The USPS has just filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) for approval on a Mobile Barcode/QR Code incentive program that offers mailers a 3% discount. The proposal is awaiting approval and is not a "done deal" yet.
This promotion is designed to help marketers stimulate engagement with customers via Smartphones. The USPS is hoping to create new business, which it believes will result in increased mail volume. The PRC will have 45 days to review for comment/approval.
Program Summary and Highlights
• Program Dates — July 1–August 31, 2011
• First-Class Mail and Standard Mail Letters and Flats are eligible
• Nonprofit mail is NOT eligible
• Mailers get a 3% upfront postage discount on eligible pieces
• No volume thresholds or increases are required to qualify
To qualify, all pieces in the mailing must have a two-dimensional mobile barcode on the mail piece. If the code is placed on the outer envelope, it must meet all of the DMM mail design requirements.
The barcode must initiate interaction via Smartphones to educate, promote to or market to consumers. Barcodes for internal corporate operational purposes are not eligible for the discount.
No other incentives can be claimed during this promotion, except the IMB full-service discount. USPS Automation/Work-share discounts still apply — including NDC/BMC & SCF.
Mailing documentation must be submitted electronically through mail.dat, mail.XML or the Postal Wizard and must be sent with postage paid, using a permit imprint.
If you’re considering using a mobile barcode in a mailing, this summer may be a great opportunity to try it. For more about mobile barcodes, see our February article.