It is time to prepare for impacts to your mailings scheduled for summer and fall.  The USPS rates go into effect on July 9, 2023.  To view the updated USPS Rate Chart, please click here.

The increases are substantial and we strongly urge you to take advantage of the discounts offered by the USPS Promotions and Incentives Programs.  Looking to next year, the 2024 USPS Promotions were also approved and all promotions will be returning. 

2023 Promotions and Incentive Programs:

  • Emerging Technology – This promotion is for creative ways to incorporate technology into direct mail. You can get a 3% discount if you use augmented reality, basic voice assistant or QR codes for mobile shopping. You can get a 4% discount if you use advanced voice assistant, video, NFC, mixed reality or virtual reality. This is currently open and runs through Nov 30th.
  • Reply Mail IMbA – This is a promotion that automates the return mail processing. You must be enrolled in IMbA.  You can receive up to a 3% discount by using a static barcode. By using a serialized barcode, you would be eligible to receive up to a 6% discount. This begins July 1 and runs through Dec 31st.
  • Informed Delivery – This promotion adds a digital component to integrate your direct mail campaigns by adding a clickable ride-along image and an optional representative image that links to a landing page. This promotion begins on August 1 and runs through December 31st.
  • Retargeting – This is a promotion that involves sending a First-Class Postcard to a physical address that is matched to an online visitors IP address. The follow up First Class Postcard is sent following the digital interaction.  You can receive up to a 5% discount. This promotion runs Sept 1 – Nov 30th.

Be sure to work closely with your mail service provider, agency, or production partner to assist you with the implementation process for all these promotions. Please note, you can only participate in one promotion at a time per campaign.  However, there is one caveat, the Reply Mail IMbA promotion because it applies to incoming mail rather than outgoing mail. 

As always, MailSmart Logistics stands ready to help you get the absolute best rates possible by utilizing commingling, drop shipping, or a combination of the two. We analyze every mailing for our clients to determine the most cost-effective delivery strategy to help you meet your delivery and budget goals.

Please let us know if we can answer any questions or assist in any way. Feel free to reach out to your representative or drop us a line below and we’ll get in touch with you.