Report questions financial success of 2009 Postal Service 'Summer Sale'
The US Postal Service may have lost money on its 2009 'Summer Sale' initiative, according to a report from the organization's own Office of Inspector General (OIG). The USPS is currently conducting its 2010 version of the Standard Mail Volume Incentive Program.

DMA, mailing group call for dismissal of possible postal rate increase
Industry groups the Direct Marketing Association and the Affordable Mail Alliance called on the Postal Regulatory Commission July 26 to dismiss the US Postal Service's request to increase postal rates in 2011.

Retailers prep for e-book education push
The growing popularity of e-readers is are pushing publishers and retailers to plan for a not-so-distant future when digital textbooks overtake their physical counterparts.

Postal Service emphasizes value of catalogs to Internet retailers
The US Postal Service is targeting e-commerce merchants with an integrated marketing campaign emphasizing the potential of print catalogs. The effort includes direct mail, webinars, instructional DVDs and web banner ads. The USPS created the campaign internally.

Creative content maximizes direct mail
Marketers squeeze maximum impact from their multidimensional and nontraditional shaped mailers with targeted creative packages. Our experts explain successful strategies using unique mail pieces

Marketers bear the brunt of postal woes
The U.S. Postal Service unveiled details of its proposed "exigent price increase" last week and filed an application with its regulator, the Postal Regulatory Commission. Direct mailers sprang into action decrying the move, and mailers across the board vow to fight the increase (see cover story).

Rate increases outrage mailers
Marketers and catalogers that rely on the mail to reach consumers decried the US Postal Service's proposed "exigent price increases," saying the rate hikes would have drastic negative financial repercussions for their 2011 operational and marketing plans.

HSN, Sony promote 'Eat Pray Love' movie with direct mail, integrated effort
HSN has partnered with Sony Pictures to launch an integrated campaign for the upcoming film 'Eat Pray Love,' based on the bestselling book. The campaign includes a significant direct mail push, as well as online advertising, mobile media, print advertising, television ads, PR and events.

Oversight body to make decision on Postal Service rate changes by October 4
The Postal Regulatory Commission, the group that oversees the US Postal Service, said July 6 that it will review and make a decision on the USPS' proposed rate changes by October 4.

Postal Service unveils price increases; industry groups plan to fight implementation
The US Postal Service unveiled details of its proposed "exigent price increase" on July 6. Direct marketing and mailing industry trade groups immediately vowed to fight the price increase.

Creative content maximizes direct mail
Marketers squeeze maximum impact from their multidimensional and nontraditional shaped mailers with targeted creative packages. Our experts explain successful strategies using unique mail pieces

Creating better value in mailers
The recession caused marketers to rethink direct mail design for both customer acquisition and retention efforts.

Customized envelopes drive conversations
Marketers are making use of recent printing and production technologies to enhance the outer envelope with customized messages and other embellishments.

The Work: Steaz, Chilton Memorial, KCSM
Steaz reaches out through mom blogger, Chilton Memorial tries variable data, KCSM tunes up awareness with direct mail.

A comeback for credit cards
Now that the CARD Act is in place, many credit card companies have come out the gate this quarter with renewed vigor, ready write a new chapter in their marketing playbooks.

Marketers bear the brunt of postal woes
The U.S. Postal Service unveiled details of its proposed "exigent price increase" last week and filed an application with its regulator, the Postal Regulatory Commission. Direct mailers sprang into action decrying the move, and mailers across the board vow to fight the increase (see cover story).

Prevent returned mail from foiling campaigns
Finding an accurate mailing address for a campaign can be more difficult than most people realize. Marketers see the returned mail that comes back after a direct mail campaign but rarely stop to find out why the mail was undeliverable.

Use the Summer Sale to reactivate customers
Most Standard Mail mailers are aware of the USPS Summer Sale scheduled for July 1 to September 30. Essentially, for every incremental piece a company mails in excess of 105% of what it mailed during the same time period in 2009, the USPS will provide a 30% postage rebate.

Direct mail drop doesn't tell the whole story
We've all heard the staggering numbers on the precipitous drop in direct mail, but let me remind you: There were 35 billion fewer pieces of mail in the system in 2009 compared with 2007's tally. It is in part why the US Postal Service, which reported an almost $2 billion shortfall in the first half of its fiscal 2010, is considering doing away with Saturday delivery.

Making direct mail and e-mail work together
First impressions mean everything, especially in business marketing, but they have to be sustained. Your message should be reinforced — many times, and in multiple channels — until the decision maker you want to influence sees you as a recognizable brand.