Today’s marketing world might be forward-focused and tech-heavy, but direct mail still holds its place as one of the most effective tools we have to reach customers. One downside, of course, is that postage costs can add up more quickly than we expect. That’s where the annual postal promotions from the U.S. Postal Service come in.
The Basics of Postal Promotions
Each year, the USPS offers a set of promotional discounts for marketers, usually designed to incentivize the use of certain types of mail, mail features, and so on. For 2025, all of the promotions except for one (discussed below) require campaigns to register during a specific period and carry out their campaign during a similarly pre-scheduled period. Eligible campaigns get around 3% to 4% savings on First Class and/or Marketing Mail campaigns that fit the requirements. Plus, in 2025, you can stack some discounts for the first time!
Taking advantage of the postal promotions is fairly straightforward, but it does take just a bit of advance planning. Before you start your mail campaign(s), you must fill out some paperwork and submit proof that your planned mail pieces meet the promotion’s requirements. Don’t let it get overwhelming, though – an expert mailing partner like Lithographics can help you keep track of these tasks and get them all completed well in advance of any deadlines.
After your campaign is approved, all you have to do it get it launched and see how the savings add up!
2025 Postal Promotions
Here’s an overview of the 2025 postal promotions, including all the relevant requirements and deadlines:
- Integrated Technology: Marketing Mail letters and flats; First-Class Mail letters, cards, and flats; and Non-Profit Marketing Mail letters and flats that incorporate technology such as enhanced AR, VR/MR, video in print, mobile shopping, AI integration, and others, are eligible for a 3% discount. Mailers can now select their own mailing schedule for this promotion, as long as it runs for six consecutive months during the 2025 calendar year. Registration is open all year.
- Tactile, Sensory, and Interactive: Marketing Mail letters and flats and First-Class Mail letters, cards, and flats that use enhanced techniques (specialty inks, sensory treatments, interactive elements) can qualify for a 4% discount between Feb. 1 and Jul. 31. Registration begins Dec. 15, 2024.
- Continuous Contact: Marketing Mail and Non-Profit Marketing Mail letters and flats that contain targeted follow-up content after an initial mailer can qualify for a 3% discount between Apr. 1 and Dec. 31. Registration begins Feb. 15, 2025.
- Reply Mail IMbA: First-Class Mail presort and automation letters that use static IMbA are eligible for a 3% discount, and pieces that use serialized IMbA are eligible for a 6% discount, between Jul. 1 and Dec. 31. Registration begins May 15, 2025.
- First-Class Mail Advertising: First-Class Mail letters, cards, and flats featuring advertisements or marketing messages can qualify for a 3% discount between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31. Registration begins July 15, 2025.
Additionally, the USPS is also offering two “add on” promotions for 2025. Marketers can add one or both of these promotions to a single campaign along with one of the main promotions, as long as all the requirements are met for each, with documentation submitted as requested. Registration for add-ons must be submitted at the same time as registering for the main promotion.
- Informed Delivery: Mail pieces that qualify under their primary promotion can receive an additional 1% discount for using the USPS Informed Delivery omni-channel feature. If you use the eDoc Postage Statement Submitter tool, you can earn an additional 0.5% incentive.
- Sustainability: Mail pieces that qualify under their primary promotion can receive an additional 1% discount for demonstrating the paper used in the mailings is responsibly sourced and sustainability produced by exhibiting an eligible certification.
Don’t spend more than you need to on your direct mail campaigns! The 2025 Postal Promotions offer great ways to expand your creativity while saving big on postage. Lithographics is here to help all year long. Let us partner with you to plan impactful campaigns and take care of the paperwork – and see the rewards in your ROI for 2025!