FAQ Glossary

Yes. Postcards are one of the most cost-effective direct mail formats. They’re low-cost to produce and can qualify for a wide range of postage discounts, helping keep overall campaign costs low. However, as with any direct mail activity, results will depend on having clear objectives, focused messaging and a strong call to action, but when used well, postcards can deliver excellent value for money.

There are no specific legal requirements, however, different postage providers have their own guidelines covering layout, clear zones and spacing. All mailed items must include a return (or ‘undelivered’) address so that Royal Mail can return items that cannot be delivered. The Mailing People can provide envelope templates to support your design, clearly showing all required dimensions and layout guidelines.

Yes! You can start by cleaning your list, simplifying your messaging, improving the design and planning a basic follow-up to your initial mail. These can make a big difference without breaking the bank. Even small tweaks can improve your response rate as they make your mail more appealing to read.

Generally, direct mail is A4 size or under, and weighs less than 750 grams. Limitations do apply for direct mail if you want to fit within postage thresholds.

If the audience is wrong or the message is poorly timed, it may be ignored. Costs can rise if the data behind the campaign isn’t kept up to date. It’s important to plan properly and make sure the content genuinely matches the people receiving it.

Yes. Naked mailers, paper wrapping and recyclable poly options all form part of a more sustainable fulfilment process. The best choice depends on the format of your mailer and your campaign goals, but all can help reduce waste and improve efficiency.

Paper wrap mailing typically uses 90gsm uncoated stock and is suitable for brochures or packs weighing up to 500g. There is no strict weight limit for paper wrap; however, once the pack weight exceeds 500g, alternative packaging options, such as cardboard book wrap, are often more suitable to ensure protection and mailing efficiency.

It depends on how many sheets are required, but as a general rule of thumb it becomes cost efficient to switch from digital to litho printing at around 2,000 sheets.

An experienced mailing house can share industry knowledge, audit your previous campaign data, look at print/design/distribution issues and help explain why results may have fallen short. And of course, suggest improvements for next time.

Yes. In fact, that’s when a specialist mailing house is most useful. They’ll guide you through each stage, explain your options clearly and point out things you might not know to look for, such as size, shape and weight limitations, as well as opportunities to reduce costs.

A major advantage of digital printing is that it can be fully variable – text and images. You can mix and match variable content with generic sections to cost efficiently produce highly personalised printed products.

Yes. As digital print is generated from a PDF or data source, the PDF can be fully variable and personalised throughout. It can also be generic, the same as litho printing if required.