What advantages are there in using Mitchell Graphics for my direct mail efforts?
With over 37 years of experience in direct mail marketing, Mitchell Graphics
is your one source for printing and direct mail. Design, printing and mailing
in one place saves you time, hassle and money. We’re results-focused!
Our mission is to help you increase the return on your direct marketing investment.
Look to Mitchell Graphics for direct marketing campaign planning, including
creative, mail list procurement and management, lettershop and fulfillment. See what customers have said about us
here.
How can I get the best results from my mailing?
Keep in mind the 40/40/20 Rule. 40% List, 40% Offer, 20% Creative. List - Do all you can to be sure the people who get your mailer are good candidates
to
buy your product or service. This includes getting the right mailing
list and examining and updating addresses to ensure delivery. Offer – What
you are selling must be relevant and attractive (irresistible if possible)
to the
recipient of the mailer. Creative - What you are selling must be presented
in an easy to understand, attractive and compelling manner. Be sure to
include a call to action in your copy. Your Mitchell Graphics Account
Manager will
review your objectives, assist in designing your mail piece and examine
your mailing list to help maximize your results.
What is Personalization?
Personalization, also known as Variable Data Printing or Customization,
is a method of printing portions of the direct mail offer in
such a way
that it
is unique
to each recipient. By speaking directly to each recipient by name and
addressing their specific needs you can increase the response to your
mailer.
What’s the difference between First Class and Standard A mail delivery?
First Class mail is treated differently than Standard A mail (the old
Bulk Rate mail). First Class is usually delivered in 3-5 business
days and will
be returned to you at no charge if undeliverable. Standard A mail
can take up to 2-3 weeks to reach the recipient and will be discarded
with
no notification
if undeliverable.
Can I get notification of a bad address on Standard A mail?
Yes. The USPS has a number of what are called Ancillary Service Endorsements
that can be printed on your mail piece to determine how undeliverable
mail is treated. Contact your Account Manager to discuss your needs.
What are the different Postcard Postage Rates?
Postcards up to 4.25” x 6” get a 23 cent stamp. Around 19.4 cents
if processed as a First Class Automated mailing here at Mitchell Graphics.
Postcards larger than 4.25” x 6” all the way up to 6” x 11” in
size can be mailed either First Class or Standard A. First Class
Automated postage is around 31 cents each. Standard A Automated mails
at around
22 cents each. Non-profit institutions mail at around 15 cents per
piece.
Exact postage
is determined after we process your mailing list. Postage is usually
paid by check made payable to US Postmaster and is delivered to the
Post Office
with
your mailing.
What is CASS?
The Coding Accuracy Support System examines each address in your
mailing list for proper formatting to standardize spelling, abbreviations,
addresses and adds +4 Zip to improve the accuracy of your mailing.
All Mitchell Graphics mailings are CASS certified. We are able
to supply you with the “non-CASS” addresses
so you can update your mailing list.
What is NCOALink®?
The National Change Of Address service is required every 90
days for
First Class mail. NCOA matches addresses in your list with
change of address notifications in the USPS database. This
ensures your
mail
is sent to the
most recent address on file for the recipient. We can email
the “move updates” to
you so you can update your database.
What’s the difference between Presorted & Automated?
Presorting is defined as preparing your mailing so that
it is sorted to the finest extent required for the type
of mailing
whether First
Class, Standard
A or Non-Profit. In Automating your mailing we apply a
barcode in the address area to assist in processing at
the Post Office.
Discounts
off regular postage
rates are applied to Presorted and Automated mailings.
Mitchell Graphics' Mailing Department will do all it can
to maximize
any
postage discounts
your mailing
may qualify for.
What’s the best way to “clean” my mailing list?
Mitchell Graphics CASS certifies and removes duplicates
in all the lists we work with. We can also perform NCOA
updates
and
complicated merge/purge
or
list suppression processing that you require.
I rented a list of prospects to mail to and want to make sure none of my current customers are included. Can you help?
Yes. We can compare your customer database to the rented
list and remove any duplicates. This is called running
a suppression
file
against your
mailing list.
Can I rent a mailing list through Mitchell Graphics?
Yes. We work with a number of list providers and can
assist you in obtaining mailing lists. It is important
that you
have a clear
picture
of who you
wish to mail to. Your Account Manager can assist you
in developing a strategy
to identify your best prospects.
What are the US Postal Service requirements for my mailing panel layout?
The area where the address will be printed must be
White or 10% screened background. Click here to view Postal
Clear Zones.
