In 2017, after a three-year trial period that began in 2014 and with little fanfare, the United States Postal Service (USPS) expanded its free digital notification service, Informed Delivery to nearly all the 42,000 Zip Codes across the country. The service has more than 15 million customers enrolled to date. The following quick guide explains how it works and why you should consider signing up.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) filed a notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) proposing new mailing and shipping services pricing to take effect January 21, 2018. The PRC has reviewed and approved the proposed pricing changes.

Notable mailing services price changes include:

• First-Class Forever stamps from 49 to 50 cents
• Domestic Postcards stamp price increase from 34 to 35 cents
• Metered Letters price increase from 46 to 47 cents

You designed what you believed to be the perfect mail piece for your direct mail marketing project. You incorporated eye-popping color and catchy graphics. You narrowed down your target audience to the best possible prospects. You're sure you did everything right, but your mailing was a failure anyway. You find yourself asking how is this possible? Where did I go wrong?

When was the last time you received a birthday present, wrapped in decorative paper, tied with a brightly colored ribbon, and you chose not to unwrap the gift? If you’re like me the answer is never. What’s in the box? Shake it. Does it make a noise? Is there something loose inside rattling around? How heavy does it feel? What could fit inside? These are some of the thoughts that might go through your mind.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) filed a notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) that it intends to remove the exigent surcharge currently in place.  Assuming no legal intervention takes place, the postage rate changes will go into effect on April 10, 2016.  The average savings will be about $0.0125 per piece or about 4%.

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.

I’ve seen a lot of mail, and I can tell you that a lot of it is the same. Different content, yes, but the carrier is often a #10 envelope or a large card (a “billboard” as they call it in the mail industry).  Now, I’m not knocking these staples in the mailing industry — they’re proven formats that can be very effective, however they’re predictable.

These days I study all of the different ways we can be engaging as direct marketers, and the great news is, you don’t have to spend a ton of money to stand out. Today I’m going to share with you a few of my favorite “cheapskate” direct mail ideas.

On Friday, October 16th, the United States Postal Service (USPS) filed a notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) for a proposed rate increase. The PRC has since approved the request and the postage rate changes will go into effect on January 17, 2016.

A few things to note:

• The changes are primarily for Priority Mail and Parcel Services.
• There are no changes for First-Class Mail or Standard Mail rates of letter or flat sized pieces.

The USPS Mail Drives Mobile Engagement promotion provides an upfront 2% postage discount on Standard Mail® letters and flats that integrate with mobile technology to provide recipients with a convenient method for purchasing your products or service.

Your best leads and customers are already considering purchasing your products and services - getting the right message in their hands and providing them with a convenient next step to purchase is a recipe for success.