Frequently Asked Questions

Printing & Mailing

If I order 5,000 cards can I get 2 different versions of 2,500 but still pay the 5,000 price?
In order to keep our prices as low as possible we can only print one version of each card and still provide a price break for higher quantities.

What kind of direct mail results can I expect?
There is no guaranteed level of returns with direct mail. Still, industry experts tend to use 2% response rate as a rule of thumb. We have seen results much higher than this and much lower as well. Your results will depend heavily on the quality of your direct mail list, your offer, and the amount of attention you grab with your design. Focusing on your goals for your results and return on investment are the most important measurements of success.

Does PMC offer environment-friendly direct mail solutions?
Yes. We believe in using recycled paper products as well as using recycling and environmentally conscious disposal methods.

Artwork & Design

How do I send you my artwork and what format should it be?
We use all of the latest and greatest programs -- such as Quark Xpress, PageMaker, InDesign, Illustrator, PhotoShop, and Acrobat. Our complete art submission guidelines can be found here.

I don't have artwork - just some ideas. Does PMC offer Design Services?
Yes. Our staff includes a full-service design department that is well versed in the language of direct mail. Our designers know what creates response and can design a fully customized mailer for around $250.

Mailing Lists

Can you help me find mailing lists that target my best prospects?
Yes. We are able to acquire virtually any list on the market. Just tell us who you are trying to reach and we will do the research and acquire the list for you.

What will happen when I send my mailing list to PMC?
When we receive your mailing list, it will be processed with software certified by the USPS in order to obtain the lowest possible postage rate for your mailing. (The USPS offers significant discounts for mail that has been printed with automation barcodes and prepared in presort order.)

How many times can I use the list I purchase?
Most mailing lists are purchased/rented with a single use. Multiple use licenses are available for an additional fee typically good for one year - but since information changes often, it may be better to purchase your list as needed.

How should I provide my mailing list?
Your mailing list should be sent to PMC via email or on disc.

My mailing list contains duplicate records. Can you clean up my list?
Address certification (CASS) is a standard part of our mailing services. And if you need us to de-dupe and cleanse your list, we can do that too.

Postage

What type of postage is right for my direct mail campaign?
If you are sending a large direct mail campaign that is not time sensitive you should probably choose to send it via Standard mail. Standard rates for a saturated mailing can be as low as $0.14 per piece vs. First Class averages over $0.32 per piece. If you are sending a standard-sized postcard (4 1/4 x 6") the good news is that First Class postcard rates are closer to $0.22 each. First Class postage provides the fastest and most reliable delivery for direct mail as well as returned mail service. Some research shows it can produce higher response rates as well.
For the most current USPS postage rates-- click here.

Why do I have to pay for postage before my mailing begins? Can you just invoice me for the postage?
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. PMC will send you a postage estimate and require a payment for the full estimated postage amount 48 hours before we mail your project. Any overpayment of postage will be credited back to you. PMC does not "re-sell" postage at a profit. We simply pass your postage along to the Post Office.

Can I put my postage amount on a credit card?
Yes we can accept credit cards for postage. There is a nominal 3.5% fee to pay for postage via credit card.

We are a, what do non-profit we have to do to take advantage of the non-profit postage rates?
If you don't already have a non-profit permit, you can use our non-profit permit at no additional charge. However, your non-profit status must first be approved by the Post Office. You must fill out a short form and supply some supporting documentation. To download an application, Click here.

Payment and Credit Options

What methods of payment does PMC accept?
Payments can be made using Visa, MasterCard or online payments. If paying by check, please make payable to Print Marketing Concpets, Inc. All check payments must be made in U.S. dollars and drawn on a bank located inside the U.S. Please remit payment to the following address:

Print Marketing Concepts, Inc.
10590 Westoffice Drive,
Houston, TX 77042

Please be sure to include your order and invoice number on the check or money order to ensure proper processing. Please note that the delivery expectations are based upon the actual date your order is processed. If you choose to pay by check, your order will be processed once we have verified that your check has cleared.

How to I apply for Credit with Print Marketing Concepts, Inc?
Credit applications are available for any customers wishing to open a line of credit with PMC. We may extend credit to customers with established credit references that can be verified individually and/or through credit reporting agencies. When a customer loses credit privileges, PMC may accept prepaid orders until credit can be reinstated.

Prepayment is required for customers without an established Print Marketing Concept’s Credit Account or pending credit approval. Prepayment may be made by supplying credit card (Visa, MasterCard,) information or by including a check with your order.

Who do I contact if I have more questions?
Give us a call toll-free at 1-800-615-9302. We're happy to help!