The Catablog
Posts Tagged ‘USPS regulations’
Because that’s the Way it has Always Been Done
Have you heard that line before? If so, I hope you don’t accept it as your “final answer.” Just because something has always been done a certain way, that’s no reason to keep doing it the same way, unless of course the method has no room for improvement. And, I certainly hope you have not been applying the “because it has always been done that way” mentality to your catalog design. You can still maintain brand image while also changing up variables such as layouts, messages, formats, sizes, page counts, in-home dates, etc. In fact, you should be changing things up to measure how response rates fluctuate from one catalog design to the next.
Maybe you’re a cataloger who has always mailed letter-size booklets or “Slim Jims.” How has your response rate changed since the USPS implemented its new tabbing regulations earlier this year? If it has gone down, maybe it’s time to try something new, like a traditional upright format. Have you typically produced a catalog with an oblong format? With the USPS bringing out new Droop Test regulations, now is the perfect time to implement a new format for your catalog because the oblong is not going to survive with the new droop/deflection standards. Could you transition to an upright or square format? Try it! Have you always treated all customers, regardless of purchase history, the same? If so, maybe it’s time to use a more dynamic approach to how you target customers. Do you use database marketing to help you with those efforts? If not, it’s time.
all about ROI recently released its “50 Best Tips of 2009“; I highly recommend reading it, as it gives some great ideas for changing up your current multichannel marketing plan (or offering you reassurance for the one you already have). Regardless of what strategies you decide to implement going forward, don’t apply the same ones as this year just because “that’s the way it has always been done.” That’s a sure fire way to bring your success to a standstill. Change is good. Embrace it!
No Postal Increase in 2010 – Really?
Since John Potter’s (USPS Postmaster General) recent announcement that there will be no postal increase for 2010, I have been receiving a large volume of calls and e-mails from clients and prospects expressing their extreme delight over the issue. Mr. Potter made the announcement in mid-October that there would be no increase in 2010 for Market-Dominant Products, including Standard Mail, First-Class Mail, periodicals and single-piece Parcel Post. I was somewhat surprised at this decision based on the difficult financial situation facing the USPS, but hopefully, this move will be an encouragement for marketers to get back in the mail or to increase their current circulation. I have seen signs this may be happening as catalogers plan for their 2010 mailings. No postal increase makes that task a lot easier and less stressful.
Throughout the past couple of weeks, there has been some speculation as to whether rates could rise outside of a CPI increase or exigent rate increase. Please rest assured that the USPS has confirmed that there will be absolutely NO rate increase for Market-Dominant Products (again, Standard Mail, First-Class Mail, periodicals and single-piece Parcel Post) in 2010. So, lock in those marketing budgets now…no need to wait for additional postal rate updates from the USPS. Keep your postal budget as is and take advantage of this opportunity to increase your mailings to reach more prospects or to re-activate prior customers.
Questions? Call or email me any time!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB): A Printer’s Perspective
What is the Intelligent Mail Barcode?
The IMB is a new Postal Service barcode used to sort and track letters and flats; it expands the ability to track individual mailpieces and provides customers with greater visibility in the mailstream than the current POSTNET barcode.
When will the IMB be a requirement by the USPS?
Some printers and mailers have already started to implement use of the IMB, but it will not be mandated until May 2011.
Are there different types of the IMB?
Absolutely.
Basic Service: The Basic Service IMB is just like the existing POSTNET barcode, which is simply used for sorting mail.
Full Service: The Full Service IMB will include services such as tracking, free Address Change Service and Start the Clock.
What are the placement requirements for IMB?
The Intelligent Mail Barcode will be printed in the same place as the POSTNET barcode. On flats, the Intelligent Mail barcode can be placed anywhere on the address side as long as it is at least 1/8 inch from any edge of the piece.
Will I receive any sort of discount for applying the IMB to my mailpiece?
Beginning already in November 2009, mailers will start to receive a $1.00/M discount for electing to use the Full Service IMB on their printed pieces. By May 2011, those not printing the Basic or Full Service IMB will not receive automation discounts from the USPS.
Are printers ready to start applying the IMB?
Major printers and mailers started testing the IMB when it was first announced. Arandell started to apply the Basic Service IMB on some of its saddle stitching equipment in August 2009 and will continue to add the capability to all of its binding and mailing lines going forward. We’ll be ready to provide the Full Service option when USPS the discount becomes available in November.
How can printers ensure that they are applying a readable barcode?
The USPS tolerance expectations for the IMB are strict and if printers don’t meet those expectations, the USPS could immediately assess the mail owner (catalogers, retailers, publishers, direct mailers, etc.) for additional postage. The current compliance requirement is 70%, which means that 30% of your Full Service mailpieces could have non-readable Intelligent Mail Barcodes, but still pass USPS acceptance requirements. Do you want to take that risk, though? NO! If I were in a print buyer’s shoes, I would make sure that my printer/mailer of choice can ensure a high readability compliance. At this point in time, Arandell is being proactive by installing IMB evaluation systems on all of its production lines to ensure the IMB will exceed the USPS expectations. We are currently complying at 100%. I would not accept anything less.
Why is the USPS implementing the IMB?
The IMB is intended to benefit you just as much as it will benefit the USPS.
The IMB:
- provides more information than the POSTNET, but consumes no additional space on the mailpiece;
- allows for better marketing decision-making by encoding more detailed information about mailings;
- necessitates the printing of only one barcode on any mailpiece;
- gives mailers who utilize the Full Service option the ability to participate in multiple USPS service programs at no additional cost.
This is a very high-level FAQ about the IMB but hopefully it has you thinking about how this implementation will affect your company. For more technical information, you can click here or contact our Postal Affairs, reps, Don Landis and Susan Pinter at 800-558-8724 to answer any questions you may have.
No Postal Increase for 2010
The following was released from the Postmaster General this afternoon. Some great news for your Thursday afternoon!
For questions regarding this release or other postal issues, please contact Don Landis , Arandell VP of Postal Affairs or Susan Pinter, Director of Postal Affairs at 800-558-8724.
To Postal Service Customers:
Many of you have expressed concerns regarding mailing costs for 2010. The tough economic climate has presented significant challenges to all of us and pessimistic speculation has suggested that postal prices could increase by as much as 10 percent.
As we begin a new fiscal year and as many of you, our business clients, are preparing your 2010 operating budgets, we want to end all speculation.
The Postal Service will not increase prices for market dominant products in calendar year 2010.
Simply stated, there will not be a price increase for market dominant products including First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, periodicals, and single-piece Parcel Post. There will be no exigent price increase for these products.
This is the right decision at the right time for the right reason. Promoting the value of mail and encouraging its continued use is essential for jobs, the economy, and the future of both the Postal Service and the mailing industry.
While increasing prices might have generated revenue for the Postal Service in the short term, the long term effect could drive additional mail out of the system. We want mailers to continue to invest in mail to grow their business, communicate with valued customers, and maintain a strong presence in the marketplace. Changes in pricing for our competitive products-Priority Mail, Express Mail, Parcel Select, and most international products-are under consideration. We expect to announce a decision in November.
We are committed to working with customers to find ways to grow the mail through innovative incentives like the Summer Sale and contract pricing. Mail is the most effective means of communication and advertising and we will continue to work together to increase the value of the mail. Mail is a smart investment for the future.
John E. Potter
Full Service IMB options, is it right for you?
Arandell Corporation has printed and mailed many retail and mail-order catalogs. Both have their own unique requirements based on their marketing objectives. For instance, retail catalogs have particular in-home dates to meet and are planned in meticulous detail with in-store promotions. Our standard mail-order catalogs often have personalized order forms and inserts that need matchback information to correlate in-home dates and Internet traffic.
With the upcoming changes to the USPS method of tracking mail, specifically transitioning to the Intelligent Mail barcode (IMB) system, the needs of our retail and mail-order clients will be adjusted. Click here to learn more about IMB. We have been surveying our customers to determine how they, or if they, plan to use the Full Service IMB option. As of today, only our retail customers have expressed a desire for Full Service IMB to be used for tracking purposes. Additionally, some retailers are toying with the idea of using the Full Service IMB in lieu of printing Point-of-Sale personalized customer barcodes on their direct mail pieces.
I am writing to learn the opinion and perspective of our standard mail-order catalogers. We have already heard several possibilities on how they might use the IMB services, but at this time have not heard of any immediate plans for mail-order catalogers. Our understanding is most catalogers are just looking at “What if?” scenarios.
Some of the things we have heard being pondered:
- Using IMB in lieu of matchbacks
- Using IMB data for segmentations
- Of course, retail and standard mail-order catalogers are taking in cost considerations with the different IMB options.
It seems the possibilities center around being able to use the IMB for smaller segmentation of files. I would love to learn what you are planning! Do you believe that Full Service IMB will have a large ROI? What information are you most interested in collecting? If you are NOT considering the Full Service, why? Do you fully understand the file requirements to implement your desired IMB service? What possibilities are there for using the IMB in a standard mail-order world other than tracking?
Look forward to hearing from you!
Do You Pass the Droop Test?
First of all, I should clarify WHAT the droop test is. I can only imagine what you all thought of when you read the title of this post….
The droop test measures the flexibility of catalogs. If mail pieces are too flexible they will topple over as they travel through the USPS sorters and scanners. Implementing deflections standards, or droop standards, will greatly reduce the amount of direct mail pieces that fall off the machines. Recently, the USPS extended the deadline for the deflections standard implementation from September 8, 2009 to January 4, 2010.
How to test your catalog
Click here to see a brief three minute instructional video. Otherwise, read on! (more…)
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