3D Printing close to becoming a household reality
What would it be like if you could order a part for your vacuum or washing machine and you received an email with instructions on how to print out your part at home, instant gratification? What if you ordered a lamp online and received an order confirmation with the instructions to print out your lamp. Sound crazy?? What if I told you the technology exists and the printer is offered as a desktop solution for only $3000? Take a look at this video featuring Lisa Harouni giving “A Primer on 3D printing”, posted on one of my favorite sites, TED talks. You will be blown away at just how close we are to this being a reality.
http://www.ted.com/talks/lisa_harouni_a_primer_on_3d_printing.html
PRC Approves Mobile Barcode Promo
The Postal Regulatory Commission has officially approved the USPS Mobile Barcode Promotion and they have determined that Nonprofits can play too! All of the other regulations have remained the same.
If you have already planned on some great campaigns this summer that incorporate QR Codes then you’ll be all set to save 3% on postage. If you have not planned on using this 2D barcode technology into your next campaign, then get started, the promotion starts July1st!
The qualifications and rules surrounding this “Summer Sale” are pretty straightforward and unlike their other sales this one is actually available to every mailer and does not require an advanced degree in mathematics to figure out if you qualify.
This promotion is a great way for mailers’ to discover new ways to link the physical and digital worlds of direct marketing. QR Codes have been all the buzz for some time now, but there are many out there who either are reluctant to use them or just have not figured out the best way to incorporate them into their overall marketing strategy. Considering the USPS is giving an upfront 3% discount for mailings that utilize these mobile friendly codes, I think marketers will learn fast how to use these, even if it is just get a cheaper postal rate. This promotion will run from July 1st to August 31st, 2011. The discount is available for Standard Mail and First Class Mail letters and flats.
The guidelines are fairly simple:
- Mobile barcode must be two-dimensional and readable by a mobile smartphone. One dimensional barcodes do NOT qualify.
- Mailing documentation must be submitted electronically and postage must be paid using a Permit Imprint. Current electronic submission methods include: Mail.XML, Mail.dat and Postal Wizard.
- Participating mailers will be required to affirmatively claim this promotion in electronic postage statement submissions, certifying each mailpiece contains a mobile barcode either within contents of mailpiece or on outside of mailpiece.
- All mailpieces in a mailing statement must contain a mobile barcode.
- With the exception of IMb full service discount, only one incentive per mailing will apply.
- Mobile barcode must be used for marketing and advertising purposes. Mailpieces containing mobile barcode that convey information about the postage value, destination, sender and machine serial number for security do not qualify
Here are the links for more details regarding the rules and questions:
If you have any questions about QR Codes and how to effectively incorporate them into your next campaign please contact us and we’ll be happy to help!
USPS QR Code Summer Sale – Final Rules
The USPS has released the final qualifications and rules surrounding their new “Summer Sale”. Unlike their other sales this one is actually available to every mailer and does not require an advanced degree in mathematics to figure out if you qualify. This promotion is a great way to entice mailers to discover new ways to link the physical and digital worlds of direct marketing. 
QR Codes have been all the buzz for some time now, but there are many out there who either are reluctant to use them or just have not figured out the best to incorporate them into their overall marketing strategy. Considering the USPS is giving an upfront 3% discount for mailings that utilize these mobile friendly codes, I think marketers will learn fast how to use these, even if it is just get a cheaper postal rate. This promotion will run from July 1st to August 31st, 2011. The discount is available for Standard Mail and First Class Mail letters and flats. The only caveat here is the Nonprofit mail does not qualify.
The guidelines are fairly simple:
- Mobile barcode must be two-dimensional and readable by a mobile smartphone. One dimensional barcodes do NOT qualify.
- Mailing documentation must be submitted electronically and postage must be paid using a Permit Imprint. Current electronic submission methods include: Mail.XML, Mail.dat and Postal Wizard.
- Participating mailers will be required to affirmatively claim this promotion in electronic postage statement submissions, certifying each mailpiece contains a mobile barcode either within contents of mailpiece or on outside of mailpiece.
- All mailpieces in a mailing statement must contain a mobile barcode.
- With the exception of IMb full service discount, only one incentive per mailing will apply.
- Mobile barcode must be used for marketing and advertising purposes. Mailpieces containing mobile barcode that convey information about the postage value, destination, sender and machine serial number for security do not qualify
Here are the links for more details regarding the rules and questions:
Now before you go setting your budget in stone, this sale is still pending a final ruling from the Postal Regulatory Commission. Their final decision is expected at the end of the month, so stay tuned.
If you have any questions about QR Codes and how to effectively incorporate them into your next campaign please contact us and we’ll be happy to help!
What’s in the Box?
Not the box from Seven, but I am horrified at times when I look through my own mailbox. There a lot of great pieces I receive as well, which is why Going Postal will now be doing a weekly review in mail. We’ll sort through it all and pick [...] Continue Reading…
USPS ammends bundling standards
This was just realeased today from the DMM Advisory.
New Strapping Option for Bundle Preparation
Current DMM® standards require mailers to use “clear smooth strapping tightly secured around the bundle” as a way of ensuring that address and presort information on bundles is visible and readable by the naked eye.
Recent [...] Continue Reading…
Do you blame your car when you get lost?
It is a simple question, right? If we find ourselves lost or late, we don’t blame the car (caveat here is if GPS has done you in). We may give the steering wheel or dash a few whacks, but ultimately we are frustrated with ourselves.
Too often I hear “we [...] Continue Reading…
USPS eases on deadline of May 2011 for new barcode
In a shocking announcement the USPS is “relaxing” their deadline of May 2011 to adhere to the use of the IMB to attain automation discount; and in other news the sky is still blue.
Below is the official excerpt from the DMM Advisory:
Postal Service Relaxes Upcoming Requirements for Automation [...] Continue Reading…
Pay your taxes, then get ready to pay more postage
Get out the erasers and prepare to rewrite that marketing budget because the USPS made it official today that the rates for their market dominant services will be increasing as of April 17, 2011. Perfect timing, everyone will already be upset over the amount of money they or their [...] Continue Reading…
Latest info on Postage Rate Increase
Thursday, the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) agreed the U.S. Postal Service would be allowed to raise rates on the Postal Service’s competitive shipping products. This means new prices (not lower) for Priority Mail, Express Mail and other Shipping Services. The new rates will be implemented on Jan. 2, 2011.
The decision on price [...] Continue Reading…
“The check’s in the mail” – will you get it though?
There has been a lot of talk recently regarding the Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMB) and rightfully so since May of 2011 is D day for mailers to comply. I know on this blog we have hammered home the great potential the IMB holds for all mailers and marketers [...] Continue Reading…
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