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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between digital printing and traditional offset printing for my marketing materials?
Digital printing is ideal for fast, cost-effective, short-run projects with variable data needs. For larger bulk volumes, traditional offset printing offers superior cost-per-piece efficiency and precise color-matching capabilities across massive print runs.
When should I use postcards instead of self-mailers for a promotional campaign?
Postcards are highly effective for quick, high-impact messages because they don't require opening. Self-mailers, such as folded brochures, are recommended when you need extra layout space to showcase detailed product catalogs or secure sensitive customer information.
Why do I need to supply design files with specific bleed margins and color profiles?
Printers require files in CMYK color mode with 0.125-inch bleeds to prevent unexpected color shifts and unsightly white borders after cutting. Our prepress team at MLS Mailing enforces these guidelines to guarantee your final printed piece looks perfectly aligned.
Mailing Lists & Campaign Strategy
How does a targeted mailing list service improve my campaign response rate?
Instead of blanket mailing, a targeted list filters your audience by specific demographics, geographic radiuses, or buying behaviors. This precision ensures your printed catalogs or postcards reach high-value prospects who are statistically more likely to convert.
Why do I need to run my customer address list through NCOA processing?
National Change of Address (NCOA) processing updates the records of contacts who have recently moved. MLS Mailing recommends this step prior to printing to prevent expensive undeliverable mail pieces and keep your database clean.
Fulfillment, Kitting, & Postal Optimization
How does the kitting and fulfillment process work for multi-item promotional packages?
Our team gathers your printed flyers, promotional items, and custom stationery sets, securely packing them into unified kits. This synchronized assembly ensures that your custom packages are neatly organized, accurately labeled, and ready for systematic postal distribution.
Why do my bulk letters need to go through postal optimization and sorting?
Sorting mail by ZIP code and pre-processing it allows the USPS to bypass several sorting steps. Our experience at MLS Mailing shows that optimizing your mail this way secures the lowest possible postage rates and speeds up overall delivery times.
How long does a complete direct mail campaign take from design to delivery?
Typically, prepress proofing and digital printing take 3 to 5 business days, followed by 2 days for lettershop processing. Standard delivery varies, but postal optimization helps us bypass unnecessary postal hubs to get your campaign delivered faster.
