Variable Data Printing - Mail Merge on Steroids!

Many of us have used Microsoft Word or similar programs and a database to create a mail merge for letters, labels and envelopes. It’s an efficient way of placing names, addresses and other information into text fields so the sender does not have to type out each piece. For Print Tech, that’s only the beginning. With our Variable Data Printing (VDP), we can also change blocks of copy, graphics, colors and photos.

VDP is a form of Print-On-Demand (POD) where information in a database is fed from a computer to a digital printer, creating a personalized piece for everyone on the list.

For instance, a car dealer might want to entice recent car buyers to return for regular servicing. Becky Smith, who paid $56,000 for her new Mercedes, will get 15% off her next servicing if she acts before the end of the month. The postcard could have her name, her salesperson’s name, the special offer and a picture of the car she recently purchased (see photo below).



That same dealer might offer Chris Jones, who purchased a used Ford Pinto, a different discount. His car might require more work at the regular servicing since it’s older, so his offer is only for 10% off and he has to bring his car in before the 15th of the month (see photo below).



The beauty of variable data printing is that these two cards could be run at the same time with thousands of other variations and without ever stopping the press. Each variation is targeted toward the person receiving it, producing response rates up to 20%; rates that are far higher than static mail, making variable data printing a powerful tool in your marketing arsenal.