The Tactile, Sensory, and Interactive (TSI) promotion from the USPS® encourages mailers to utilize the power of the senses on their mailpieces in an effort to increase response rates. Creating a multi-sensory experience can make for a memorable mailpiece that will be sure to stand out. The TSI promotion is the perfect opportunity to earn potential discounts on mailing while utilizing creative design to create an appealing mailpiece. The 2023 TSI promotion is offering mailers who include specialty inks, sensory treatments or interactive elements on the outside of their mailpiece or envelope a 5% mail discount.
Promotion Registration: December 15, 2022–July 31, 2023
Promotion Dates: February 1, 2023–July 31, 2023
Discount: 5% of eligible postage for USPS Marketing Mail® letters and flats, First-Class Mail® letters, cards, and flats, as well as Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail® letters and flats.
Promotional Details
The TSI Promotion features specialty ink, sensory treatments, and interactive element categories:
Specialty Inks—The specialty inks must enhance the engagement and value of the mailpiece. Unique properties of specialty inks must be both visible and distinguishable on paper. There are several qualifying types of ink for this promotion.
Sensory Treatments—Sensory elements such as sight, sound, smell, touch and even taste can heighten the experience of the mailpiece for the recipient.
Interactive Elements—The mailpieces must include an experience that engages the recipient with dynamic effects by the use of folds or other dimensional elements. The mailpiece must include elements that the recipient can physically manipulate.
What’s New for 2023
The USPS has increased the discount percentage from 4% to 5% for 2023. The USPS is also requesting that participants request access to the Mailing Promotions Portal if they have not previously signed up. For more information and instructions, on how to do this, please click here.
You can check to view all of the program requirements here.
Related Tension Products
This promotion lends marketers a chance to infuse creativity (potentially through scents!) in their mailpiece. Many of Tension’s products have qualified in the past, including:
- Trailing Edge envelopes: Grab your recipients’ attention with this USPS-approved mailpiece.
- Embossed envelopes: Impress your audience with the variety of textures and patterns offered with embossing.
- Envelopes with special coatings: Intrigue and engage your recipients with a bold grit or soft to the touch coatings.
- Peel and Reveal direct mailpieces: The recipient peels back a thin layer of adhesive paper to reveal a second message about your company and products.
All mailers must submit their mailpiece to the USPS for approval. Prior approval does not guarantee future approval.
Related Tension Blogs
Direct mail, unlike digital communications, is printed and read on paper. This difference is significant, thanks to haptics and the way people process information. Haptics is the perception of an object by touch, especially in nonverbal communication. Its importance has been measured by neuroscience, a field which broadly covers the scientific study of the brain and the nervous system. Learn more about what the research says about haptics here.
2023 USPS Promotions and Incentives Guide from the USPS
The USPS gives all final approvals and including one of the design elements mentioned above does not automatically qualify you for the promotions. You can also consult with the USPS for full details on the Tactile, Sensory, and Interactive Mailpiece Engagement promotion at mailingpromotions@usps.gov. To view the 2023 Tactile, Sensory, and Interactive Promotion guide, click here.
Contact Tension
A Tension Sales expert can help you explore how to incorporate the USPS 2023 Tactile, Sensory, and Interactive Mailpiece Engagement Promotion in your next mailing. Contact us to start the conversation today.
*All approvals must come from the USPS®. The information presented here is for illustrative purposes only.
