t meet the deflection standard—meaning that the books are too floppy to be processed by the postal equipment.

The USPS had relaxed the deflection standards in 2007 by increasing the permitted deflection to up to 4" for flat-size pieces at least 10" long. The new deflection standards allow 1” less of vertical droop.

When used wisely and analyzed carefully, direct mail outperforms many tactics, particularly with prospects and certainly with many customer segments.

The economy has devastated two of the nation's top direct mail marketers, namely the financial and automotive industries, resulting in fewer mailings for Chase credit cards, Toyota Tundra ads, home refinancing loans and the like.

When money is tight, even the worthiest causes feel the pinch. But The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center has found a way to boost donations even as other charities are seeing declines.

Companies may have no idea there is anything wrong with their mail until upon further investigation, the mailer determines that no USPS approved move update method is being used.

If you want to reach business decision-makers, lumpy mail is your secret weapon. There’s nothing quite like a box or bulging padded envelope in the mail. It makes your inner child hop up and down, tug your sleeve and ask—nay, nag: “What’s inside? Huh? HUH? WHAT’S INSIDE?” This happens even when the package contains something you ordered. The effect is multiplied when it’s something you didn’t order.

If you want to reach business decision-makers, lumpy mail is your secret weapon. (I could use the more common term, “three-dimensional direct mail.”

If you're planning to mail a letter-sized booklet that's closed on one end and open on three sides anytime in the near future, here are a few tips on tabs to keep you from running afoul of postal inspectors and wasting time or money.