Unlock Postage Savings with USPS's 2026 Integrated Technology Promotion: A Guide for Marketers
Oops – The Post Office went too far in raising rates with the old Postmaster General. The new guy is putting in some aggressive incentives for mailers to save on postage. It’s a bit of work to earn the postage discounts, so if your mailings are small or you are a nonprofit it may not be worth the extra work, but at 5000 pieces a mailer could save $100 or more.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Our staff will assist you in the process of qualifying for postage discounts – it’s the Post Office so there are lots of rules to get qualified.
In today's competitive marketplace, savvy marketers are constantly seeking innovative ways to maximize their return on investment. For businesses that leverage the power of direct mail, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is offering a significant opportunity to reduce costs while simultaneously enhancing customer engagement. The 2026 Integrated Technology Promotion provides a generous 5% discount on postage for mailings that incorporate cutting-edge digital technologies. 1 2
At Plum Grove Inc., we are dedicated to helping our clients navigate the latest industry trends and take full advantage of programs like this. This article will give you an overview of the USPS Integrated Technology Promotion, with a special focus on how you can utilize QR codes and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to qualify for these valuable savings. (There are other ways to qualify but they get more complicated.)
What is the Integrated Technology Promotion?
The USPS Integrated Technology Promotion is designed to encourage mailers to blend the physical and digital marketing worlds. By integrating technology into your mailpieces, you can create more interactive, engaging, and measurable campaigns. In return, the USPS offers a 5% discount on eligible postage costs. Add in Informed Delivery and discounts climb to 6%. Nice savings.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Discount | 5% off eligible postage |
| Promotion Period | Participants can choose their own consecutive 6-month start date, beginning January 1, 2026. 1 |
| Registration Period | November 15, 2025, to December 31, 2026 1 |
| Eligible Mail | First-Class Mail® letters, cards, and flats; USPS Marketing Mail® letters and flats; and Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail® letters and flats. 3 |
Harnessing QR Codes and AI for Postage Savings
Two of the most accessible and powerful technologies to qualify for this promotion are QR codes and Artificial Intelligence. Let's explore how you can incorporate them into your direct mail campaigns.
The Power of QR Codes (Mobile Shopping)
QR codes have become a familiar and effective tool for bridging the gap between physical and digital marketing. By including a QR code on your mailpiece, you can direct recipients to a mobile-optimized website, a product landing page, or a special offer with a simple scan. To qualify for the discount, your mailpiece must:
- Include Directional Copy: You must have clear and prominent text near the QR code that instructs the user on what to do, such as "Scan to shop our new collection" or "Scan for an interactive experience." 3
- Lead to a Mobile-Optimized Experience: The destination website or landing page must be designed for a seamless experience on mobile devices. 3
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence
The 2026 promotion introduces exciting opportunities to use Artificial Intelligence in your mailings. There are four distinct ways you can use AI to qualify for the 5% discount:
- AI-Generated Copy: Use AI tools to write compelling copy for your mailpiece. This can include the main call to action, headlines, or at least one complete sentence of supporting text. 3
- AI-Generated Images: Enhance your mailpiece with unique, AI-generated images. You must include at least one AI-created image that is clearly related to your message. This can even include custom-designed QR codes. 3
- AI-Generated Design and Formatting: Employ AI to assist with the layout and design of your mailpiece. This could involve rearranging text, images, and other design elements to create a more impactful visual presentation. 3
- Launch an AI Chatbot: Direct recipients to an AI-powered chatbot experience by scanning a QR code or other technology trigger. This can be an excellent way to provide instant customer service, answer questions, or guide users through a purchase process. 3
It is important to note that while the USPS encourages the use of AI, they do not provide the AI tools themselves. You will need to use third-party AI platforms to generate your content and designs.
How to Qualify: A Step-by-Step Guide
Participating in the Integrated Technology Promotion is a straightforward process. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Design Your Mailpiece: Create a mailpiece that incorporates one of the eligible technologies, such as a QR code or AI-generated content. The QR code has to take people to online shopping although there are other ways to make the QR code qualify.
- Obtain Pre-Approval: This is a mandatory step. You must submit an electronic sample of your mailpiece for pre-approval through the USPS Mailing Promotions Portal. We will help you with that qualification. 4
- Register for the Promotion: Once your mailpiece is approved, you need to register for the Integrated Technology Promotion on the Business Customer Gateway. This must be done at least two hours before you submit your mailing. And again – Plum Grove will assist you on this. 5
- Send Your Mailing: Once all the above steps are complete, you can send your mailing and enjoy the postage savings.
Important Links and Resources
For more detailed information and to begin the qualification process, please refer to the official USPS resources:
- 2026 Integrated Technology Promotion Guidebook: https://postalpro.usps.com/promotions/26-it 1
- Guide to the Mailing Promotions Portal: https://postalpro.usps.com/promotions/portal 4
- USPS Promotions and Incentives Overview: https://www.usps.com/business/promotions-incentives.htm 2
- Business Customer Gateway: https://gateway.usps.com 5
Conclusion
The USPS Integrated Technology Promotion offers a fantastic opportunity for businesses to save on postage while creating more dynamic and effective direct mail campaigns. By incorporating QR codes and Artificial Intelligence, you can not only reduce your costs but also provide your customers with a more engaging and interactive brand experience.
At Plum Grove Inc., we have the expertise to help you navigate the requirements of this promotion and create mailpieces that get results. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you unlock these valuable postage savings.
References
1 USPS. (2025, August 26). 2026 Integrated Technology Promotion. PostalPro. https://postalpro.usps.com/promotions/26-it
2 USPS. (n.d.). Direct Mail Promotions & Incentives.
https://www.usps.com/business/promotions-incentives.htm
2 USPS. (2026). 2026 Integrated Technology Promotion. [attachment:IntegratedTechnology_2026_V3_1.pdf]
4 USPS. (n.d.). Guide to the Mailing Promotions Portal. PostalPro.
https://postalpro.usps.com/promotions/portal
5 USPS. (n.d.). Business Customer Gateway. https://gateway.usps.com