Standard Mail Letter Rate Comparison
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Tag Archives: Direct Mail
Standard NP Letter Rate Comparison
Exigent Case Basics
A review of the Exigent Rate Case from our partner, Thomas Glassman of Wilen Direct.
Mr. Tom Glassman of Wilen Direct
In general, the Postal Rate Commission granted the USPS request for additional revenue as a result of recession related losses. Even though the mailing industry argued that the losses were from diversion to other marketing methods. As a result, the rates contained in its exigent price filing would be allowed to take effect on January 26th. However, the PRC did not agree that the rate increase should be permanent and so directed that the rates should be implemented as a “surcharge”. The USPS was further directed to submit a plan for the eventual removal of that surcharge. I believe that you will see them in place for a long time.
The Year in Review 2013
We’ve put together a short video, The Year in Review, to share some of the exciting changes, expansions and favorite traditions that happened over the past year. Check it out by clicking here!
Thanks again for your continued support and partnerships!
Happy Thanksgiving
Wishing you and your family and loved ones a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
USPS Tests 7-Day Delivery for Packages
Amazon.com unveiled a new partnership with the USPS to deliver online orders from the world’s largest internet retailer on Sunday for the first time. The service started this weekend in Los Angeles and the New York metropolitan areas and Amazon plans to expand it to a large portion of the US population in 2014 including Dallas, Houston, New Orleans and Phoenix.
Amazon is not charging extra for the new service so members of the company’s popular Prime service will be able to buy products on Friday and get them by Sunday for free. The service also applies to non-Prime members, who can get free 5-8 day shipping on orders of at least $35 (up from $25 previously).
@BEBTX Reaches 800!
Wow! Thank you (so much) for helping us to achieve 800 followers on our Twitter account. All of them acquired organically too!
What has 3 Cactus, 1 pair of boots,
QUESTION:
What has 6 Bunnies, 38 little running bunnies, 3 Texas Long Horn Cattle Heads, 2 Cow Skulls, 3 Snakes, 2 Buffalo, 2 Lizards, Spindle Top, 1 Cotton bloom, the 2nd tallest monument in the US (Our San Jacinto Monument), 1 battleship, 2 feathered head dresses, the phrase; “Fortune Favors the Brave” – in Latin, 3 Cactus, a picture of Sam Houston, 1 pair of boots, 1 cowboy hat, and can only be redeemed when presented by a person born in Houston, during the month of August, in the year 1836 AND accompanied by both parents?
ANSWER:
This amazing direct mail insert from 1952 for Houston toy company, Texantics Unlimited! Be sure to check out the serial numbers too!
2BN TXS S 2BN XTC
To Be in Texas is to be in ecstasy
EZ2CYURA HOUSTONIAN
Easy to see you’re a Houstonian
6¢ First Class stamp
As we continue our story on Direct Mail Diamonds from the past, check out this gem we uncovered from December 1970.
Men made up 71% of our national workforce and the marketing message reflects it. Check out the reply card; “Gentlemen: I am interested in discussing…”
This piece was printed on textured card stock using 2 colors (which was leading edge), and the reply card is business reply mail. Note the First Class, 6¢ Stamp with Franklin D Roosevelt’s image on the outgoing envelope.
The content is solid direct marketing that stands the test of time. The marketer discusses the importance of a mail list and reviews how to better target. It reads; “We can even breakdown lists by area, income, automobile, hobbies or club affiliations.” Using demographics to identify your audience is the fundamental marketing principle that holds true today. The complexities of our list compilations have significantly increased, and the messaging has changed to incorporate a more diverse audience. However, the basics of direct mail remain unchanged and are unquestionably one of the most powerful and lasting forms of advertising today.
FUN FACTS FROM 1970:
- The annual inflation rate was 5.8%
- The average US Salary was $9,400
- One gallon of gas cost 36¢
- We celebrated the first Earth Day
- 100,000 people demonstrated in Washington DC against the Vietnam War.
- #1 Pop Song in the nation was “My Sweet Lord” by George Harrison
- #1 movie was “Love Story”
1969 – 3 Steps for While-U-Wait Printing
As we continue to share the direct mail gems (or blasts from the past); we review how printing has changed in the last 44 years.
Above is a view of a self-mailer sent in August of 1969. The marketing mailer promotes “Fast and Economical print” or reproductions; and explains how the process worked in 3, easy steps:
- YOU PROVIDE US WITH A PHOTO READY ORIGINAL COPY: May be typed, previously printed, drawn, paste-up – Black or Red on white paper reproduces best. Originals on dark paper or with Grey, Blue or Green ink may not print well.
- WE PLACE YOUR ORIGINAL IN AN AUTOMATED CAMERA AND ALMOST INSTANTLY MAKE A PHOTO OFFSET PLATE (MASTER).
- AND FROM THIS PLATE, WE PRINT 10 – 10,000 COPIES, AS YOU WISH.
It is amazing when you consider how much has changed within the printing arena over the last 40-years. Today’s digital presses don’t even use plates and the quality of their output rivals offset printing. Each printed piece can be personalized, press runs have minimal waste and small quantities are now affordable.
1969 was ripe with change. When this mail piece was delivered, The Woodstock Music and Art Festival was unfolding. The Haunted Mansion attraction opened at Disneyland California, Honky Ton Women by the Rolling Stones was number 1 on the Billboard music charts and movies such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Midnight Cowboy and Easy Rider topped box office sales.
WHERE WERE YOU IN AUGUST OF 1969?