Suggestions for Military Mail Shipping Promotions

USPS.COM Lobby Demonstrations

Order Military Care Kits to use as samples to display at USPS.COM lobby demonstrations. Demonstrate how many holiday gifts can fit in a Priority Mail Flat-Rate Box. Promote “If it fits, it ships,” “Care Kits,” and “$2 military dis­count” on signage. Set up a kiosk/display of retail prod­ucts, including military-themed items. Create and distribute a one-page calendar with recommended military shipping dates. Create a small business card with phone number to order Military Care Kits (only available by phone). Demon­strate Click-N-Ship service on USPS.COM.

Letter from the Postmaster

Postmasters can send letters promoting $2 military dis­count Priority Mail Flat-Rate Box, Care Kits, and recom­mended military shipping dates to the following: editors of military association newsletters/officials at local military bases, media (focus on consumer reporters), veterans associations, United Services Organization, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, U.S. Navy League, Marine Corps League, U.S. Marines, U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, local military installations/bases, Federal Executive Boards, etc.

Interviews

Wherever possible, have reporters interview APO/FPO military personnel who can share how important it is to receive mail when stationed overseas and away from home, particularly during the holiday season. Create a “goody box” of promotional materials in a Priority Mail Flat-Rate Box to give to each reporter. The box could include all news releases relative to shipping military mail, holiday mailing tips, international products, a 2008 Postal Fact Sheet, and a holiday card addressed to the media thanking them for all the positive coverage throughout the year. Corporate Communications can help supply the informa­tional materials.

Lobby/Media Event

Contact elementary/junior high students, high school ROTC, Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts, and other community groups to create cards and letters to ship to service men and women overseas. Create a media event and have stu­dents or other participants stuff all items into individual Pri­ority Mail Flat-Rate Boxes in the lobby and ship as a group at the retail counter. Stack all the boxes on a table in the lobby for a great photo opportunity prior to mailing. If pos­sible, have several students carry the boxes to a desig­nated sales and service associate (SSA) for mailing. Invite representatives from local veterans associations, and ask them to talk about the importance of receiving mail when stationed overseas during the holidays.

Veterans Day, November 11

Identify Veterans Day events in your local community, and ask to participate to promote the $2 Military Discount Priority Mail Flat-Rate Box. (See list of links to veterans associations that follow.)