Mobile Commerce and Personalization Promotion

19 Mar 2012 | No Comments | posted by admin | in DMM Advisory

Building upon last summer’s mobile barcode promotion’s success, we are offering it again from July 1, 2012, through August 31, 2012. In our final rule Federal Register posted today on Postal Explorer, we describe the conditions for eligibility for the promotion and the revised mailing standards to implement it.

Here is information to help you take advantage of this revised special offering:

  • Qualifying mailings are Presorted and automation mailings of First-Class Mail cards, letters, and flats and Standard Mail (including Nonprofit Standard Mail) letters and flats with a mobile barcode inside or on the mailpiece.
  • The mobile barcode must lead the recipient of the mailpiece either to a webpage that allows the recipient to purchase a product or service on a mobile device, or to a personalized URL, which leads to a web page that is unique to an individual recipient.
  • Qualifying mailings may receive an upfront price reduction of 2 percent of the eligible postage.
  • Participation requires electronic documentation.
  • Commingled, combined and co-mail mailings are allowed, but a separate postage statement is required for pieces with mobile barcodes.

Using mobile barcodes is a great way to integrate direct mail with mobile technology. Get more information, including updated FAQs, on the RIBBS website or by emailing mobilebarcode@usps.gov .

Area Mail Processing Facility Study Results Announced

23 Feb 2012 | No Comments | posted by admin | in DMM Advisory

The results of the Area Mail Processing (AMP) facility studies announced last September are now available at http://usps.com/ourfuturenetwork.

Implementation of any consolidation or closure, however, is contingent upon the outcome of proposed revisions to existing service standards. In addition, no network changes will be implemented prior to May 15 of this year, in keeping with a moratorium on closing or consolidating postal facilities intended to give Congress and the Administration the opportunity to enact an alternative plan.

There will be no changes at this time to retail services and business mail acceptance located at any of the facilities involved in these studies. Destination Sectional Center Facility (DSCF) discounts will continue to be available in the near-term for mailings entered at Business Mail Entry Units (BMEUs) that remain in impacted facilities.

There will be no major consolidations during the fall mailing season, nor during the election mailing period, and Facility Access and Shipment Tracking (FAST®) appointments will be expanded to support shifting volumes across the network.

All of us at the Postal Service™ value your business and your support. Over the coming months, we will continue to keep you informed, and will work closely with you to ensure a smooth transition.

New Postage Statements Effective January 22, 2012

11 Jan 2012 | No Comments | posted by admin | in DMM Advisory

New postage statements associated with the January 2012 price change are available on Postal Explorer®.  The Postage Statement link is in the left column under *NEW* Jan. 22, 2012 Price Change Info.

As of January 2012, all postage statements dated prior to April 2011 or June 2011, as applicable, are obsolete.

Manifest mailers may use postage statements dated April 2011 and June 2011 if they reflect the January 22, 2012 prices.

Only the January 2012 postage statements can be used if new offerings are in use. This includes mailings with Express Mail International® Flat Rate Boxes (Postage Statement—International Mail, PS 3700), Priority Mail® Regional Rate Box C, new Priority Mail Open and Distribute (PMOD) boxes, First-Class Package Service™, Parcel Select® Lightweight, Periodicals prepared in Mixed Sacks/Pallets at ONDC or Outside County on Mixed Pallet, international mail containing pieces to Canada and/or Mexico, or Permit Imprint-Transmits Customs Data.

If vendors, software providers, or mailers encounter difficulty submitting January 2012 postage statements, please contact your local acceptance office or Manager of Business Mail Entry to determine the best solution. Mailers using the Electronic Verification System (eVS®) for manifesting who need assistance should contact their Strategic Account or Business Alliance Manager.