This page contains a list of frequently asked questions related
to our Direct Mail services. If
you feel that you know of a suitable resource and would like
a link from us or if you have a question
that is not answered on this page please use our enquiry
form.
Fulfilment is undoubtedly an important
aspect of any direct marketing campaign. Here at HDC Media Group, we operate
a comprehensive direct mail fulfilment service, with the ability
to project manage anything from small jobs through to large campaigns.
All campaign fulfilment, large or
small is co-ordinated internally and externally through closely
linked associated agencies to provide a tailored, quality and dedicated
service.
Clients also benefit from highly competitive parcel and packet distribution
available through UK and abroad together with volume Royal Mail
discounts.
My mailing list is a little disorganised. Can you remove any duplicates and removal requests?
We can analyse your mailing file and highlight
improvements for accuracy of mailings/direct mail marketing campaigns
and provide addresses in a consistent format. Data analysis and
cleansing processes include:
How should my packages be sent - First
or Second Class mail?
This entirely depends upon what you
need to achieve as part of your mailing objectives. First Class mail is ideal if you want your letter or packet to be
delivered the next working day, including Saturday. It costs just
28p for letters and small items weighing up to 60g.
Many businesses use Second Class mail every day to send letters,
packets and other small items. It costs just 21p for letters and
small items weighing up to 60g. Royal Mail aim to deliver mail by
the third working day after posting.
If you need to send large volumes
of mail in the UK, there are a number of bulk discount schemes available
including Mailsort™ which could be of interest to you. By
sorting your mailing for you and having at least 90% of the addresses
with a correct postcode, you can save up to 30% of normal costs.
We will give you full support and assistance in what to do and setting
up, and you can decide how much you save based on how much you sort
and when you want the mail to arrive. There are three versions of
Mailsort to choose from based on mail type and the amount of sorting
required.
You can also select from three delivery options and Mail can range
from standard envelopes to irregular shapes and weights (up to 2kg).
The minimum number of items to send to qualify for a discount is
2,000.
Yes. You can use your own mailing label
design. However, it is important to ensure that mailing labels comply
with Royal Mail guidelines as well as making sure that the bespoke
labels can be efficiently lasered with the correct postal address
information.
Our direct mailing services
incur different costs depending upon the various elements of the
direct marketing campaign. Some of these services incur fees up-front
but many can be paid for later, subject to credit approval. We judge
each campaign on its merits and find the most appropriate payment
route to suit your circumstances.
Postal costs normally need to be paid up-front. Requiring postage
up front is standard practice in the Direct Mail industry. This
is because the cost of the postage, which can be more than the cost
of the entire printing job, is passed directly to the customer with
no mark-up.
Do you offer this service as part of a package deal with duplication?
As part of our product and service offering,
we help clients review their direct marketing and campaign objectives.
Very often, this includes looking at all elements including CD duplication or CD replication. Package deals are available subject
to achieving economies of scale through quantities ordered. We are
here to help you plan efficiently.
How long will it take to get my packages
sent out once I've paid?
Packages are normally dated, and
therefore time sensitive. Once we have prepared the date sensitive
elements of the direct mail campaign, it is imperative that packages are dispatched
immediately. The account management teams liaise with agencies and
product managers to ensure all tactical elements of the campaign
are executed on time and correctly.
