QR Codes and the USPS

Just in case you weren't aware, the USPS is running a direct mail promotion throughout the months of July and August. I have a 32-page document that details the promotion, but here's what actually matters to you.

If you use a QR code on a direct mail piece, letter or flat, during the months of July and August, the USPS will give you a 3% discount on your postage.

This discount would apply to permit-imprinted letters or flats, mailing First Class, Standard or Non-Profit.

To qualify for the discount, you must display the QR code either outside or within all mailpieces in a mailing.

Do that, and you'll earn your 3% discount.

If you've never generated a QR code before, you need not worry. It is SUPER easy. I generally use http://quikqr.com/.

If you have any questions about QR codes or this USPS promotion, feel free to drop us a line.

Sappi: Off Register - Fanatny Rod

A New Level of Variable Data

We recently completed our most aggressive variable data project to date. This particular project, shown in the photo above, had a total of 10 areas of variation.

These areas included full color photos, white reverse type on full color photos, complete paragraph variation and multiple areas of personalization. ie- HEY MIKE!

Using multiple software platforms for managing and importing the variable data as well as processing the address data for mailing, we were able to produce an amazing, and what I think is sure to be an effective, direct mail piece for one of our collegiate partners.

If you're interested in learning more about our digital and variable data capabilities, simply reach out to your sales or customer service representative or email me HERE and I'll make sure that we reach out to you.

Sappi YouTube Channel

A friend sent this along to me yesterday and it was just too funny not to share.

The video is one of a series that Sappi is planning to launch on their new new YouTube channel.

Enjoy.

Deliver Your Message with ClingZ

"Versatile, moveable advertising media - put anywhere!

ClingZ is a patented, electrically charged, printable polypropylene film. The benefit of ClingZ is its ability to cling to virtually any clean, dry indoor surface without leaving a residue.

This unique ability creates many different applications including point of purchase advertising, pharmaceutical or educational signage, banners, direct mail promotions, temporary wall decor and more.

ClingZ offers an effective alternative to static cling vinyl, pressure sensitive media and other self adhesive products."

For more information, contact a Payne sales associate today.

Are You Using QR Codes Yet?

I've been fielding more and more questions about QR Bar Codes lately, so here's the skinny...

"A QR Code (it stands for "Quick Response") is a mobile phone readable barcode that's been big in Japan forever, broke into Europe a while back, and is now getting traction in USA.

In it's simplest sense think "print based hypertext link" - simply encode a URL into the QR Code and then point a mobile phone (or other camera-enabled mobile) at it. If the device has had QR Code decoding software installed on it, it will fire up its browser and go straight to that URL.

But it doesn't stop there - a QR Code can also contain a phone number, an SMS message, V-Card data or just plain alphanumeric text, and the scanning device will respond by opening up the correct application to handle the encoded data appropriately..." (qrcodestuff.com)

If you have a smart phone such as a Blackberry, Droid or iPhone for example, simply visit your app store and download one of any number of scanning apps. Most of these are free and most work pretty well. Open the app, point it at the bar code at the top of this post and scan it. It will launch your phone's browser and take you directly to the URL that I have encoded into the barcode. Pretty Cool.

Let us know if you'd like some help in incorporating a QR Code on one your printed pieces, we're happy to help!

Digital Printing Adds Additional Value

So this is essentially the same information that you'll find by selecting the "Digital" link in navigation at the top of the page, but I thought that it was important enough to highlight.

The addition of digital print capabilities allows us to pair our high-quality offset printing with fast-turn, high-quality digital; making us the perfect source for all your print needs.

If you're considering a digital print run, here's what you'll want to know about our Canon digital press.

• Prints full color at 1200 x 1200 dpi
• 12 x 18 sheet (11 x 17 + bleed)
• Runs uncoated, gloss, satin, dull and matte substrates
• Runs weights up to 120# Cover

If you're ready to get moving on a project, simply upload your files via the "Simple FTP Upload" launch located in the left margin of this page and give us a call with the project details.

For more information or to request digital print samples, please click HERE.