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:

• FAQs – Mobile Barcode Promotion Rules Final

• FAQs – Mobile Barcode Promotion Fact Sheet

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!

Tags: Creating QR Codes, digital marketing, QR Codes, Summer Sale

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