Design Tips

USPS Plans to Give OK to Allow Mailer Logos and Marks on Permit Indicias

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The United States Postal Service is planning to allow commercial mailers to include logos, trademarks, brand images or other kinds of marketing designs in the permit imprint indicia area of their mail.  This will allow for immediate recognition of logos, products or promotions while boosting the visual impact of the mail piece.

It is expected that the offering will be available by June 24, 2012 for commercial mailers of presorted 1st-Class letters and cards or Standard Mail letters.  This should provide customers with advertising opportunities without impacting required indicia information on the mail piece.

Your input is requested:  Will you be willing to pay the expected 1 cent (for 1st-class letters and cards) and 2 cents (standard mail  letters) for this premium placement of your logo on your indicia?

 

 

 

 

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Amp up your QR Code

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The challenge:

Designing a piece that marries beautiful design with new technology.

The Solution:

Customized QR Codes

QR codes are quick response barcodes that you have seen on everything from products, to magazines to buildings.
The problem is the basic QR code is rather dull and does nothing to improve the look of your piece.

However, QR codes do not need to be basic or dull! You can include your logo, change the color or even add textures to the QR code so it fits in with the design of your piece.

Sample 1: The Brick Appeal

The customer wanted a QR code for their brick order form, but did not want to detract from their design. Rescigno’s was able to create a QR code that looked like it was made out of bricks.

Sample 2:  Stained Glass

The challenge was to create a QR code that followed the flowing lines of the stained glass window in the background, while still being able to be scanned.

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Tips for Your Direct Mail Campaign

Rescigno's Logo  

Knowing the basics before diving head first into deep water can keep you and your organization from drowning into a sea of the unknown. As far as sending out direct mail to aid in your marketing campaign is concerned, a little bit of basic knowledge can prove to bring in major results. At Rescigno’s Marketing Connections, we suggest the following guidelines when putting together a successful direct mail campaign.

 

*Decide on your Message.

First and foremost, coming up with a focused purpose and clear message you are interested in sending is crucial. If you don’t know what your intention is neither will your recipients.

 

* Compile the Right List.

It is essential to the success rate of your campaign to have the right mailing list go out to a targeted group of individuals who would best meet the needs of your current goals. Our professionals at Rescigno’s work hand in hand with your organization to efficiently compile a list of the most efficient recipients for your direct mail campaign.

 

*Visuals are Tasteful & Attractive.

Figuring out the right layout and design of your direct mail piece is imperative to the success of your campaign. Attracting others attention by having an appealing visual will keep their interest to read on. By having unique ideas and personalization placement with the use of VDP you are guaranteed continual success.

 

 

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Sizing Guide

The size of your piece, along with the weight, will determine what postage rate it will be eligible for.

Postcard
Letter or Self Mailer
Flat
Square or odd sizes

Postcard

In order to mail at postcard rates, a postcard must meet the following requirements:

Minimum Maximum
Length (Width)
5 inches
6 inches
Height
3.5 inches
4.25 inches
Thickness
.007 inches
.016 inches

Please Note: there is NO Non Profit postcard rate.  Please contact us for more information on Postcards for Non Profit companies.

The first class presort postcard rate should be utilized by for profit companies only.  Please contact us for more information on Postcards for Profit Companies.

Letter or Self Mailer

“Letter Size” encompasses oversized postcards, traditional letters, newsletters and self mailers.

Items are considered at letter rates if they meet the following requirements:

Letter sized:

Minimum Maximum
Length (Width)
5 inches
11.5 inches
Height
3.5 inches
6.125 inches
Thickness
.007 inches
.25 inches
Aspect Ratio
(lenght divided by height)
1.3 inches
2.5 inches

If this item is a self mailer – please see the contact us to determine how best to design the piece.

Flat

An item is considered a flat if it exceeds ANY of the maximum dimensions of a letter sized piece.

Minimum Maximum
Length (Width)
6 inches
15 inches
Height
5 inches
12 inches
Thickness
.009 inches
.75 inches
Weight (for standard rate)
15.9 ounces

For tips on designing your flat piece, please contact us.

Square or Odd Sizes

Because of the postal equipment, anything that is a perfect square, an odd shape, OR is a rectangle, but has an aspect ratio (length divided by height) of less than 1.3 or more than 2.5 is subject to a non-machineable surcharge. In addition, because these pieces are non-machineable, they will receive a higher postage rate as the automation discounts will not apply. Because this surcharge varies depending on the size and shape of the piece, please contact Rescigno’s for more details.

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Complimentary Design Analysis

Remember…

To ensure that your mailpiece receives the best postal discounts available, the certified Mailpiece Quality Control specialists at Rescigno’s Marketing Connections will be happy to look at any piece that you are going to print, before it goes to press.

Sizes

The Post Office has size requirements for the following pieces:

  • Postcards
  • Letters
  • Flats
  • Square or odd sizes

Colors

In order to receive automation rates, the address area must be white (preferred) or a light pastel color. If you require the background of your piece to be a darker color, block out a white or pastel colored area for the address.

Finishes

To keep your costs down, we suggest that the address side of the mailpiece be a matte finish. A high gloss finish looks great, but can hinder the printing of the address

In the event that a gloss finish is present, we may need to use a versatile ink on the card, which includes an additional charge.

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