Mail Mastermind

Exploring Innovative Strategies to Combat Rising Mailing Costs

By Pitney Bowes / 2023-11-29 / Topics : PostageSavings , USPSPromotions , MailInnovation , EfficientDelivery

Revolutionizing Mail Efficiency: Presorting Strategies and USPS Promotions Unveiled

Discovering new avenues to alleviate the increasing expenses associated with mailing is crucial in today's business landscape. One effective approach to achieving postage savings involves presorting your mail based on Zip code density. By doing so before handing it over to USPS®, you unlock the opportunity to receive valuable postage discounts. The magnitude of the discount grows with the volume of mail destined for each Zip code. Pitney Bowes Presort Services, as the world's second-largest mailer and the primary workshare partner of USPS®, streamlines this process for you. 

Our extensive experience allows clients to capitalize on maximum volume-based savings effortlessly. Just place your mail in trays, and leave the rest to us:

  • We pick up the mail at your facility.
  • Quality check for address accuracy and weight.
  • Commingle and sort the mail by Zip code.
  • Induct your mail into the USPS network.
  • Facilitate accounting, budgeting, reporting, and tracking.
Another avenue for cost reduction is leveraging USPS promotions. The postal service regularly introduces annual incentive programs that reward mailers for innovative approaches to mail piece creativity and interactivity. Read further to understand how you can enhance your savings by combining everyday presort discounts with time-limited USPS promotions.

Why Does USPS Offer Annual Promotions?

The USPS actively encourages mailers to continue utilizing mail as a communication channel. To promote its usage, the postal service provides substantial financial incentives for innovative mail piece designs. The rationale is simple – the more creative and unique your mail piece, the more likely it is to be successful.

Can I Combine USPS Promotions with Mail Presorting?

Absolutely! USPS promotions are open to everyone, irrespective of existing discounts. Ensure your mail piece adheres to the promotion terms and conditions, and follow the necessary steps to qualify.

How to Qualify for a USPS Promotion

To qualify for a promotion, follow these two essential steps:

1. Pre-approval of Your Mail Piece: If required, get your mail piece pre-approved by the USPS. Visit the Promotions section of the USPS website for guidance on guidebooks and requirement documents.

2. Enrollment in the Relevant Program: Some promotions necessitate registration. Explore the Incentive Programs section of the USPS Business Customer Gateway for more information. If you're a Pitney Bowes client with a pre-approved mail piece, consult your Client Relationship Manager for registration assistance.

USPS Promotions for 2023

First-Class Mail® Only:

Personalized Color Transpromo

  • Duration: Feb 1 - Jul 31
  • Incorporates color marketing messages on First-Class mail, with larger discounts for including Courtesy Reply Mail or Business Reply Mail.
Retargeting

  • Duration: Sept 1 – Nov 30
  • Applies exclusively to First-Class Post Cards, focusing on post cards tied to website or app behavior, such as abandoned shopping carts.
First-Class Mail® and Marketing Mail®:

Tactile, Sensory & Interactive

  • Duration: Feb 1 - Jul 31
  • Spotlights innovations in paper stock, substrates, inks, interactive elements, and finishing techniques.
Emerging & Advanced Technology

  • Duration: May 1 - Nov 30
  • Encompasses emerging technologies like enhanced augmented reality, mixed reality, virtual reality, NFC, video in print, and mail integration with voice assistants. Offers larger discounts for utilizing advanced technologies.
Informed Delivery

  • Duration: Aug 1 - Dec 31
  • Includes Informed Delivery campaigns created via the USPS Portal or submitted via eDoc submission.
Reply Mail IMbA (Intelligent Mail Barcode Accounting)

  • Duration: Jul 1 – Dec 31
  • Discounts are offered on Reply Mail, with larger discounts for serialized reply pieces.

By strategically combining presorting strategies and capitalizing on USPS promotions, businesses can significantly optimize their mailing expenses and enhance the effectiveness of their communication channels.

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