As part of their new 10-Year Plan, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has filed for a mid-year postage increase for Market Dominated products. The increase averages 6.8% across First Class, Marketing Mail, Periodicals, Package Services and Special Services. Flat rate mail and Packages will have a higher average rate due to the fact they are not meeting the cost associated with delivery. The USPS call these products "under water."

The USPS has received permission to move ahead with six postage promotions for mailers this year. The 2021 promotions are similar to the past two year's promotions. The promotions for First Class Mail are Earned Value and Personalized and Preprinted Color Transpromo. The Emerging & Technology and the Informed Delivery promotions can use either First Class Mail or Marketing Mail, while the Tactile, Sensory & Interactive Engagement and Mobile Shopping promos are only for Marketing Mail.

Now that the election is over, the biggest news headlines in mail are the upcoming holiday shipping deadlines and proposed postage pricing changes for 2021. Here's the USPS news you can use now:

Quick Response (QR) codes got their humble start in the mid 1990s to track inventory in a warehouse or manufacturing environment. It was promoted from there that QR codes could be used to link printed materials to websites and apps, landing pages, and to enable touchless ordering experiences.

Working closely with your printer during the concept stages of a print project allows us to use our experience to assist with cutting costs and reducing production timelines. Here are eight things to consider when designing your next print project:

Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) is a useful, cost effective way to promote local businesses within the community. You may recognize these pieces of mail because they don't have your name or address on them, they are just addressed to "residential customer" or "postal customer."

Have an offer that you know will be a big hit, but need help getting the word out to the right people? Try using Share Mail and let your current customers help spread the good word for you.

The beginning of a new decade brings about a postage rate increase scheduled to go into effect on January 26^th, 2020. We are lucky that the price of a Forever stamp is staying at the current rate of 55 cents.

The trees are turning brilliant colors of orange, yellow, and red which means the holidays are right around the corner. That means it’s time to think about getting those holiday packages shipped out to arrive before Old Saint Nick does. We have a shorter holiday season with Thanksgiving being late this year, planning will ensure your holiday cards, letters, and packages will arrive on time.

The USPS has approved six mailing promotions for 2019. You may remember that USPS did not have any promotions in 2018. This year they are bringing back five promotions from previous years and have added one new Informed Delivery promotion. The promotions for First Class Mail are Earned Value, Personalize and Preprinted Color Transpromo. The Emerging & Technology and the Informed Delivery promotions can use either First Class Mail or Marketing Mail, while the Tactile, Sensory & Interactive Engagement and Mobile Shopping promos are only for Marketing Mail.