Production 201: RENEWAL PROGRAMS

We take production strategy to a new level at PS.  This is even more important when planning your annual renewal programs. You want to ensure we know everything you are trying to do, the way your program works, what programs are dependent on each other and any other little nuggets of details you can share that will allow us to plan better for you. Think of your annual planning exercise in a new way – use the C-I-R-C-L-E approach, and then review your plan again from a new perspective!

Communicate full year plans as soon as they are available. It doesn’t matter when your fiscal year starts – January, July or September. We would never say, “It’s too early for that information.” The sooner we know about it, the sooner we can start the plan for it!

Identify where you are using similar pieces throughout the plan. Are you using the exact same RE for half of the program? It might make sense to gang print all the jobs and hold for each mailing, rather than print new for each one. This could be especially helpful in today’s tight paper market.

Review the test plans. Where are you doing a test that isn’t copy or creative? Are you doing a format test?  Renewal programs are booked with suppliers for your known control packages.  If you are thinking about doing a format test that differs from your control, let us know so we can plan for it.  Even small test quantities of specialty items can be hard to source right now.

Collaborate freely. What are you leaving out?  Be open and honest with your plans and where you need to be.  We can’t do our best for you if we don’t know exactly what you need.

Leverage postal discounts.  The USPS runs promotions all year long to help you save up to 2% on postage.  From Informed Delivery to Mobile Shopping, postal promotions are a great way for nonprofits to take advantage of these extra cost savings.

Eliminate what you really don’t need.  Are you running something in 3 color just for a component code or indicia?  Switching to 2 color could save you up to 20%. Are you printing 2 versions for just a code change?  Consider a laser change instead, if that is applicable.

By using this C-I-R-C-L-E approach we can all gain a deeper understanding of your plans. This kind of inside knowledge allows PS to effectively source the right suppliers and provide cost effective ways to run your campaigns all year long.