Direct mail is not dead — it’s evolving. In a world oversaturated with digital ads, email spam, and push notifications, direct mail cuts through the noise and lands exactly where it matters: in your customer’s hands. But successful direct mail printing campaigns don’t just happen. They require smart planning, expert execution, and the right print and mail partner.
Whether you’re new to direct mail or refining an existing campaign, these 10 questions will help you avoid costly missteps, improve ROI, and ensure every piece of mail makes an impact.
1. What Format of Direct Mail Printing Best Suits My Goals?
The first question should always be: What am I trying to achieve?
Your objectives will determine the ideal format for your direct mail printing project. Are you promoting a sale, driving traffic to a landing page, or introducing a new service?
Here are a few options and their ideal use cases:
Postcards – Great for limited-time offers, clean messaging, and visual branding.
Self-mailers – Versatile and cost-effective for storytelling or service introductions.
Letters in envelopes – Ideal for formal communications, detailed info, or personalized outreach.
Dimensional mail – High impact for high-value prospects; boosts open rates significantly.
Torpedo’s team can walk you through these options, ensuring your format aligns with your strategy, budget, and Canada Post regulations.
2. How Will My Direct Mail Campaign Be Personalized?
Personalization is the difference between tossed and read. Today’s customers expect more than generic greetings. Ask your provider if they support:
Variable data printing for names, offers, and images
Segmented messaging based on geography, behavior, or purchase history
Dynamic QR codes or personalized URLs (PURLs)
Torpedo's print and mail services are built to help you personalize at scale, making your campaign feel tailored — because it is.
3. What’s the End-to-End Turnaround Time for Print and Mail Services?
When you're coordinating across departments and channels, timing is everything. Don't just ask when it will arrive — ask about every stage:
Design and proofing
Print production
Data processing and mailing prep
Canada Post drop-off
Expected in-home delivery window
A strong print and mail partner will give you a detailed schedule and meet it. Torpedo is known for keeping campaigns on track — especially when you're working against tight deadlines.
4. Do You Offer Design and Layout Assistance for Direct Mail Printing?
A beautiful mailer isn't just “nice to have” — it impacts performance. Design errors can even cause mail to be rejected by Canada Post.
When it comes to direct mail printing, great design means:
Compliance with postal size and layout guidelines
Visual hierarchy that guides the reader
Clear CTA placement
Space for personalization and address blocks
At Torpedo, we combine print design expertise with production know-how, so your mailer doesn’t just look good — it performs.
5. What Mailing Options and Strategies Are Available?
The distribution strategy can make or break your campaign. Key questions to ask:
Should I use Neighbourhood Mail, Lettermail, or Postal Code Targeting?
How do mailing class and format affect delivery time and cost?
Can you help with audience segmentation and targeting?
Torpedo specializes in direct mail targeting — we help you decide whether to blast entire neighbourhoods, target businesses, or send ultra-personalized mailings to high-value leads.
6. How Is My Data Processed, Cleaned, and Protected?
Bad data = wasted money. Ask:
Do you check for duplicates?
Do you validate addresses using Canada Post’s SERP system?
Can you handle data merges from multiple sources?
Is data handled securely and in compliance with privacy laws?
Torpedo’s print and mail services include full data hygiene support. We turn messy lists into clean, deliverable addresses that get results.
7. Do You Offer Discounts for Larger Volumes?
The economics of printing are volume-driven. Many businesses don’t realize:
Printing 10,000 pieces may not cost twice as much as 5,000
Standard formats (e.g., 6”x9” postcards) are more economical
Combining jobs or batching similar campaigns can unlock savings
At Torpedo, we’ll show you how to maximize your budget with strategic volume and format choices — without sacrificing quality.
8. What Type of Proofing Is Available Before Printing?
Once it’s printed, there’s no undo button. Ask:
Can I get digital proofs for review and sign-off?
Do you offer hard copy proofs for color and layout accuracy?
Is there a dedicated account manager to guide me?
We make proofing easy and stress-free, catching issues before they become problems. With Torpedo, you’re never flying blind — you’re fully in control.
9. How Do You Measure Campaign Success?
You should never wonder if your direct mail worked. Ask how your provider helps track:
Responses via PURLs or QR codes
Coupon or promo code usage
Website traffic and conversions
Phone call volume or appointment bookings
At Torpedo, we help clients connect their direct mail printing campaigns with real business outcomes. If you can measure it, we can help you improve it.
10. What Sets Your Print and Mail Services Apart?
This question matters more than any other — because it tells you if your provider is just a vendor, or a true partner.
At Torpedo Marketing, we deliver more than just printed paper. We deliver:
End-to-end project management
Cross-functional expertise (design, data, fulfillment)
Direct Canada Post experience
Personalized support from people who get the pressure of tight timelines and high expectations
We help businesses hit their target. Every time.
Why Torpedo Marketing is Your Best Choice for Direct Mail Printing
When you choose Torpedo, you’re not outsourcing a print job — you’re gaining a full-service team dedicated to making your campaign a success.
With our direct mail printing expertise, reliable print and mail services, and commitment to quality and results, we take the stress out of your campaign so you can focus on what matters: growing your business.
Let’s make your next direct mail campaign the most effective one yet. Talk to our team today — and see why more businesses trust Torpedo to deliver print that performs.
