Blog

Postage costs

There’s no denying that postage is by far one of the largest costs when it comes to the distribution of publications. But, while it’s not possible to wave a magic wand to eliminate the cost completely, it’s highly likely you could reduce your postage spend.

We offer huge discounts on standard postal rates for sending items in the UK or to Overseas addresses. The price you pay is a fraction of the actual cost.

We can also promise a ‘drop date’ so you know your publication will drop as per your schedule. This is an ideal solution where subscribers are guaranteed to receive their publication on or before the day it’s released to the news trade. It also enables your digital releases to be perfectly synchronised.

Sustainable publishing

Another consideration is the sustainability of the wrap used for your mailed publications.

Traditionally, publishers have opted for poly wrap, mainly due to a lack of choice, but as consumers become more environmentally conscious, so must publishers. They say never judge a book by its cover, but perhaps a publication will be judged by its wrap. While poly wrap does carry some eco credentials, paper wrap is the eco-warrior!

The paper wrap we use is fully recyclable, and the paper used has already been recycled (or is from a sustainable source), sending a positive message to the consumer.

Just like poly wrapping, paper wrapping allows for more than one item to be enclosed in the pack. Plus, the same postage discounts are available for publications that are paper wrapped. It’s an eco-postage marriage made in heaven!

Ready to benefit from low-cost distribution of publications?

If you’re ready to make considerable savings on your postage costs, our friendly team can help get you started. Why not talk to us about switching from poly to paper wrap at the same time! Contact us on 01480 450661 to talk about your needs.

First Mailing services

We have a full range of services that you can choose from:

• Understand your data: successful campaigns are a result of being smart with your data. Need help? We can help source and supply. MORE >
• Make an impact through print: bring your direct mail campaigns to life with a variety of print colours & finishes. MORE >
• Make it personal: improve client engagement and target the right message to the right person. MORE >
• Save time and money: Decrease turnaround time by automating the process of distribution. MORE >
• Paper wrap it: eco-friendly paper wrapping is a high-speed solution for packing mail packs. MORE >
• Poly wrap it: compostable wrapping is a high-speed solution for packing mail packs. MORE >
• Fulfilment that speaks volumes: think outside the box and compile a pack that really talks to your clients. MORE >
• Connect with digital marketing: complement your direct mail campaigns with digital marketing. MORE >
• Postage: benefit from amazing postage discounts to reduce your campaign costs. MORE >

We’ve all heard of email scams from unknown, down-on-their-luck, fraudsters asking for money. Or the letter informing the recipient of unclaimed inheritance. A simple ‘click here’ link which requires the unknowing victim to make a small – or even considerable – payment.

The stories are fake.

Over the Christmas period, there was a significant rise in postal scams. Letters are written as if from a friend or family member, asking ‘do you remember me?’, ‘it’s been so long’, ‘how’s the family?’. The letters, printed in colour with a scripted font that could pass for handwriting, weave stories of illness which has incurred extensive medical costs or of unmanageable escalating living costs. The letters always end with a plea for financial help.

There are those who are vulnerable, whose memories have faded, who feel confused, guilty even, that they don’t remember this dear friend. These people become victims as they hand over their life savings to fraudsters.

Celebratory seasons tend to see a rise in such scams. Easter will be here sooner than we think and it’s important to protect those who are vulnerable.

Protect the vulnerable

We have a few reasons for writing this article.

Raise awareness

We aim to raise awareness of this fraudulent activity in the hope that it leads to the protection of those vulnerable to scams.

Stop aiding criminals

We also hope to speak to our fellow print and mailing houses. These letters are professionally printed and anyone aiding these fraudsters is undertaking criminal activity. It needs to stop. We implore anyone who is approached to print and distribute such letters to report the fraudsters to the police.

Take action

Finally, we hope to encourage anyone who has received such a letter, or knows someone who has, to take action. Below are a couple of actions that could help:

• If you are a victim of a postal scam: contact Action Fraud immediately, so they can track down the fraudster and ensure others don’t go through the same experience.
• If you are concerned about the legitimacy of a letter: contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06 or Action Fraud for advice.

Unsure what to do?

If you are still unsure what the best course of action is, or if you have information about postal scams, talk to our team on 01480 450661 who will guide and advise you.

Sustainable mailing of publications

Our friendly team can help you achieve sustainable mailing of publications! Contact us on 01480 450661 to talk about your needs and ask us for a no obligation quote.

First Mailing services

We have a full range of services that you can choose from:

• Understand your data: successful campaigns are a result of being smart with your data. Need help? We can help source and supply. MORE >
• Make an impact through print: bring your direct mail campaigns to life with a variety of print colours & finishes. MORE >
• Make it personal: improve client engagement and target the right message to the right person. MORE >
• Save time and money: Decrease turnaround time by automating the process of distribution. MORE >
• Paper wrap it: eco-friendly paper wrapping is a high-speed solution for packing mail packs. MORE >
• Poly wrap it: compostable wrapping is a high-speed solution for packing mail packs. MORE >
• Fulfilment that speaks volumes: think outside the box and compile a pack that really talks to your clients. MORE >
• Connect with digital marketing: complement your direct mail campaigns with digital marketing. MORE >
• Postage: benefit from amazing postage discounts to reduce your campaign costs. MORE >

Costs of raw materials and production services are escalating. Consumers demand sustainable solutions. So, how is it possible to mail publications to subscribers in a way that is both cost-efficient and sustainable?

Poly or paper wrap?

Publications sent through the post must be wrapped to meet Royal Mail’s guidelines. Traditionally, publishers have worked with mail houses, such as First Mailing, to wrap their publications in poly wrap.

While the plastic film we use is fully recyclable, and our polythene films meet the 30% requirement of the PPT, consumers may be wary.

That’s why we invested in paper wrap technology to enclose publications. The wrap we use is fully recyclable, and the paper we use has already been recycled or is from a sustainable source, sending a positive message to send to your subscribers.

Costings

Our set up costs are low compared to many other suppliers and so both short and long-running work is suitable.

We are also able to inkjet in colour onto a paper wrap itself, allowing for logos and straplines to be incorporated onto the wrap without the need for bespoke printing.

If you have never considered using the more environmentally friendly paper wrapping option, instead of poly because your runs may have previously been too small, it’s worthwhile reconsidering.

We can also review your current costs for poly wrap if you wish to remain with the traditional service. Ask us for a free cost analysis against all aspects of your production and postage.

Postage costs

Postage is by far one of the largest costs when it comes to mailing publications, but when done correctly, you can benefit from great discounts.

We use sophisticated in-house software to sort your address data, maximising discounts for you. But also, delivery timing is crucial. We offer vastly discounted services on a range of 1st & 2nd class and economy services (4-day delivery), helping you stay within budget.

Sustainable mailing of publications

Our friendly team can help you achieve sustainable mailing of publications! Contact us on 01480 450661 to talk about your needs and ask us for a no obligation quote.

First Mailing services

We have a full range of services that you can choose from:

• Understand your data: successful campaigns are a result of being smart with your data. Need help? We can help source and supply. MORE >
• Make an impact through print: bring your direct mail campaigns to life with a variety of print colours & finishes. MORE >
• Make it personal: improve client engagement and target the right message to the right person. MORE >
• Save time and money: Decrease turnaround time by automating the process of distribution. MORE >
• Paper wrap it: eco-friendly paper wrapping is a high-speed solution for packing mail packs. MORE >
• Poly wrap it: compostable wrapping is a high-speed solution for packing mail packs. MORE >
• Fulfilment that speaks volumes: think outside the box and compile a pack that really talks to your clients. MORE >
• Connect with digital marketing: complement your direct mail campaigns with digital marketing. MORE >
• Postage: benefit from amazing postage discounts to reduce your campaign costs. MORE >

Looking back on 2022, we saw a real shift in the publishing world towards sustainable publishing. This isn’t a new thing, but the pace has noticeably increased.

Plastic-free lamination

The trend of matte laminated covers is shifting in favour of plastic-free lamination. At the start of 2022, we handled the transition away from matte lamination of a handful of titles, but by the end of the year, many titles we manage were plastic-free.

We expect this positive trend to continue across the publishing sector throughout this year as publishers strive to become more environmentally friendly.

Paper wrapping of titles

Another area of growth in the publishing sector is the move away from poly wrapping to paper wrapping of titles distributed through the postal system to subscribers.

Although poly wrapping does carry some eco credentials, paper wrapping oozes them. The paper wrapping is fully recyclable, and the paper used has already been recycled (or is from a sustainable source), sending a positive message to the consumer.

While the plastic film we use for poly wrapping is fully recyclable, and meets the 30% requirement of the PPT, it’s clear that consumers are becoming more environmentally aware and there is an ever-growing risk of subscribers moving away from less sustainable titles.

News trade

The publisher’s choice of paper wrap over poly wrap could have a positive impact on the news trade. Faced with shelves of competing titles in a shop, sustainability does have a part to play for the undecided, environmentally conscious, consumer. As with the postal subscriber titles, the risk of losing customers is extremely high.

The beauty of paper wrapping is that the wrap can be digitally printed to ensure it is as appealing to the consumer as its poly wrapped counter. Indeed, the wrap can be a duplication of the title’s cover ensuring brand visibility with a bold splash of eco pizzazz.

Become a sustainable publisher

If you are seriously considering becoming a more sustainable publisher (and you really should be if you aren’t already!), contact us on 01480 450661 to talk about the options and ask us for a no obligation quote.

First Mailing services

We have a full range of services that you can choose from:

• Understand your data: successful campaigns are a result of being smart with your data. Need help? We can help source and supply. MORE >
• Make an impact through print: bring your direct mail campaigns to life with a variety of print colours & finishes. MORE >
• Make it personal: improve client engagement and target the right message to the right person. MORE >
• Save time and money: Decrease turnaround time by automating the process of distribution. MORE >
• Paper wrap it: eco-friendly paper wrapping is a high-speed solution for packing mail packs. MORE >
• Poly wrap it: compostable wrapping is a high-speed solution for packing mail packs. MORE >
• Fulfilment that speaks volumes: think outside the box and compile a pack that really talks to your clients. MORE >
• Connect with digital marketing: complement your direct mail campaigns with digital marketing. MORE >
• Postage: benefit from amazing postage discounts to reduce your campaign costs. MORE >

Ready to make an impact?

Our friendly team of paper wrapping experts can help you get the most from your next mailshot. Contact us us on 01480 450661 to talk about your next campaign.

First Mailing services

We have a full range of services that you can choose from:

• Understand your data: successful campaigns are a result of being smart with your data. Need help? We can help source and supply. MORE >
• Make an impact through print: bring your direct mail campaigns to life with a variety of print colours & finishes. MORE >
• Make it personal: improve client engagement and target the right message to the right person. MORE >
• Save time and money: Decrease turnaround time by automating the process of distribution. MORE >
• Paper wrap it: eco-friendly paper wrapping is a high-speed solution for packing mail packs. MORE >
• Poly wrap it: compostable wrapping is a high-speed solution for packing mail packs. MORE >
• Fulfilment that speaks volumes: think outside the box and compile a pack that really talks to your clients. MORE >
• Connect with digital marketing: complement your direct mail campaigns with digital marketing. MORE >
• Postage: benefit from amazing postage discounts to reduce your campaign costs. MORE >

A generic mail piece has its place, but if you’re seeking greater engagement and return on investment from your marketing, personalisation is important.

Let’s look at the impact of a generic mail piece versus a personalised mail piece from the customer’s perspective.

The power of personalised mail pieces

The customer (we’ll call her Emma) has just become the proud owner of Ralph, a cockapoo puppy. On her first visit to a large pet store she purchases everything from a bed to toys to food for Ralph.

At the checkout, she signs up to the loyalty reward scheme which promises discounts as well as useful tips for caring for your pet in exchange for Emma’s contact details and few details about Ralph.

Three weeks later, Emma receives a generic mail piece from the pet store. It is addressed to her, so there’s some kind of personalisation, but the content in the mail piece and the discount vouchers are not specific to the data she imparted and so it all ends up in the recycling bin.

A couple of weeks later and Ralph needs more supplies so Emma drops into another pet store on her way home from work. At the till she is encouraged, once more, to sign up to this pet store’s loyalty reward scheme. Emma is hesitant but hands over her contact details and Ralph’s key information.

Within a few days, Emma receives a fully personalised mail piece. The naked mailer is full of advice about puppies, including obedience training tips. There is also a discount voucher for 20% off puppy supplies.

The store has gained a new customer who, when she receives future mail pieces, will soon be rewarded for recommending friends to the store.

Understanding your customer

Of course, personalisation isn’t just about special offers, but it is about understanding the needs of the customer. It’s about attracting them, engaging them, and retaining them with useful content so they don’t end being a one-time-only customer.

Get personal

At First Mailing we have the equipment to personalise many different products in a variety of different ways. Such as:

• Inkjetting of addresses or targeted messages onto printed brochures as well as printing on the mailpack’s wrappings (paper wrapping, poly wrapping)
• Carrier sheets, postcards, envelopes and one-piece mailers
• Laser printing letterheads or donation forms
• Digital printing variable text and images
• Thermal printing and personalising membership or loyalty cards

Ready to understand your customers?

We can help you understand your customers and make predictions of future purchases based on the information they provide you with. Contact us us on 01480 450661 to talk about your personalisation needs.

First Mailing services

We have a full range of services that you can choose from:

• Understand your data: successful campaigns are a result of being smart with your data. Need help? We can help source and supply. MORE >
• Make an impact through print: bring your direct mail campaigns to life with a variety of print colours & finishes. MORE >
• Make it personal: improve client engagement and target the right message to the right person. MORE >
• Save time and money: Decrease turnaround time by automating the process of distribution. MORE >
• Paper wrap it: eco-friendly paper wrapping is a high-speed solution for packing mail packs. MORE >
• Poly wrap it: compostable wrapping is a high-speed solution for packing mail packs. MORE >
• Fulfilment that speaks volumes: think outside the box and compile a pack that really talks to your clients. MORE >
• Connect with digital marketing: complement your direct mail campaigns with digital marketing. MORE >
• Postage: benefit from amazing postage discounts to reduce your campaign costs. MORE >