2017 USPS Direct Mail Promotions build on technology integration

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has released the 2017 Direct Mail Promotions. Last year, technology integration made its debut in a big way. This year, the USPS looks to provide more opportunities for nonprofits and commercial organizations to engage constituents with direct response marketing.

Below you will find a full list of the 2017 promotions as they stand now. As the PRC moves through its approval process, our team of Resource Experts, led by Darin Marks, will keep you updated on any changes or additions.

1. Earned Value Promotion
   This credit applies to the mail owner’s permit account. It can apply to future First Class Presort or Standard Non-profit/Commercial Cards, Letters or Flats that are mailed using the same permit account.
   • Registration Period: November 15, 2016 – December 31, 2016
   • Promotional Period: January 1, 2017 – June 30, 2017
   • Discount: $.05 per BRM or CRM scanned
   • Discount Administered: After the end of promotional period and once volumes are approved by mailer.
2. Tactile Sensory Interactive Mailpiece Engagement Promotion
   This promotion leverages the physical aspects of mail as well as the advances in print technology. Mailers who incorporate a multi-sensory experience in their mail piece may receive a postage discount.
   • Registration Period: December 15, 2016 – July 31, 2017
   • Promotional Period: February 1, 2017 – July 31, 2017
   • Discount: 2% of eligible postage
   • Discount Administered: At the time of mailing
   • Eligible Mail Classes: Standard Non-profit/Commercial Letters and Flats
   • Postage Type: Indicia or Precanceled Stamps
   • Pre-Approval Needed: USPS must review and approve the mailpiece design and technology concepts
3. Emerging and Advanced Technology Video in Print Promotion
   This discount promotion encourages mailers to integrate direct mail with technology by providing an interactive experience for customers.
   • Registration Period: January 1, 2017 – August 31, 2017
   • Promotional Period: March 1, 2017 – August 31, 2017
   • Discount: 2% of eligible postage
   • Discount Administered: At the time of mailing
   • Eligible Mail Classes: First Class Presort or Standard Non-profit/Commercial Cards, Letters and Flats
   • Postage Type: Indicia or Precanceled Stamps
   • Pre-Approval Needed: USPS must review and approve the mailpiece design and technology concepts
4. Direct Mail Starter
   This promotion is aimed at nonprofits and commercial organizations that may not be using direct mail.
   • Registration Period: March 15, 2017 – July 31, 2017
   • Promotional Period: May 1, 2017 – July 31, 2017
   • Discount: 5% of eligible postage, up to 10,000 pieces per mailing (the piece limitation is applied at the mail owner level by CID)
     •   This promotion is intended for small volume mailers; which is why there is a 10,000 piece maximum
   • Discount Administered: At the time of mailing
   • Eligible Mail Classes: Standard Non-profit/Commercial Letters and Flats
   • Postage Type: Indicia or Precanceled Stamps
   • Pre-Approval Needed: USPS must review and approve the mailpiece design and technology concepts
5. Personalized Color Transpromo Promotion
   Mailers are encouraged to invest in color print technology by producing bills and statements that use personalized color transpromotional messaging.
   • Registration Period: May 15, 2017 – December 31, 2017
   • Promotional Period: July 1, 2017 – December 31, 2017
   • Discount: 2% of eligible postage
   • Discount Administered: At the time of mailing
   • Eligible Mail Classes: First Class Presort Letters
   • Postage Type: Indicia or Precanceled Stamps
   • Pre-Approval Needed: USPS must review and approve the mailpiece design and technology concepts
6. Mobile Shopping Promotion
   This upfront postage discount on mail pieces includes a mobile barcode (or print/mobile technology) that can be read or scanned by a mobile device, and leads the recipient to a mobile-optimized shopping website or provides the ability to complete a financial transaction.
   • NOTE: It is unknown if Charitable donations will qualify this year. Last year the requirement was: To qualify as a Charitable donation, the organization must either send the donor a thank you card (not to include a receipt, additional gift ask or invoice) OR include a BRE/CRE in the original mailpiece. Our team will continue to monitor the PRC’s response and keep you updated.
   • Registration Period: June 15, 2017 – December 31, 2017
   • Promotional Period: August 1, 2017 – December 31, 2017
   • Discount: 2% of eligible postage
   • Discount Administered: At the time of mailing
   • Eligible Mail Classes: Standard Non-profit/Commercial Letters and Flats
   • Postage Type: Indicia or Precanceled Stamps
   • Pre-Approval Needed: USPS must review and approve the mailpiece design and mobile website / social media site