Transpromo envelopes to boost DM mail

Printing digital colour advertising with the postage imprint makes DM and utility mailing more valuable to SMEs.

New technology from mailing giant Pitney Bowes allows businesses to utilise transpromotional techniques on the front of envelopes they send to customers and clients. The technique enhances what Tony Simonsen, managing director, Pitney Bowes Australia, terms the “openability’ of ordinary mail.

“It’s an unfortunate term but colour messages on the outside of an envelope do increase the chances of it being opened. This is important for direct marketing and promotional mail,” he said at a Pitney Bowes showcase in Sydney last week.

Pictured below: Tony Simonsen with operator, Chris Kirby and the Connect+.

He was referring to the launch of the Connect+ postage meter, the latest development in a long line from the company’s initial invention of the mail-franking machine 90 years ago. Among many other features, the new meter range enables businesses to add colour, images and graphical text to promotional messages and transactional mail items.

“Pitney Bowes is a communication enabler. We focus on customer communication management, giving businesses the choice of using whatever channel they want – mail, email, messaging – to engage with their customers. It’s all about customer choice,” he said.

The declining mail stream globally triggered a transformation of Pitney Bowes away from relying on its traditional business. It bought numerous software companies to bolster its electronic abilities in the convergence of communication channels. The mail stream is now only one of a number of communication channels it plays in. It positions itself as a communications solution provider, driving further upstream to enable multiple channels of communication for its customers.

While the Connect+ print meter is aimed at non-commercial printing enterprises, the company also launched the DP40S, a colour envelope printer suitable for commercial printers. According to Michelle Sheehan, marketing director, the DP40S printer opens up new revenue streams for printing firms seeking to expand into the personalised and promotional mailing area.

“We look forward to demonstrating the unique capabilities of the DP40S to printing firms that are seeking tailored envelope content printing and the ability to customise promotional mail on behalf of their customers,” she said.

Pitney Bowes is also a partner with HP in the development of the T-series high-speed inkjet presses, which it markets under the IntelliJet brand. This mail-oriented iteration is aimed at Pitney Bowes’ major mailstream customers. None have been installed yet here or overseas.