No, you didn’t read this blog title incorrectly. It’s true that the 2017 USPS promotions are an easy way to showcase the results-yielding potential of combining digital with print communications. Each year since the USPS promotions started in 2011, they’ve upped the ante with more options and ideas that deliver significant savings. In fact, they’ve even added a special “third ounce free” option to give direct marketers more for their mailing efforts!  

Here’s a quick rundown of the 2107 USPS Promotions and Third Ounce Free offer. When you’re ready to implement a campaign with your customers, our complimentary white paper has the information and links you need:

1. Earned Value Promotion offers per-piece credits for alternate postage. Credits increased in 2017 from 2 to 5 cents, and promotion is 6 instead of 3 months.

• Discount: $.05 per piece
• Registration Period: Ended 12/31/16
• Promotion Period: 1/1 – 6/30/2017  

2. Tactile, Sensory and Interactive Engagement Promotion showcases physical features of mail like textured paper, finishes or scented labels, with progressive printing technology to engage recipients.

• Discount: 2%
• Registration Period: 12/15/ 2016 – 6/30/2017
• Promotion Period: 2/1 – 7/31/2017 

3. Emerging & Advanced Technology Promotion is for mail that integrates digital technologies (Augmented Reality, Near Field Communication, etc.) for a more interactive experience. Virtual reality has been added to the list for 2017.

• Discount: 2%
• Registration Period: 1/15/ 2017 – 8/31/2017
• Promotion Period: 3/1 – 8/31/2017 

4. Direct Mail Starter Promotion is new for 2017 and is an ideal incentive for small businesses to use direct mail as a marketing channel.  

• Discount: 5% (up to 10,000 pieces)
• Registration Period: 3/15/ 2017 – 7/31/2017
• Promotion Period: 5/1 – 7/31/2017 

5. Personalized Color Transpromo Promotion celebrates color print technologies on mailings that use variable color messaging in transactional mail (i.e., statements and invoices).

• Discount: 2%
• Registration Period: 5/15/ 2017 – 12/31/2017
• Promotion Period: 7/1 – 12/31/2017 

6. Mobile Shopping Promotion is for mailings that integrate mobile technology with direct mail to promote online shopping.

• Discount: 2%
• Registration Period: 6/15/ 2017 – 12/31/2017
• Promotion Period: 8/1 – 12/31/2017 

7. Third Ounce FREE is not a promotion, but rather a special offer extended to offset upcoming price increases. It lets mailers continue to launch direct mail campaigns without the burden of extra costs by offering the third ounce free for all First-Class mailings.

Have specific questions? Let the experts at Western States Envelope & Label help you create the perfect mailing promotion for your customers. Call 800-558-0514 or contact us online.