Potentially good news for those mailers using repositionable notes on their direct mail…

Using repositionable notes was first approved in 2005 and then re-approved several times thereafter.

Well, it’s now in the process of being permanently approved — the Postal Regulatory Commission had until March 13th to make a decision so we should know soon. And we’ll of course update this blog once we know more.

The director of the office of public affairs and government relations at the PRC, Nanci Lang, said “The commission expects this filing to be noncontroversial.”

Hundreds of Millions of Repositionable Notes

Since 2005, the notes have been used on 306 million pieces of direct mail. And they’re most popular with b-to-b clients and b-to-c customers such as plumbers and landscapers.

There is an extra cost though. In addition to regular postage, the notes are a half-cent per piece for First Class mail and 1.5 cents per piece for periodicals and Standard Mail, according to the USPS. You also have to factor in the cost your lettershop will charge you to affix the notes on your direct mail.

You can visit the USPS for more information:

http://www.usps.com/repositionablenotes/welcome.htm

Source: DM News

Popularity: 49% [?]

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Tags: Direct Mail Creative, Postal Regulatory Commission, Repositionable Notes, Specialty Products, USPS

This post is an update to our previous post from October 8th, titled “The Intelligent Mail Barcode Explained“. Visit this link if you want to learn more about the Intelligent Mail Barcode.

Right now this new postal technology is available to mailers, but isn’t required to qualify for automation postage rates on letters and flats.

This requirement implementation was slated to become active January 2009. Postmaster General John Potter announced last week, however, that this date will now be pushed back to May 2009 based on public feedback.

Mr. Potter stated, “Many of you told us that January 2009 was too soon. We will propose a May 2009 implementation, concurrent with our next annual price change.”

One thing to note – the previous Postnet Barcode will remain eligible for automation prices until May 2010.

But we recommend you speak to your lettershop vendor about making the necessary changes to utilize this new barcode sooner rather than later.

Here’s additional info about the Intelligent Mail Barcode:

http://ribbs.usps.gov/onecodesolution/

Popularity: 42% [?]

Tags: Intelligent Mail Barcode, Postage, Postal Rate Case, USPS