Mobile Barcode Promotion July - August 2011 May 13, 2011.

Mobile Barcode Promotion

July - August 2011

May 13, 2011

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2D (two dimensional) barcodesA 2D barcode is a graphical image that stores information both horizontally and vertically. As a result of that construction, 2D codes can store up to 7,089 characters, significantly greater storage than is possible with the 20-character capacity of a uni-dimensional barcode.

2D barcodes are also known as quick response codes because they enable fast data access. 2D barcodes are often used in conjunction with smart phones. The user simply photographs a 2D barcode with the camera on a phone equipped with a barcode reader. The reader interprets the encoded URL, which directs the browser to the relevant information on a web site.

Mobile Barcode Promotion

Two-dimensional barcode

What is a Mobile Barcode?

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What is a Mobile Barcode?

Mobile Barcode Promotion

1D (one dimensional) Barcodes1D barcode symbologies only encodes data along the width of the barcode, and

include UPC codes (the bar codes you see on groceries) and seldom represent more

than a dozen characters.

The 1D bar code represents the key to a record in a database, where related

information is stored. The best example is a car licence plate which, by itself, doesn’t

mean much but, when entered into a motor vehicle database, can access all sorts of

information regarding the car it is attached to.

One-dimensional barcode

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Mobile Barcode Promotion

Examples of 2D Barcodes

There are over 20 types of 2D barcodes

Most common types QR Code (Quick Response

Code) Datamatrix Code Microsoft Tag

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Mobile Barcode Promotion Objectives

Promote awareness on ways technology can increase the value of mail

Create excitement about mail; keep mail top-of-mind for marketers

Reward innovative customers

Test ability to offer upfront discount on postage

Engage younger consumers in mail

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Mobile Barcode Program Basics

3% discount at the time of mailing (not a rebate)

Discount for mailings which contain valid 2-dimensional Mobile Barcodes for 2 months (July - August 2011)

First-Class Mail and Standard Mail letters and flats (automation and presort)

Mobile Barcode must be included inside or on outside of mailpiece and used for marketing purposes

Mobile Barcode Promotion

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Mobile Barcode Discount Eligibility

All of the following must apply: Mailings paid via permit imprint Mailing submitted using electronic documentation

(mail.dat, mail.xml or Postal Wizard) Meet Mobile Barcode requirements

Must be a two-dimensional barcode 2D code must be readable by mobile device 2D code must be used for marketing purposes

All mailpieces in mailing must contain Mobile Barcodes Non-profit mailings excluded

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Why Mobile Barcodes?

Mobile Barcodes turn interest into action Mobile Barcode on a gym postcard could link

directly to membership renewal Catalog items can be individually coded to bring

customers to purchase directly online, 24 hrs/day Store flyer can link to microsite with mobile

coupons Technology is new and gaining widespread use Integrates mail with mobile technology, makes mail

interactive Mailers can track response rates of mailing

immediately and with much greater detail

Mobile Barcode Promotion

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Mobile Barcodes in Catalogs

Mobile Barcode Promotion

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How to Obtain the Discount

Discount must be selected in incentive drop down menu in edoc submission

At acceptance, clerk will verify presence of barcode:First-Class Mail mailpieces with 2D barcode on the inside

of the mailpiece, the mailer must provide a sample of the mailpiece showing barcode placement

Clerk will take sample of Standard Mail mailpiece to verify barcode present

3% discount will be taken off total postage in PostalOne

The discount must be claimed at time of mailing and cannot be claimed later

Mailer must retain sample mailpiece for each mailing

Mobile Barcode Promotion

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Frequently Asked Questions

Has the Mobile Barcode Promotion been approved by the PRC?

A: No, the Notice was filed on April 12, 2011 and the PRC has 45 days to respond.

We do not anticipate a response until the end of May.

Mobile Barcode Promotion

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can customers receive a workshare discount and the mobile barcode discount?

A: Yes, “Workshare discounts” such as destination entry prices, or IMb full-service discounts, are part of the published price schedule and are not considered incentive discounts.  If all other program requirements are met, these mailings can qualify for the Mobile Barcode Promotion discount.

Mobile Barcode Promotion

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any restrictions on where the mobile barcode can be placed?

A: . The mobile barcode can be placed within the mailpiece or on the outside of the mailpiece, but cannot be placed in either the ‘indicia zone’ or the ‘barcode clear zone.’ For further information see DMM Sections 302.5.1 and 202.5.1

Mobile Barcode Promotion

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can a mobile barcode be placed on a detached address label (DAL) or blow-in card?

A: . Mobile barcodes on the detached address label or on a blow-in card do not qualify for the discount. However, if the mobile barcode is placed on the host piece and all other program requirements are met, the entire postage amount (postage for host piece and DAL) qualifies for the three percent discount.

Mobile Barcode Promotion

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Sales Role

Become knowledgeable on the USPS Mobile Barcode Promotion not to sell the promotion encourage the concept

Become knowledgeable in mobile marketing, specifically where direct mail/2D barcodes are applicable what MSPs might be using the technology

Keep prospects and customers aware of and educated on the value of integrating technology and mail.

Mobile Barcode Promotion

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Mobile Barcode Resources

Articles:

Direct Marketing IQ – QR Codes Changing the Way We Access Information

Target Marketing Magazine – Integrating QR Codes Into Your Marketing Mix

Deliver Magazine – Taking Advantage of QR Codes

Search Mobile Computing – What is a 2D barcode?

How to create 2D barcodes:

www.scanlife.com

www.beetagg.com

www.barcode.com

http://tag.microsoft.com/overview.aspx

http://www.idautomation.com/java/dmservlet.html

Mobile Barcode Promotion

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Mobile Barcode Promotion

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More Information

Internet:

www.usps.com/mobilebarcodepromotion

Email:

[email protected]

RIBBs (updated FAQs)

https://ribbs.usps.gov/index.cfm?page=mobilebarcode

Mobile Barcode Promotion