Mobile Barcode Discount Approved By The Postal Regulatory Commission
(Order No. 1296)
The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) approved the price adjustment for First-Class Mail and Standard Mail letters, flats, and cards (presort and automation) that contain a qualifying mobile barcode inside or on the mailpieces.
Promotion Highlights & Responsibilities:
Registration Required – Customers must register on the Business Customer Gateway at https://gateway.usps.com/bcg/login.htm and specify which permit(s) will participate in the promotion.
Registration – Opens May 1, 2012, and must be completed at least 24 hours prior to the first mailing date. If mailing in different time zones, the count begins where the permit will be used.
Like Cotton Candy – This promotion and temporary price reduction will not last. Valid for mailings made on July 1, 2012, through August 31, 2012.
Real - Mobile Barcode must lead the recipient of the mailpiece to one of the following: a Web page that allows the recipient to purchase a product or service, -or- a personalized URL that leads to a Web page whose Web address and content are unique to the mailpiece recipient. In either case, the Web site must remain mobile-optimized (designed to be viewed by a mobile device, not just a desk or lap top device).
Unsure? – While the USPS will not have a pre-approval process, they will review concepts and mock-ups through the Mobile Barcode email: MobileBarcode@usps.gov for your convenience.
Cash Now Or Now – Promotion provides an upfront (taken at time of mailing) price reduction of two (2) percent of the eligible postage for qualifying mailpieces containing Mobile Barcodes as described.
To Be or 2D – The mailpiece must bear a two-dimensional mobile barcodes or equivalent print technology. In the final rule, the Postal Service provides a description of the conditions for eligibility for the price reduction for the promotion, and the revised mailing standards to implement the promotion.
Each Piece – Presorted and automation mailpiece listed on the postage statement for that mailing must have a Mobile Barcode on the outside of each piece or on the contents within each piece.
Combos – This mobile barcode promotion discount can ONLY be combined with the full-service Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) discount. No other incentives apply.
Foti. “So we want to make customers aware that mail can be an ingeartl part of that communication and that online campaigns that use direct mail are more effective.”Although digital mail and communication is thriving, this will continue to secure a niche in direct mail.