Unlock the Power of Paper and Ink and Save up to 6%: Elevate Your Direct Mail with Tactile and Visual Impact (Part 2 of Tactile, Sensory & Interactive)

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Welcome to the sixth installment of our ongoing series exploring the 2025 USPS Promotions! Throughout the year, we’ll be diving deep into these exciting opportunities to help you save money and boost your direct mail ROI.

Eric Genova – Senior VP Professional Services – 02/20/2025 08:00 AM

The USPS Tactile, Sensory & Interactive Mail Promotion at a Glance:

  • What it is: Incentivizes the use of tactile, sensory, and interactive elements in direct mail to engage recipients and drive response.
  • How much you can save: 4% discount on eligible mailpieces, or stack your savings for up to 6% off.
  • When it’s available: February 1 to July 31, 2025.

Introduction:

Let’s face it: our mailboxes are battlegrounds. A sea of catalogs, bills, and “special offers” all vying for our attention. Most of it ends up in the recycling bin before we even give it a second glance. So, how do you make your direct mail piece stand out? How do you earn those precious extra seconds that can mean the difference between engagement and oblivion? That’s the challenge, and it’s where the power of paper and ink comes in. This week, we’re exploring how tactile and visual enhancements can help your mail piece cut through the noise and make a real impact.

Making it Feel Real: Qualifying Tactile Paper Enhancements

The USPS promotion specifically targets tactile experiences. This means going beyond just the look of the paper and focusing on how it feels. Here are some qualifying options:

  • Embossing/Debossing: Creating raised (embossed) or indented (debossed) designs adds a distinct tactile dimension. This can be used to highlight logos, images, or key messages.
  • Textured Coatings: Special coatings can create a variety of tactile sensations, from a soft, velvety feel to a rougher, more textured surface. These coatings can be applied to the entire mail piece or selectively to specific areas.
  • Specialty Paper Stocks: While weight isn’t the qualifying factor, certain specialty paper stocks with inherent textures may qualify. It’s crucial to confirm with the USPS or a mail service provider like DG3 to determine eligibility. Examples might include felt marked paper.
  • Lamination: Although not a texture itself, certain types of lamination can change the feel of the mail piece. For instance, a soft-touch lamination can create a premium, tactile experience.
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Ink that Engages:

Beyond the visual impact, certain ink and printing techniques can contribute to the tactile experience:

  • Thermographic Inks: These inks create a raised effect when printed, adding a tactile element to the design.
  • Specialty Coatings: Some coatings, like glitter or pearlescent coatings, can add a subtle tactile dimension along with their visual appeal.

Designing for Tactile Impact:

When designing for this promotion, consider how the tactile elements will interact with the overall design and message. Don’t just add tactile features for the sake of it; integrate them strategically to enhance the recipient’s experience and reinforce your brand.

DG3 Takes Care of the Details:

Navigating the USPS guidelines for the Tactile, Sensory & Interactive Mail Promotion can be complex. DG3 has the expertise to help you select the right paper stocks, coatings, inks, and printing techniques to create mail pieces that qualify for the promotion and maximize your savings. We can also ensure your mail pieces meet all other USPS requirements.

DG3: Your Direct Mail Partner:

From concept to delivery, DG3 is your trusted direct mail partner. We offer a comprehensive suite of services, including data processing, variable data printing, printing, finishing, and postal optimization. We’ll work with you to create impactful mail campaigns that drive results.

  • Production Capabilities: We have the technology and expertise to produce high-quality mailpieces with a variety of tactile, sensory, and interactive elements.
  • Postal Optimization: Our experts will ensure your mailpiece meets USPS requirements and qualifies for the 4% postage discount.
  • End-to-End Support: From concept to delivery, we’ll handle every step of the direct mail process, allowing you to focus on your core marketing strategies.

Stack Your Savings:

Want to save even more? You can combine the Tactile, Sensory & Interactive Promotion with the Informed Delivery and Sustainability add-ons to get a total of 6% off your postage! We’ll be covering both of these promotions in detail in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.

Stay Tuned for More!

Next week, we’ll delve into the world of dimensional mail. Follow DG3 on LinkedIn for more direct mail insights and updates.

Ready to Elevate Your Direct Mail?

Contact DG3 for a free consultation on how to maximize your direct mail ROI with the Tactile, Sensory & Interactive Promotion.

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