When including Direct Mail into your Advertising Budget, here are a few things you want to be sure to factor into the equation. Some of these items are easily overlooked and are not an option, so it's best to plan ahead so you start cutting into your bottom-line before you even begin your promotion.
Creative Costs
By the time you find a printer, get quotes, calculate postage, select stock, etc...it's easy to forget about the all-important first step — Designing your Direct Mail Piece! Unless you have experience at it, this most critical step is best left in the hands of professionals. If you have a website you likely have creative assets just dying to be re-purposed. Be sure your designer has access to your website, as they may be able to extract content and copy saving both time and money.
You can save on design fees by using the AMPlified Mail online editing tool. This allows you to design your own piece using our templated system or upload your existing design directly to us!
Postage
Unless your dealing with a one- stop Design-Print-Mail solution (like AMPlified Mail), your postage cost will be a separate line item from your print cost. The per piece cost for postage will vary based on quantity, mailing class and postal product chosen. Be sure you clarify with your print vendor whether your per piece cost includes postage or not. Many shops advertise "Postcards as low as 15¢", if you're mailing First Class add 42¢ each to that. Yep.
Special Touches
You want 200# Card Stock. You want UV Coating. You want Rounded Corners. It all adds up. when deciding on specialty finishes ask yourself this question..."Will this make a difference between the consumer buying or not?" If the incentive on your Direct Mail piece is compelling enough all those bells and whistles are likely not necessary. If you're following suit with your competitors, maybe custom finishing is a must. Be sure to factor it in, as each unique feature comes with an equally unique price tag.
Quantity Price Breaks
In many cases it makes sense to print more than you initially need to reduce your per piece price. You may be closer than you think to the next volume price reduction. Check with your print vendor. Some shops will also give you volume discounts if you commit to ordering quarterly or with some level of frequency. It doesn't hurt to ask.
ALL-IN
At AMPlified Mail, our quoted prices include print, postage, distribution and when requested, mailing list costs. Nothing is ever hidden. Ever. We are a preferred vendor of the United States Postal Service and provide Direct Mail services coast-to-coast. If you want a reliable and experienced partner to take care of your Direct Mail needs from concept to mailbox, AMP it up!