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Case F.9
Rural Publications can Really Save by Monitoring NDG or LCP

This is an ongoing case for all of our clients that mail Publications Mail to rural addresses.

Publications Mail offers what are termed “Regional” rates. To qualify for Regional rates, 50% or more of the mailing must be delivered through non-letter carrier postal outlets in the province of deposit or adjoining provinces. So, in Ontario, that would be Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec and in Alberta, it would be British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, and so on. For simplicity sake, non-letter carrier offices are those where the second character of the postal code is a “0”. Examples include Elora ON (N0B 1S0) and Mitchell ON (N0K 1N0).

Regional rates are significantly less than LCP rates. However, it is only that portion of the mailing that is delivered via non-letter carrier postal outlets that qualifies for Regional rates. The balance of the records are typically billed at the flat NDG rate, which is normally significantly higher than the average LCP rate.

This whole situation is further complicated by the fact that the base weight allowance for an NDG sorted Publications mailing is 100 grams, whereas for an LCP sorted Publications mailing, the base weight is 200 grams.

There is no doubt that this can be a little confusing. However, simply stated, we know that a mailing that qualifies for Regional rates, where the piece is 100 grams or less, should almost always be mailed using Regional/NDG rates. However, when the weight exceeds 100 grams, this is not always the case. We also need to consider the percentage of pieces that qualify for Regional rates. For example, if only 50% can be delivered via Regional rates (non-letter carrier outlets), the break point to move to LCP would be lower, than if 99% qualified for Regional rates.

In order to determine which type of sort to use, we have developed our own software, which runs the numbers and determines which option is the most cost-effective. We then sort the mailing accordingly.

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blogs

Our Creative Director, Matt Ward, maintains a blog he calls the dESIGNER'S cLOISTER. Featuring considerations of various facets of design for both print and web, with a particular slant towards the do-it-yourself designer, this blog seeks to inform and entertain.

Click here to visit Matt Ward's dESIGNER'S cLOISTER.

look up a postal code

For your convenience, we have provided a link to Canada Post's free, online Postal Code Look-Up utility. It is simple and easy to use. Just fill in the address information and press the "submit" button. The utility will then process the information and return the corresponding postal code, so long as the information provided is that of valid Canadian address.

Click here to search for a postal code.

The Gotcha Gang

The Gotcha Gang is a fictitious group of “rogues” created by Highland Marketing in order to represent the often-unpleasant effect of direct marketing decisions that result in paying excess postage or labour costs, or which ultimately minimize opportunity.

Click here to read about their adventures and learn how protect yourself from the sting of the Gotcha Gang!

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To us, innovation means continually looking for direct marketing opportunities and/or alternatives that clients may not perceive themselves, and presenting these to clients in a fair and honest manner.

We also challenge all of our employees to develop innovative ideas to help streamline plant production while still maintaining very high levels of quality assurance. Additionally, we instill the need to recommend quality-oriented procedures where special attention may be required in specific areas on a given job.

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We believe that commitment is consistently doing what is expected, always doing what one says one will do and communicating any deviations from what is expected or planned. True commitment provides a solid base for any team and truly maximizes success at all levels.

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There is an old saying that goes: "business is a fair exchange of values." We believe that long-lasting business relationships can only be built on mutual respect. Without a fair exchange and respect from both sides, a business relationship cannot be sustained.

We also believe that respect is founded on understanding. Many of our clients recognize that our innovation has saved them thousands, tens of thousands and, in some cases, hundreds of thousands of dollars. These same clients also understand that, although we do not offer the cheapest, nor the most expensive rates, the added value that we bring in the long run far offsets our modestly higher prices. As such, we have been extremely fortunate with long term customer loyalty. It’s something like the old expression: "kindness is something you cannot give away."

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Find the Lost Islands
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There is a place, not so far away, filled with marvels and wonders beyond our understanding. It is a place where the very fabric of space appears to come undone, and where the four lost continents of Arkavakia, Vaylora, Quilla and Lise float like stony beacons in their sea of swirling mists.

Can you find and unlock the gateways to all four continents? They have been scattered throughout the pages of this site. So far you have accessed these continents:

Arkavalia

Clue: Arkavalians are passionate about structure and information. Seek out a special place where things are restructured.
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Vaylora

Clue: Vaylorans have refined the art of communication. Seek out a mode of communication with a personal touch.
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Clue: Quillans are scholars and teachers. Seek out a seminar where secret knowledge is imparted upon the eager student.
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Lise

Clue: Lisians constantly strive for innovation. Seek out a hall of cases, where a little trim yields large results.
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