Simple Samples FAQs - PromptDirect Inc

1 Page 1 Version 1 12/06//12 Simple Samples Program Frequently Asked Questions I. PROGRAM PARAMETERS 1. What is the Simples Samples Program? Product Samples , also known as Simple Samples , is a reconfiguration of what is currently Marketing Parcels Carrier Route. Samples are mailable at targeted address prices (similar to current basic Carrier Route prices) or at saturation prices (Every Door Direct Mail prices). Simplified preparation standards enable mailers to induct Samples into the mail in cartons/sacks without requiring outer packaging. Under the simplified pricing structure, every door Samples will be priced at $ (small sample) and $.

2 30 (large sample) and for targeted Samples $ (small) and $ (large) a piece, for up to 200,000 pieces. Lower prices are offered for higher-volumes. 2. When can customers start mailing using the Simple Samples Program? January 27th, 2013, the same date as when the Price Change goes into effect. 3 When will the program end? This program is ongoing. 4. What is the registration process? No registration is required, 5. Who qualifies for this program? Commercial mailers entering Marketing Parcels which contain product Samples and are sorted to carrier routes or prepared as saturation mailings.

3 Non-profit organizations also qualify for the Simple Samples Program. 6. How will customers benefit from using this new program when mailing product Samples ? Customers will benefit from the tier pricing as it takes out the complexity of calculating postage for pieces over oz while lowering costs. The relaxed preparation requirements will make it easier for customers to prepare and induct product Samples and meet minimum requirements. II. PREPARATION REQUIREMENTS 1. Are there any minimums per DDU or carrier route? Minimum for total mailing is 50 lbs or 200 pieces, but no minimums per carrier route are required.

4 For saturation mailings the whole route must be covered. 2. Do DALs have to be sorted? DALs for Product Samples must be sorted to carrier routes, including delivery routes and Post Office Box sections. Current preparation requirements for DALs apply. 3. What are the DAL size requirements? Each DAL must be made of paper or cardboard stock that is not folded, perforated, or creased, and that meets these measurements: a. Between 3-1/2 and 5 inches high (perpendicular to the address). b. Between 5 and 9 inches long (parallel to the address). c. At least inch thick d.

5 If more than 4-1/4 inches high or more than 6 inches long, must be at least inch thick. e. Must have an aspect ratio (length divided by height) from to , inclusive Page 2 Version 1 12/06/12 4. For targeted Simple Samples , how do the DALs travel with the 5-Digit cartons? DALs are placed inside the cartons/sacks with the Samples . 5. What are the requirements for the facing slips? Facing slips on bundles of DALs must show the carrier route designation, the 5-digit destination ZIP Code, and the number of DALs for that carrier route. Facing slips used on bundles of Product Sample parcels must show the quantity in the bundle if less than 50 and this information: Line 2: Content ( , STD MKTG SAMPLE) if accompanied by DALs bundled by carrier route, or contents followed by carrier route type and route number when not accompanied by DALs ( , STD MKTG SAMPLE CR R 012 ).

6 6. What are the dimensions for cartons? Cartons must not exceed 108 length and girth combined and must not weigh more than 40 lbs. 7. Do carton labels require a specific format? Carton labels should contain the same information as sack labels: a. Delivery Post Office name and 5-digit ZIP Code delivery area. b. Title, brand name, or other description of the items. c. Name and telephone number of the mailer or representative. d. Number of labels or items in the carton, as applicable. e. Instructions to open and distribute either the DALs with matching items or the items with matching DALs, as appropriate.

7 8. What are the maximum dimensions for pallets? Maximum gross weight is 2,200 lbs. Pallets must measure 48 by 40 inches and the combined height of the stacked pallets and their loads can not exceed 77 inches. III. MAILING SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS 1. Can we co-mingle our Samples with another sample program for DNDC delivery? Samples must be identical in size and weight to be on the same postage statement and qualify for the discount. Combining separate sample programs for different customers to get the discount is not allowed. 2. Are pallets required for mailings dropped at the destination delivery units?

8 No, pallets are not required for DDU entry. Mailers can use cartons or sacks to deposit the mail. Pallets are required for DSCF and DNDC entered mailings. 3. Are there any fees for mailings entered at destinations other than the destination delivery unit? A pallet charge applies to each pallet of product Samples entered at a DNDC or DSCF, except 3-digit pallets properly entered at a DSCF. A carton or sack charge applies to each carton or sack of Product Samples on a 3-digit pallet. 4. Will there be a Simple sample retail and BMEU program like EDDM?

9 The program was designed for mail entry at the DDU, DSCF and DNDC. Page 3 Version 1 12/06/12 IV. MAILPIECE/MAILING CONTENT REQUIREMENTS 1. What qualifies to be mailed under the new Simple Samples Program? Marketing Parcels which contain information and/or product Samples which are being sent with the purpose of encouraging recipients to purchase a product or service, make a contribution, support a cause, form a belief or opinion, take an action, or obtain information. 2. What are examples of product Samples ? Miniature versions of a full-sized product such as shampoo and lotion, diapers, detergent 3.

10 Can there be advertising on the DAL? Yes, you can place advertising material or a coupon on the back of the DAL/DML. 4. What is the minimum size for a parcel containing a product sample? In order to qualify as a Marketing Parcel and for the Simple Samples Program the parcel must be at least 3x5x1/4 5. What are the maximum dimensions for the small and large parcels containing product Samples to qualify for the program? Small parcels must be no larger than 6 inches long, 4 inches high and inches thick Large parcels are over with a maximum size of 12 inches by 9 inches by 2 inches thick.