USPS Promotion Programs for 2016

Excerpts quoted from the Rapid Information Bulletin Board System (RIBBS) website.

In late 2015 the United States Postal Service (USPS) filed a proposal with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) for approval of five promotional programs aimed at increasing mail volumes by offering incentives to mailers. Recently approved by the PRC the five promotions for the 2016 calendar year include:

Tactile, Sensory and Interactive Mail Piece Engagement Promotion
Program Period: March 1 – August 31, 2016
Discount Amount: 2% of eligible postage which includes:

• Standard Mail letters and flats
• Nonprofit Standard Mail letters and flats

Building on the success of the 2015 Emerging and Advanced Technology promotion and leveraging some of the latest technological advances within the print industry that encouraged sensory engagement. Elements can be incorporated to engage a multi-sensory experience through special visual effects, sound, scent, texture/tactile treatments, and even taste! Interactive mailpiece features (such as pop-ups, infinite folds, or other dimensional treatments) also meet the requirements.

Emerging and Advanced Technology/Video In Print Promotion
Program Period: March 1 – August 31, 2016
Discount Amount: 2% of eligible postage which includes:

• First-Class Mail presort & automation letters, cards & flats
• Standard Mail letters and flats
• Nonprofit Standard Mail letters and flats

To participate in the promotion, the mailpiece must incorporate any of the following technologies including: standard NFC technology, Video in Print (ViP), Beacon technology or an “enhanced’ augmented reality. These technologies will allow the recipient to engage in an interactive experience using the mailpiece and mobile devices, tablets, etc. This year’s promotion includes an option for A/B testing.

Earned Value Promotion
Program Period: April 1 – June 30, 2016
Discount Amount: 2% of eligible postage which includes:

• Business Reply Mail and Courtesy Reply Mail

The mailer can earn from $0.02 to $0.03 credit per piece of returned mail for both First Class Business Reply Mail and First Class Courtesy Reply Mail and apply the earned credits to future mailings of First-Class Mail Presort and Automation cards, letters and flats, and Standard Mail letters and flats.

Mobile Shopping Promotion
Program Period: July 1 – December 31, 2016
Discount Amount: 2% of eligible postage which includes:

• Standard Mail letters and flats
• Nonprofit Standard Mail letters and flats

The mailpiece must include 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 the ability to complete a financial transaction. The recipient must be able to purchase an advertised product from the website.

Personalized Color Transpromo Promotion
Program Period: July 1 – December 31, 2016
Discount Amount: 2% of eligible postage which includes:

• First-Class Mail commercial letters that are part of an IMb FullService mailing

This promotion will provide an upfront postage discount to mailers who use personalized dynamic/variable color print for transpromotional marketing and consumer messages on their bills and statements.

 

Please visit the Rapid Information Bulletin Board System (RIBBS) website for the 2016 Promotion Calendar and full details of the five promotions.