Sandra Long, vice president, Printer Market and Customer Development, Pitney Bowes, answers readers' questions about mailing. Send your questions to her at Sandra.Long@pitneybowes.com.

Q: I missed out on last year’s summer QR code promotion with the USPS. Is it being repeated this year? What do I need to do to participate?

A: Great news! The QR code promotion from the USPS is returning. And you are very wise to plan now to take advantage of this opportunity to add additional value to your mail.

The program will run from July 1 to August 31, 2012. The discount will be two percent for qualifying mail with a QR code that leads to a working mobile website. The QR code can be on the outside of the envelope or on the actual mail piece or postcard. Eligible mail must be presorted and must be automation-compatible first class mail cards, letters, and flats or standard mail letters and flats. Pay attention to the full information and requirements which are in the Domestic Mail Manual 709.3 to insure that you meet all the guidelines.

You will need to register at the USPS Business Customer Gateway https://gateway.usps.com/bcg/login.htm at least 24 hours in advance of doing a mailing. Payment can be made by permit, meter, or pre-canceled stamps.

Last year’s campaign increased QR code usage on mailpieces from one percent to five percent on first class mail, and from three percent to 32 percent on standard mail. Usage is expected to grow substantially larger in 2012. Your customers will be very impressed and appreciative if you can proactively plan a campaign for them to take advantage of these savings this summer!

For more information visit www.MyPrintResource.com/10007238