USPS continues discount to drive interest in mobile technology

February 21, 2012 -- The Mailers Technical Advisory Committee (MTAC) announced earlier this month that the Postal Service will again offer a mobile bar code discount in 2012, which was first offered in 2011. According to American Business Media postal counsel Jack Widener, the reason behind this continued discount is the increased popularity and interest in mobile technologies that was generated by the success of the 2011 Mobile Barcode Promotion.

The Postal Service wants to ensure that direct mail continues to be a relevant part of the marketing mix for companies. The 2012 Mobile Commerce and Personalization Promotion will “provide mailers with an upfront postage discount on qualifying Standard Mail and First-Class Mail letters, flats and cards that contain a mobile barcode or similar print technology that can be read or scanned by a mobile device.”

The technology must lead the recipient to either a Web page that allows the recipient to purchase a product or service on a mobile device, or a personalized URL, which leads to a web page that is unique to an individual recipient, according to the USPS.

 An upfront 2 percent discount off qualifying Standard and First Class Mail will be given to customers who qualify. The promotion is subject to approval by the Postal Regulatory Commission. If the promotion is approved, registration will begin May 1, 2012, and the program period will be from July 1 through Aug. 31, 2012.