When consumers are flooded with digital messages, the tactile and visual appeal of printed direct mail stands out. But not all print is created equal. When you want your message to truly pop, premium printing techniques and embellishments like foil, embossing, soft-touch coatings, or raised UV can take your mail from ordinary to extraordinary — and deliver a measurable lift in engagement and response. Our clients can achieve all this using one or more of the traditional or digital technologies and finishing capabilities we have in-house at B&B, and can be designed to meet your budget, timeline, and brand goals.
At B&B Print Source, we’ve seen firsthand how investing in elevated print production can increase open rates, drive conversions, and create lasting brand impressions. And with our advanced direct mail services, including our powerful Mail+ platform, you can pair striking design with smart tracking and digital integration for next-level results.
Why Premium Embellishments Matter: The Car Wash Test
Don’t just take our word for it. A recent A/B test conducted by the Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA) in partnership with a national car wash chain proves the point. Two identical mailings — one standard, one enhanced with embellishments — were sent to similar audiences.
Half of the 7,500 recipients received a postcard with shiny foil and textured coating, produced using Scodix digital embellishment technology. The other half received a standard, unembellished version. Both included barcodes for a free car wash, allowing us to track results. The embellished version generated over a 4% higher redemption rate, proving that premium finishes significantly boost engagement.
This test confirms what marketers have long suspected: People are drawn to mail that feels premium. It gets noticed, gets handled longer, and leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re launching a new product, sending a VIP offer, or following up with a lapsed customer, premium print is a proven way to boost ROI.
B&B Direct Mail: More Than Just a Pretty Package
Our direct mail services team produces high-quality, eye-catching mailers using a wide array of finishes and embellishment techniques — from metallic foil and spot gloss to unique folds and custom die-cuts.
But what truly sets us apart is Mail+ — a seamless integration of your physical mail campaign with seven digital technologies. B&B Mail+ is a marketing automation platform designed to seamlessly track the effectiveness of direct mail campaigns while enhancing overall results through omnichannel marketing with the integration of digital platforms.
We turn a single mail piece impression into multiple repetitive impressions to the same audience across various platforms, increasing direct mail response rates by 23-46% for pennies per mail piece. With Mail+, you can:
- Track when your mail lands in mailboxes with Mail Tracking
- Reinforce your message with Google Display Ads and Social Media Matching
- Retarget non-responders with Informed Delivery integration
- Know exactly who visited your website from the mailer with Call & Web Tracking
When you combine tactile embellishments and digital follow-up, you create a fully immersive, data-driven marketing experience.
The USPS Wants You to use Embellishments, Too
Here’s a bonus: The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers promotional discounts for using embellishments in your direct mail. Their Tactile, Sensory, and Interactive Mailpiece Engagement promotion (running through July 31) can earn you up to 4% postage savings when you include eligible treatments like textured coatings, metallic inks, or special folds.
Translation? You can elevate your mail and reduce your spend.
At B&B, we stay current on all USPS promotions and can help you plan your mailings to qualify for these valuable discounts.
Let’s Create Mail That Delivers
Whether you’re launching a new campaign or ready to breathe life into an existing one, B&B Print Source is your creative production partner. With award-winning print capabilities, expert mailing services, and cutting-edge tools like Mail+, we’ll help you design mail that’s impossible to ignore.
Ready to upgrade your direct mail?
Contact us today to explore embellishment options, mailing strategies, and how to save with USPS promotions.