How much should a direct mail campaign cost in the U.K.?

In an increasingly digital climate, one way to stand out is to go offline. Direct mail offers 35% better recall than social media campaigns and 49% more than email advertisements and multiple studies have shown that consumers prefer receiving mail to online adverts. Indeed, to captivate an audience, you need to embrace tangible marketing, or more specifically, direct mail.

But how much does a direct mail campaign cost? Well, it depends on several factors. In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about direct mail costs and what elements influence the price. So, buckle up as we dive into the wonderful world of direct mail!  

The cost of your campaign: A breakdown

Mailing lists: Depending on the size and caliber of the list, obtaining or renting a mailing list could be expensive. For instance, a list of 1,000 targeted recipients may cost between £100 and £200. Mailing lists are, however, vital to the success of direct mail campaigns – so choose wisely.

Design and printing: The cost of design and printing can range from a few pennies per piece to several pounds per piece, with the design, paper quality, and printing technique dramatically influencing the price. As an example, 1,000 copies of a simple A5 postcard printed on regular paper cost approximately £50.

Postage: Postage rates vary in accordance with the weight, size, and destination of the direct mail piece. It costs about 38p per piece to send a standard A5 postcard by second-class mail; however, the larger and heavier the flyer, the more expensive it will be. 

Value-added tax (VAT): In the U.K., most products and services, including direct mail services, are subject to value-added tax (VAT). In the U.K., the current VAT rate is 20%.

Planning your direct mail campaign

Depending on the size and complexity of your direct mail campaign, the overall cost can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds. As such, to guarantee that you get the best value for your money, you must request estimates from a range of businesses and evaluate their pricing and services. 

Do they offer value for money? Do they have a good reputation? Do they have good relationships with their customers? If yes, then you’ve found the right company for you! 

Direct mail can be a fantastic investment – it provides a connection to your clients, brand recognition, and much more. Don’t miss out; try direct mail today!