On Thursday, December 10, the Postal Regulatory Commisions (PRC) approved the USPS's 2016 proposed postal promotions sparking direct mailers to use advanced print techniques, A/B testing and mobile technologies to increase engagement and response in their mailing campaigns.

The approved promotions offer a 2% upfront discount on qualifying mailpieces, with the exception of the Earned Value Reply Mail Promotion, which offers mailers a rebate credit on qualifying reply mailpieces.

Summary of the 2016 USPS Promotions:

Tactile, Sensory and Interactive Mailpiece Engagement Promotion

• Mailpieces that take advantage of print technologies like specialty inks, coatings and papers or interactive dimensional enhancements will receive a postage discount.
• 2% upfront discount
• Standard Mail
• Registration period: January 15, 2016 - August 31, 2015
• Promotion period: March 1 - August 31

Emerging and Advanced Technology/Video In Print Promotion

• The Emerging and Advanced Technology Promotion encourages mailers to integrate direct mail with technology, providing an interactive experience for customers. Mailers who create mailpieces that use at least one form of approved emerging or advanced technologies will receive a postage discount.
• 2% upfront discount
• Standard and First-Class Mail
• Registration period: January 15, 2016 - August 31, 2015
• Promotion period: March 1 - August 31

Earned Value Reply Mail Promotion 

• Provides a $0.02 - $0.03 per piece rebate for all BRM/CRM envelopes and cards that customers mail back.
• Standard and First-Class Mail
• Registration period: February 15, 2016 - March 31, 2016
• Promotion period: April 1 - June 30

Personalized Color Transpromo Promotion

• Mailpieces that use dynamic/variable color print for marketing messages on their bills and statements will receive a postal discount.
• 2% upfront discount
• First-Class Mail
• Registration period: May 15, 2016 - December 31, 2015
• Promotion period: August 1 - December 31

Mobile Shopping Promotion

• The Mail Drives Mobile Engagement Promotion provides business mailers with an upfront postage discount on Standard Mail letters and flats that include a mobile bar code or print/mobile technology that can be read or scanned by a mobile device and leads to mobile-optimized shopping website.
• 2% upfront discount
• Standard Mail
• Registration period: May 15, 2016 - December 31, 2015
• Promotion period: July 1 - December 31

Download a printable promotions calendar below.

John Roberts offers complete USPS mailing solutions - let our USPS experts guide you through the current USPS promotions and help you determine which promotions can help you grow your business.  Talk with one of our experts today.