With 2013 coming to an end, we reminisce on the year and look forward to the new year. This year the USPS is really looking forward to 2014 and their year of promotions.

Thanks to the Direct Mail Association for supplying the list of promotions from the USPS:

Feb. 1 – Mar 31 — Promotion: Branded Color-Mobile Technology
This is an upfront two percent postage discount on all pieces that incorporate creative elements such as color or branding in QR codes. To Qualify, the QR Code’s landing page must be mobile-optimized and the codes need to have one color other than black, white or gray.

April 1 – June 30 — Promotion: Earned Value Reply Mail
Direct mail that include a First Class Business Reply Mail and Courtesy Reply Mail will receive a two-cent credit on each piece returned during the promotion period. If you participated in last year’s reply mail promotion, you will get three cents off if their replies increase in 2014. Registration for this promotion is from February 15-March 31.

May 1- June 30 — Promotion: Digital Personalization
Personalization in the mail piece, as well as a response mechanism that takes the recipient to a personalized URL (pURL), qualifies the mailer for a two percent postage discount. Additionally, unique barcodes are required to link consumers with pURLS, which they can continue to access for personalized content. Registration for this promotion is for March 15-June 30.

Don’t forget to check back tomorrow for the second half of the 2014 USPS promotions.

(Promotions shared from the DMA website)

Timothy Freeman
President
Print & Graphic Communications Association