This article addresses the most frequently asked questions, key strategies for navigating the promotions, and expert insights into preparing your campaigns.
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Join USPS Promotions experts Latasha Roman and Darrin Bell for this hands-on “technical” workshop providing step-by-step guidance through the Business Customer Gateway (BCG) portal, showing exactly how to implement and claim each of the 2025 USPS mailing promotions.
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2025 USPS Promotions Insights: What's New, What's the Same, and How to Prepare
With the 2025 USPS promotions just around the corner, now is the perfect time to review what’s new, what’s staying the same, and how you can start preparing to maximize these promotions and make every mailpiece count.
Once logged in, ensure that you have access to the “Incentive Programs” section, where you will register for promotions.
STEP 2
Choose the Appropriate Promotion
Navigate to the “Incentive Programs” section and select the promotion you are participating in (e.g., Continuous Contact, Tactile, Sensory, Interactive).
Select the appropriate promotion for which your mailpieces need pre-approval.
STEP 3
Submit Your Mailpiece for Pre-Approval
Go to the Mailing Promotions Portal within BCG. Under the selected promotion, you’ll find an option to submit your mailpiece for pre-approval.
Upload a digital version (PDF) of your mailpiece for review. You’ll need to include details like:
The design of the mailpiece.
Any additional technologies (e.g., QR codes, NFC, augmented reality).
Specialty treatments (e.g., tactile finishes, pop-ups, or scented elements) if applicable.
Be sure to include all iterations of your mailpiece (initial and follow-ups if applicable).
STEP 4
Wait for USPS Review
After submission, the USPS Promotions Office will review your mailpiece. This process typically takes around four business days.
USPS may request revisions or adjustments to your mailpiece if it does not fully meet the promotion requirements. You will be notified via email or the Promotions Portal if changes are needed.
STEP 5
Receive Pre-Approval
Once the mailpiece is approved, you will receive a pre-approval letter or notification within the Promotions Portal.
Keep this pre-approval letter as proof that your mailpiece qualifies for the discount during the promotion.
STEP 6
Mailpiece Changes After Pre-Approval
If you make significant changes to the design or content of your mailpiece after receiving pre-approval, you may need to resubmit the new version for re-approval.
STEP 7
Claim Your Discount
Once your mailpiece is pre-approved, you can proceed with mailing. Ensure that you file your postage statements electronically and use the correct CCR (Characteristics Code) to claim the discount. For example:
Continuous Contact: Use CCR Code: CC.
Tactile, Sensory, and Interactive: Use CCR Code: SS.
Integrated Technology: Use CCR Code: IT.
STEP 8
Add-On Discounts (If Applicable)
If you’re participating in additional promotions like Informed Delivery or Sustainability, you can claim extra discounts (e.g., 1%) by entering the appropriate Type A (Add-On) code during the postage submission process.
STEP 9
Submit Hardcopy Sample (If Required)
For certain promotions (like Tactile, Sensory, Interactive), you may also need to mail a physical sample of your mailpiece to the Promotions Office. The instructions and address will be provided within the portal when applicable.
STEP 10
Track the Approval Status
Stay updated by regularly checking the Promotions Portal for any status changes or additional feedback during the review process.
Example Timeline
Follow our comprehensive guide to ensure successful pre-approval for USPS promotional programs
1
Registration
Create your account in the USPS Business Customer Gateway portal
2
Submit Documents
Upload required documentation and promotional materials for review
3
USPS Review
USPS evaluates your submission for compliance and eligibility
4
Approval Confirmation
Receive official approval and begin implementing your promotional campaign