Get Insights on How to Maximize 2025 USPS Promotions
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Dates, discounts, registration periods, promotion periods, and more details on how to maximize promotions in 2025.
Don’t let confusing guidelines cost you thousands in missed savings. Watch now to decode the 2025 promotions and give your direct mail ROI a massive boost!
With the 2025 USPS promotions just around the corner, now is the perfect time to review what’s new, what’s staying the same, and how you can start preparing to maximize these promotions and make every mailpiece count.
This article addresses the most frequently asked questions, key strategies for navigating the promotions, and expert insights into preparing your campaigns.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Pre-Approval for USPS Promotions:
- Register on the Business Customer Gateway (BCG):
- Visit the USPS Business Customer Gateway and sign in to your account. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one.
- Once logged in, ensure that you have access to the “Incentive Programs” section, where you will register for promotions.
- Choose the Appropriate Promotion:
- Navigate to the “Incentive Programs” section and select the promotion you are participating in (e.g., Continuous Contact, Tactile, Sensory, Interactive).
- Select the appropriate promotion for which your mailpieces need pre-approval.
- Submit Your Mailpiece for Pre-Approval:
- Go to the Mailing Promotions Portal within BCG. Under the selected promotion, you’ll find an option to submit your mailpiece for pre-approval.
- Upload a digital version (PDF) of your mailpiece for review. You’ll need to include details like:
- The design of the mailpiece.
- Any additional technologies (e.g., QR codes, NFC, augmented reality).
- Specialty treatments (e.g., tactile finishes, pop-ups, or scented elements) if applicable.
- Be sure to include all iterations of your mailpiece (initial and follow-ups if applicable).
- Wait for USPS Review:
- After submission, the USPS Promotions Office will review your mailpiece. This process typically takes around four business days.
- USPS may request revisions or adjustments to your mailpiece if it does not fully meet the promotion requirements. You will be notified via email or the Promotions Portal if changes are needed.
- Receive Pre-Approval:
- Once the mailpiece is approved, you will receive a pre-approval letter or notification within the Promotions Portal.
- Keep this pre-approval letter as proof that your mailpiece qualifies for the discount during the promotion.
- Mailpiece Changes After Pre-Approval:
- If you make significant changes to the design or content of your mailpiece after receiving pre-approval, you may need to resubmit the new version for re-approval.
- Claim Your Discount:
- Once your mailpiece is pre-approved, you can proceed with mailing. Ensure that you file your postage statements electronically and use the correct CCR (Characteristics Code) to claim the discount. For example:
- Continuous Contact: Use CCR Code: CC.
- Tactile, Sensory, and Interactive: Use CCR Code: SS.
- Integrated Technology: Use CCR Code: IT.
- Once your mailpiece is pre-approved, you can proceed with mailing. Ensure that you file your postage statements electronically and use the correct CCR (Characteristics Code) to claim the discount. For example:
- Add-On Discounts (If Applicable):
- If you’re participating in additional promotions like Informed Delivery or Sustainability, you can claim extra discounts (e.g., 1%) by entering the appropriate Type A (Add-On) code during the postage submission process.
- Submit Hardcopy Sample (If Required):
- For certain promotions (like Tactile, Sensory, Interactive), you may also need to mail a physical sample of your mailpiece to the Promotions Office. The instructions and address will be provided within the portal when applicable.
- Track the Approval Status:
- Stay updated by regularly checking the Promotions Portal for any status changes or additional feedback during the review process.
Example Timeline:
- Step 1: Register on BCG and select promotion: 1-2 hours.
- Step 2: Submit mailpiece for pre-approval: 1 day.
- Step 3: USPS review: 4 business days.
- Step 4: Receive approval and claim discount: 1 day.
