How you can use integrated technologies to save on postage with the USPS® promotions.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming nearly every aspect of our lives. It is even poised to impact the way we design and create envelopes, inserts and other mailpieces. After about a decade of the Emerging and Advanced Technology promotion, this year’s USPS® promotions are embracing AI as part of its efforts to get mailers to use innovative technology, incorporating it into the 2025 Integrated Technology (IT) promotion.
Through this program, the USPS offers a 3% discount on approved mailpieces that leverage AI to enhance design and engagement. Ideally, these AI-powered mailpieces simplify the creative process, efficiently creating compelling copy and eye-catching visuals.
How does it work?
The requirement is very straightforward. To be considered for approval, the mailpiece must feature copy or imagery created using generative AI tools. These tools may include, but are not limited to:
- Adobe Firefly
- ChatGPT
- Microsoft Copilot
Options for Creating Your Envelope or Mailpiece
There are two options for qualifying for this year’s promotions.
- Option 1: Generate mailpiece copy using AI. This copy can include:
- Call to action or directional copy that appears on the mailpiece
- The envelope or mailpiece’s supporting text (minimum one complete sentence)
- Option 2: Generate the mailpiece images using AI tools.
- Image(s) must be clearly related to mailpiece messaging
- There must be a minimum of one AI-generated image
Approval Submission Requirements
Like all mailpieces that are being considered for the USPS promotions, mailers must submit them through the proper channels and have them preapproved. To be approved for this promotion using AI, you must have it preapproved and submit the following:
- An unedited digital file (e.g., PDF) containing the prompt submitted to the AI tool and the output or response.
- Optional: Include link to prompt and output.
- A short description of how the tool was used. If incorporated copy or image does not entirely match AI-generated output, explain what changes were made to the output and why.
- Clear relationship between the prompt and the output.
- Mailpiece imagery or copy must match the AI tool’s output, unless edits are explained.
More details on the AI elements of the IT promotion, including examples of AI prompts, can be found on page 19 of the IT Guidebook from the USPS. Mailpieces that use unexplained, edited AI-generated output will not be approved. Nor will AI prompts that instruct AI to generate specific copy, such as an AI prompt that says, “Use this exact wording: ‘Take me to my website.’”
Have more questions?
This USPS promotion offers mailers a unique opportunity to embrace AI in a productive, meaningful way. Tension is here to help you navigate these exciting advancements in AI implementation. For questions or assistance with any of the USPS promotions, contact us today.
