Creative & Design FAQs
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. Here's an artwork guideline in PDF format (1.2 MB file): GUIDELINES
I don't have artwork - just some ideas. Does The Oklahoman DIRECT 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.
Printing Related FAQs
List Selection FAQs
Mailing Services FAQs
What is the difference between First Class and standard class mail?
First Class mail is a mailing at the full current USPS postage rates – First class mail can be sent unsorted. First Class has priority with the USPS for delivery. Standard Class mail is delivered with additional requirements and advantages. Standard mail is pre-sorted at different levels to yield a variety of postage discounts. Standard mail will yield a larger discount due to a higher accuracy of sortation.
- First Class Mail gets priority processing by the U.S.P.S. and is usually delivered in 1-3 days nationally.
- First Class Mail can have as much personalization as you want.
- Standard Mail (previously known as 3rd Class) is processed after Express / Priority Mail, First Class Mail and Periodicals. Delivery of Presorted Standard Mail is typically 3-10 days.
- Standard Mail is limited on the amount of personalization / variable data that can be printed on the mail piece.
I do not like the barcodes surrounding the address on my mail pieces. Can I have just the name and address information and still get a postage discount?
To receive automation (discounted) rates a barcode is required. We can process your mail without a barcode but you will not receive any postage discounts. In addition to not receiving discounted Postal Rates the Post Office may apply a barcode to expedite in house processing.
Do I need my own permit / indicia?
No, a permit fee is $175 annually. Save that money and use ours for free. We can provide you with the information needed to print our permit on your mail piece.
Can I mail my extra material myself even though it has your permit printed on it?
Even though the Permit says "US Postage Paid" it isn't until the mail is presented to the Post Office along with the appropriate paperwork. Permit mail dropped into a mailbox will be destroyed or returned. You can however cover the permit with a stamp and drop it in the mail for delivery.
Database Analysis and Tracking FAQs
E-Marketing FAQs
Does The Oklahoman DIRECT have email lists that I can rent?
The Oklahoman DIRECT maintain targeted opt-in email lists of 150,000 plus email addresses in different demographics and interests. Our targeted opt-in email lists are updated frequently through our NewsOK.com affiliates.
Can I track who received my emails?
The Oklahoman DIRECT will provide you with a detailed report the percentage of delivered emails, click through ratio and percentage of bounce back emails. You will only be billed based on the number of delivered emails.
What is the difference between an HTML message and a text message?
HTML messages are messages that have pictures or graphics within them. The message is like a web page because the pictures or graphics need to be hosted on a server. When a person is viewing the message, the pictures or graphics are called from that server. It sounds technical but The Oklahoman DIRECT does it all for you. When you upload your HTML message into the program, your message is hosted on our servers. For text message, most are regular text message with a link to website and contact email. The Oklahoman DIRECT can do both
Does the "opt out tag" have to be attached to my message?
Yes, the tag does not display our name or where it comes from but the tag will be placed there for people who want to be removed from your list. We believe that each person should be able to interact with you stating if they do not want to receive your messages in future. We will not send out emails without giving the person the opportunity to remove themselves from your email list.