Direct Mail Promotions Starting Next Year

What if you could simultaneously integrate the most innovative mailing strategies and save money? You can! The United States Postal Service promotions provide substantial postal discounts (ranging from 3% to 6%) when mailers adopt specific innovative marketing approaches. Here’s a breakdown of the USPS promotions that could be of value to your upcoming direct mail projects next year.

1. Integrated Technology: This promotion is available when a qualified mail piece includes a digital component, such as a QR code or augmented reality (AR). Example: A local coffee shop uses the promotion to advertise their new loyalty program to existing customers. Each postcard includes a QR code that leads to a unique landing page where customers can sign up for the loyalty program and receive a special discount on their next purchase. The coffee shop gets a 3% discount on their mail for this.

2. Tactile, Sensory, and Interactive: In this promotion, mailers incorporate a multi-sensory experience into their mail pieces. Example: A skincare brand sends product samples infused with scents corresponding to the featured products. The mailers are also designed with exciting textures reflecting the natural ingredients. For this, the brand gets a 4% discount on its mail.

3. Continuous Contact: In this program, the mailer sends a qualified mail piece twice or more during the promotion period. Example: A nonprofit organization initiates a year-long campaign to keep donors informed and engaged. To qualify for the promotion, they send quarterly updates about their projects, keeping their donors engaged (and donating) year-round. For this, they get a 3% discount on their mail.

4. Reply Mail IMbA: In this promotion, mail pieces must use a static or serialized IMbA. Example: A university sends out acceptance letters to prospective students using IMbAs. Each letter includes a pre-paid reply card that students can quickly return to confirm attendance. By utilizing IMbAs, the university saves on postage and streamlines the response process. For this, they get a 3% (static) and 6% (serialized) discount on their mail.

5. First-Class Mail Advertising: This promotion encourages adding marketing content to transactional documents like bills and invoices. Example: When sending out statements for new car payments, an auto dealership uses the white space on the statements to print full-color notices promoting its automotive maintenance services. For this, it gets a 3% discount on its mail.

These examples illustrate how marketers can creatively utilize the USPS promotions in 2025 to save money and enhance their campaigns. Check with USPS on promotion dates and other details.

Print Still Works; Sometimes the only way to reach new prospects starts with direct mail.