Frequently Asked Questions

What is Insert Media?
Insert Media is simply defined as an advertising medium that uses pre-existing distribution systems, such as billing statements, customer order packages, or newspapers, to circulate inserts, mini-catalogs, or multimedia CDs. Increasingly, direct marketers are using inserts as a cost-effective channel for acquiring customers.

What are the advantages of using Insert Media?
There are many advantages to using Insert Media including: low cost, high open rates, implied endorsement, and ability to target and ability to track.

Can I reach prospects with Insert Media that I can't with a traditional list?
Yes. Many catalogers, banks, and utility companies do not sell their customer list because of their commitment to privacy. Insert Media still protects privacy because the customer can choose with whom they share their personal information with.

What will an Insert Media broker do for me?
An Insert Media broker is an expert in researching and negotiating Insert Media opportunities. With over 1300 insert media programs on the market, having a professional with the knowledge to quickly determine which programs will have the most probability of success will save vital time.

The broker will also coordinate all logistics pertaining to the shipping, insertion, and status of your advertising inserts.

Other than the cost of placement, what costs are associated with Insert Media?
The other two out of pocket costs to consider are the printing and freight of the inserts. In both cases, Stanton Direct can recommend vendors that have very competitive pricing for both services.

What is the main benefit from being an Insert Media program owner?
Using "unused" weight in customer mailings and package shipments in is an easy way of creating a revenue stream. Insert Media program owners having been using their programs to produce significant bottom-line revenue without any risk of capital.

Why would third-party advertisers be interested in my company's Insert Media program?
Advertisers see many advantages in using Insert Media including: low cost, high open rates, implied endorsement, and ability to target and ability to track.

Will having an Insert Media program take up staff resources?
No, not necessarily. The purpose of having an Insert Media program manager is that any program logistics can be handled without adding work to your team.

How much control do I have over which advertisers are in my insert program?
Absolute control. Every advertiser that places an insert into a program will be approved by you first.

What impact will an Insert Program have on my production or fulfillment?
Typically, very little impact. If you mail statements or catalogs, most printers and mailing services can integrate your insert program into production without added complexity.

Are there any out-of-pocket costs associated with being a program owner?
The program can be set-up so that there are no out of pocket costs for the program owner.

Program expenses may include: envelope printing, collation, and freight of insert material. Some program owners prefer to be billed for these expenses, while others prefer these expenses to be offset against incoming revenue.

What kind of mail volume do I need to start an insert program?
For shipping customer orders, 250,000 annual packages is a reasonable starting point for building a program. For statements or other monthly mailings, 1,200,000 mail pieces a year is a good threshold. However, there may be exceptions if the mailing has a targeted affinity or covers a desirable geographic area.