FAQs
Why should I choose
Astonishingmail?
Astonishingmail
provides you with choices! Whether you wish to mail 1 marketing piece or 100,000,
we can meet your needs. We offer you solutions for a quick and simple design with
minimal steps or an advanced ordering process that offers advanced custom editing
tools.
Astonishingmail
offers you a nationwide database from which you can select the mailing list that
is a perfect match to your target audience at no extra charge! You can also upload
your personal database with one easy step.
How do I access Help throughout the site?
Talk to the Why Guy!
Our friend, the Why Guy, is the key
to help throughout the site. If you have a question, just find him and he can give
you the information that you need.
If you don’t find what you're looking for, please contact Customer Support at
(800) 767-9227.
Is
Astonishingmail
for Consumers or Businesses?
Astonishingmail
was designed specifically to meet the needs of corporate users. Both large
and small businesses can benefit from our quality and flexibility for marketing
almost any product. We will also continue to develop new products to meet
your business marketing needs.
Astonishingmail
can also be branded to meet the exact specifications of your individual business
needs. Contact us today to learn more!
To take advantage of online tools geared toward consumer needs, including invitations,
vacation postcards, announcements, etc. click
here.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
How do I get started?
Registration Information
Tell me more about Astonishingmail marketing piece quality.
I am more comfortable creating my card offline and uploading for mailing and shipping. What do I need to know?
Explanation of terms and steps used in the Astonishingmail online ordering process.
List Questions
Mailing/Shipping Information
I recently designed my order or uploaded information. I would like to submit my order or make changes now.
Payment Information
Can I receive a follow up report after my mailing?
I don't find what I am looking for.
Password Help
What solutions can Astonishingmail offer my business?
Astonishingmail Privacy Policy
How do I get started?
I’m a new user. Where do I start?
If you want to enjoy all of the benefits
of
Astonishingmail, begin by clicking on Create An Account. It will take
just a few quick minutes to register and create your own account.
Registration is not required. If you prefer to place an order as a guest user, simply
click on Create An Order.
Why should I register with
Astonishingmail?
Registered users enjoy benefits not available to guest users. Registered users
can save photos and lists under the My Account section of the site. Registered users
can also set up an online address book to be used for mailings. An order history
is viewable on the site. All orders are saved to the registered user's account and
are available for reordering and completing unfinished orders. Unpurchased orders
are saved to the registered user's shopping cart and are available for purchase
at a later time.
As a registered user, you can also be the first to know about special promotions
being offered, e-mails, new product launches, etc. (The user always has the option
to opt out of such e-mail correspondence.)
Registration is quick and easy! Simply click on Create My Own Account. You will
have the opportunity to create your user profile and establish your user name and
password. This information is stored for use on this site only and is not shared
with anyone.
Do I have to register?
No. We understand that you may want to try an order or two before you decide to
register. You can place an order as a guest user at any time.
However, there are some substantial benefits of registration. For details, please
see "Why should I register with
Astonishingmail?" above.
As a registered user, you can also be the first to know about special promotions
being offered, e-mails, new product launches, etc. (The user always has the option
to opt out of such e-mail correspondence.)
If you would prefer to place an order without registering, simply click on the Place
Order tab at the top.
Can I get a sample of your products?
Absolutely! To request product samples, please e-mail
info@astonishingmail.com or contact Customer Service at
(800) 767-9227.
If requesting by e-mail, please specify the product formats that most interest you.
Who prints
the postcards, you are me?
Astonishingmail
is a full service solution for your direct marketing needs! Once you submit
your order, we will print your custom marketing piece using a high quality (600
dpi resolution) high speed color laser printer. We'll ship your pieces to
you, will drop them in the mail for you or both - you choose!
Are there preferred settings when viewing this site?
The
Astonishingmail
site is best viewed with a screen resolution of 1024x768.
What internet browser does
Astonishingmail
support?
For optimal performance, we suggest Internet Explorer version 5.0 and above.
Download the latest version of Internet Explorer here.
How do
I keep track of my orders, lists, images, etc?
When you Create An Account with
Astonishingmail
your user profile is stored in the My Account section of the site. All lists
selected and uploaded, all images selected and uploaded and your entire order history
are available to view or edit under My Account.
Back to Table of Contents
Registration Information
Why should I register with
Astonishingmail?
Registered users enjoy benefits not available
to guest users. Registered users can save photos and lists under the My Account
section of the site. Registered users can also set up an online address book to
be used for mailings. An order history is viewable on the site. All orders are saved
to the registered user's account and are available for reordering and completing
unfinished orders. Unpurchased orders are saved to the registered user's shopping
cart and are available for purchase at a later time.
As a registered user, you can also be the first to know about special promotions
being offered, e-mails, new product launches, etc. (The user always has the option
to opt out of such e-mail correspondence.)
Registration is quick and easy! Simply click on Create My Own Account. You will
have the opportunity to create your user profile and establish your user name and
password. This information is stored for use on this site only and is not shared
with anyone.
Do I have to register?
No. We understand that you may want to try an order or two before you decide to
register. You can place an order as a guest user at any time.
However, there are some substantial benefits of registration. For details, please
see "Why should I register with
Astonishingmail?" above.
As a registered user, you can also be the first to know about special promotions
being offered, e-mails, new product launches, etc. (The user always has the option
to opt out of such e-mail correspondence.)
If you would prefer to place an order without registering, simply click on the Place
Order tab at the top.
Back to Table of Contents
Tell me more about
Astonishingmail
marketing piece quality.
Can I get a sample of your products?
Absolutely! To request product samples,
please e-mail
info@astonishingmail.com or contact Customer Service at
(800) 767-9227.
If requesting by e-mail, please specify the product formats that most interest you.
Who prints
the postcards, you are me?
Astonishingmail
is a full service solution for your direct marketing needs! Once you submit
your order, we will print your custom marketing piece using a high quality (600
dpi resolution) high speed color laser printer. We'll ship your pieces to
you, will drop them in the mail for you or both - you choose!
What kind of paper do you use?
Your custom marketing piece is printed on high-quality cover weight white stock.
Due to the increasing damage done to mail pieces when traveling through USPS automated
processing equipment,
Astonishingmail
helps protect your mail piece by applying a thin layer of UV coating to the piece.
The coating also increases the visual appeal of your message by giving it a high
gloss finish.
Will my marketing piece print in color or black and white?
Your custom order will be printed using a high quality high speed color laser
printer allowing you to use as much color as you'd like. However you certainly
have the ability to design your card to print black and white for visual impact.
Do you supply a color proof before the job goes to press?
A color proof is not a part of our normal production process. An online proof
is available for all orders. However, if you require a physical proof prior to
Astonishingmail
printing your order, please contact Vicki at
(800) 767-9227
prior to finalizing your order. A proof can be provided at an additional charge
and will delay delivery of your order.
How accurate will the color match my artwork?
Astonishingmail
provides you with an online proof of the custom marketing piece that you create.
Depending on the resolution and settings of your monitor, the colors on your printed
piece may vary from your screen view. If we note any extreme discrepancies, we will
contact you by phone prior to printing your order.
Can I use images and artwork I find online?
Most of the images that you find online are low quality (resolution) images.
Although these images look fine when viewed on a monitor, they are not suitable
for print. Images submitted for print should have a resolution of at least 300 dpi.
For an optimal finished product, images should be created and uploaded at 600 dpi.
You can not use copyrighted photos or text without permission from the owners of
the photos or text.
Do you use labels to address the postcards?
No, we print the addresses onto the postcards. We print the addresses on the
postcards instead of applying labels, as we believe it results in a more professional
looking mail piece.
Back to Table of Contents
I am more comfortable creating
my card offline and uploading for mailing and shipping. What do I need to
know?
I already have images that I would like to
use to create my card. Can I use it to create my card?
Absolutely!
Astonishingmail
has been specifically designed to allow you to use your own images, photos, lists
and logos. Throughout the site, you will see our Upload buttons. Simply Browse for
the file on your computer and click the Upload button.
If you are a registered user, your uploaded images – as well as any images that
you select from
Astonishingmail
– will be saved to your account profile. You can view all images, lists, etc. under
the My Account section of the site.
What type of file formats do you accept?
For images: please use BMP, JPG, JPEG, TIF, or TIFF files.
- Images should be at least 300 dpi for the minimum resolution, but 600 dpi
is recommended for optimal print quality.
For uploaded lists: please use Excel (xls), or Comma-delimited (csv) files.
How accurate will the color match my artwork?
Astonishingmail
provides you with an online proof of the custom marketing piece that you create.
Depending on the resolution and settings of your monitor, the colors on your printed
piece may vary from your screen view. If we note any extreme discrepancies, we will
contact you by phone prior to printing your order.
Can I use images and artwork I find online?
Most of the images that you find online are low quality (resolution) images.
Although these images look fine when viewed on a monitor, they are not suitable
for print. Images submitted for print should have a resolution of at least 300 dpi.
For an optimal finished product, images should be created and uploaded at 600 dpi.
You can not use copyrighted photos or text without permission from the owners of
the photos or text.
What if I want to upload my own postcard?
If you have already created your custom postcard offline or are more comfortable
using your own design software, we have the option for you! Simply choose the Upload
My Own Design tab.
Simply browse for the file on your computer and click the Upload button.
If you are uploading a standard (4 in x 6 in) card and would like it to print edge
to edge, image size should be 4.25 in x 6.25 in to allow for 1/4 inch bleed.
If you are uploading a jumbo (5 1/2 in x 8 1/2 in) card, and would like it to print
edge to edge, image size should be 5.75 in x 8.75 in to allow for 1/4 in bleed.
Images uploaded should be at least 300 dpi for best print quality. Accepted file
types for uploads include: jpg, jpeg, tif, tiff .
If you are a registered user, your uploaded image will be saved to your account
to use for future mailings!
What is a bleed?
Bleed is the term for printing that goes right to the edge of the paper. The
way to do this is to make your document .125 inches too big in all 4 directions.
For example, the layout dimensions for a 4in x 6in postcard would be 4.25 in. x
6.25 in. Then, when the design is created, images are stretched all the way to the
edge. After printing, the additional .125 in. on each side is trimmed off. This
gives the appearance that the image "runs" right off the edge.
Back to Table of Contents
Explanation of terms and steps
used in the
Astonishingmail
online ordering process.
What is a simple template?
There are currently six basic or simple
templates. Simple templates walk you through the quick and easy process of creating
your custom postcard. You will be able to enter custom text, select your fonts,
font colors, bold, center, etc. Most of the features found in basic word processing
software will be at your disposal. Ease of use is the key to the simple template
choices!
What is an advanced template?
The advanced templates are just as described...they give you a few more advanced
editing options not offered with the simple templates. When you select one of our
ten advanced template choices, you will have the option to add background shading
to text boxes, select images from your image library and much more! For the more
technically advanced user, the advanced templates come with bells and whistles not
available in the simple editing choices.
Can I include my company’s logo as part of my custom marketing piece?
Absolutely! It is important to associate your company’s brand with your mailing.
During the ordering process, you will have the opportunity to simply upload your
company logo for use in creating your custom piece.
When your logo is uploaded, we will save the logo to your account as a registered
Astonishingmail
user.
I would like to include my personal signature as a part of my custom marketing piece.
Can I do so?
Yes. You can upload your signature as a logo or image and place it on your
marketing piece. If you would rather not upload your signature, we offer several
handwriting type fonts that can be used instead.
What if I want
to upload my own postcard?
If you have already created your custom postcard offline or are more comfortable
using your own design software, we have the option for you! Simply choose the Upload
My Own Design tab.
Simply browse for the file on your computer and click the Upload button.
If you are uploading a standard (4 in x 6 in) card and would like it to print edge
to edge, image size should be 4.25 in x 6.25 in to allow for 1/4 inch bleed.
If you are uploading a jumbo (5 1/2 in x 8 1/2 in) card, and would like it to print
edge to edge, image size should be 5.75 in x 8.75 in to allow for 1/4 in bleed.
Images uploaded should be at least 300 dpi for best print quality. Accepted file
types for uploads include: jpg, jpeg, tif, tiff .
If you are a registered user, your uploaded image will be saved to your account
to use for future mailings!
How
do I edit my custom marketing piece?
Astonishingmail
allows you to create a CUSTOM marketing piece. That means that you control the fonts
used, colors used, images used, etc. Similar to a word processing program, we allow
you the options to bold, italicize, center, justify, add a fill tint, change your
font color and much more!
For specific help in the editing section, talk to the Why Guy
for
specific help instructions. If you get stuck, contact Customer Support at
(800) 767-9227.
Back to Table of Contents
List Questions
I do not have a customer
database that I would like to mail to. Can
Astonishingmail
provide a list for me?
Absolutely! You have come
to the right place.
Astonishingmail
offers you options when selecting a list from our nationwide consumer database.
You can select your mailing audience by using a zip code search. Or you can select
based on specific streets within a zip code. We also allow you to select a list
based on proximity to a specific center location.
In addition to those search options, we also allow you to narrow your list results
based on homeownership, occupant status, occupant income, home value, and much more!
To access these demographics, click on Advanced Search Options when searching for
your list.
I would like to purchase a consumer list without placing an order. Is that possible?
Yes! You may order a list from
Astonishingmail
without ordering a mailing piece if you wish. This list will be sent to you via
email. If you select a mailing list for use with an
Astonishingmail
order, the list is FREE!
Click here
for more details and pricing. Note: You must register in order to purchase a list
without placing a mail piece order.
Can I receive phone numbers as a part of my follow-up report or consumer list?
Maybe! You can receive phone numbers as a
part of your follow up report, however, you must provide us with a valid Subscription
Account Number (SAN). Submission of a valid SAN is required for compliance with
the Federal Trade Commission’s National Do Not Call legislation. More information
is available by clicking
here. There is a $5.00 charge for a follow up report.
Please note: The phone numbers that you receive have NOT been scrubbed to remove
any phones that have been registered as a part of the National Do Not Call Registry.
It is your responsibility to check the phone numbers against the National Do Not
Call Registry prior to calling.
Can I purchase a business list from
Astonishingmail?
We are currently finalizing online access to a nationwide business database. Check
back soon for more details!
What
is a follow up report?
A follow
up report provides you with the names and addresses of the persons you have chosen
to mail to. The report will be e-mailed to you at the completion of your order
in Excel format. You can also receive phone numbers as a part of your follow
up report, however, you must provide us with a valid Subscription Account Number
(SAN). Submission of a valid SAN is required for compliance with the Federal Trade
Commission’s National Do Not Call legislation. More information is available by
clicking
here.
How
do I update a list that I previously uploaded? For example, one of my recipients
recently moved and I want to continue to mail to them but at their new address.
As a registered user of
Astonishingmail, you can access your uploaded lists by clicking on My
Account. Select the list that you would like to edit and click the Edit button.
You can select the record that you wish to edit and make your changes.
Why
can’t I see names for the list that I selected?
If you request a follow up
report when completing your order, we will e-mail you an Excel file listing the
names and addresses of each of the records in your mailing lists. Names are not
available until purchased.
I know there are more homes in the area that I am searching than I am getting
in my result. Why aren’t there more records?
Astonishingmail
wants to offer you as many records as we can in your target area. However, we want
to make sure that the records that you receive are as deliverable as possible. (You
should expect a reasonable number of returns.) Records that are coded with poor
deliverability are automatically excluded from your list results.
In addition, persons who have registered with the Direct Marketing Association and
requested not to receive mail solicitations have also been removed from your list
results.
In order to learn specifics about your list request, we need you to contact us with
the details so we can research. Please call Customer Support at
(800) 767-9227
and we can help.
Back to Table of Contents
Mailing/Shipping Information
Do you
use labels to address the postcards?
No, we print the addresses
onto the postcards. We print the addresses on the postcards instead of applying
labels, as we believe it results in a more professional looking mail piece.
I would
like to receive a card when my mailing goes out. How do I include myself in the
mailing?
At the order summary page,
you will have the opportunity to check the box for the option of “I would like to
include myself in this mailing”. By checking the box, you will automatically be
included and a mail piece will be addressed to the address you provided in your
account registration.
How
long will it take for my postcards to be delivered?
If you select First Class,
your postcards will typically be delivered in 3-5 business days.
If you select Standard Rate, your postcards will typically be delivered in 7-10
business days.
What
is the minimum order quantity?
When creating
Astonishingmail, we wanted to offer you choices, not hurdles. So, you
can order just one marketing piece if you wish.
I do not have a customer database that I would like to mail to. Can
Astonishingmail
provide a list for me?
Absolutely! You have come
to the right place.
Astonishingmail
offers you options when selecting a list from our nationwide consumer database.
The database consists of over 110,000,000 households nationwide. When placing
a print order, you can select names for FREE! Our list is compiled by one
of the nation's premier data providers.
You can select your mailing audience by using a zip code search or you can select
based on specific streets within a zip code. We also allow you to select a
list based on proximity to a specific center location.
In addition to those search options, we also allow you to narrow your list results
based on homeownership, occupant status, occupant income, home value, and muce more!
To access these demographics, click on Advanced Search Options when searching for
your list.
Back to Table of Contents
I recently designed my order or uploaded information. I would
like to submit my order or make changes now. How do I access?
I created
my custom order previously and would now like to submit it to print. Can I access
it now?
If you are a registered
Astonishingmail
user, all of your previous orders are saved in your account. To find those orders,
simply click on My Account and go to the bottom section, Order History. From this
section, you can complete or purchase a previous order. You also have the ability
to reorder a previously printed order.
If you are not a registered
Astonishingmail
user and you have left the ordering process and closed your internet browser, your
order has not been saved. You will need to begin again.
How
do I edit my custom marketing piece?
Astonishingmail
allows you to create a CUSTOM marketing piece. That means that you control the fonts
used, colors used, images used, etc. Similar to a word processing program, we allow
you the options to bold, italicize, center, justify, add a fill tint, change your
font color and much more!
For specific help in the editing section, talk to the Why Guy
for specific help instructions. If you get stuck, contact Customer
Support at
(800) 767-9227.
Can I order more than one marketing piece at a time or do I have to check out
after customizing each piece?
The
Astonishingmail
site was created using the shopping cart method of ordering. Once your custom piece
has been finalized, it will be placed in your shopping cart. You can then place
another order if you wish or you can check out.
Back to Table of Contents
Payment Information
When will my
credit card be charged?
Your credit card will be charged
at the time that your order is submitted.
Will
I be charged sales tax?
The price for each product
includes sales tax. You will not be charged sales tax in addition to your
order amount.
I don't want to use a credit card to pay. What are my options?
Astonishingmail
accepts credit cards online as the only form of payment. Our credit card acceptance
page is secure and your information is safe. If you have concerns about paying this
way, please contact Vicki at
(800) 767-9227.
The
charge for my recent order was listed on my credit card statement as Lexinet/Direct
Mail Marketing. It matches the amount that I approved for my
Astonishingmail
order. Is this correct?
Charges for your
Astonishingmail
orders will be listed on your credit card statement as Lexinet/Direct Mail Marketing.
How
do I cancel a job in progress?
Because we want to get your
marketing piece in the mail in a timely manner, your order goes into our production
process immediately after you approve payment. For that reason, an order cannot
be cancelled once you complete the check out process.
Does
Astonishingmail
offer volume discounts?
Yes. In our Pricing
section, we list the price per piece at varying order quantities. If you wish
to place a very large order (10,000 pieces or more), please contact Vicki at
(800) 767-9227
for a custom quote.
Back to Table of Contents
Can I receive a follow up report
after my mailing?
What is a follow
up report?
A follow up report provides
you with the names and addresses of the persons you have chosen to mail to.
The report will be e-mailed to you at the completion of your order in Excel format.
You can also receive phone numbers as a part of your follow up report, however,
you must provide us with a valid Subscription Account Number (SAN). Submission of
a valid SAN is required for compliance with the Federal Trade Commission’s National
Do Not Call legislation. More information is available by clicking
here. There is a charge of $5.00 for a follow
up report.
Can I receive phone numbers as a part
of my follow-up report or consumer list?
Maybe!
You can receive phone numbers as a part of your follow up report, however, you must
provide us with a valid Subscription Account Number (SAN). Submission of a valid
SAN is required for compliance with the Federal Trade Commission’s National Do Not
Call legislation. More information is available by clicking
here. There is a $5.00 charge for a follow
up report.
Please note: The phone numbers that you receive have NOT been scrubbed to remove any phones that have been registered as a part of the National Do Not Call Registry.
It is your responsibility to check the phone numbers against the national Do Not Call Registry prior to calling.
Back to Table of Contents
I don't find what I am looking for.
Will
additional marketing formats be offered?
Yes! The initial launch of
the new and improved
Astonishingmail
includes your choice of two postcard sizes. You can choose from the large 8 ½” x
5 ½” postcard or the smaller 4” x 6” postcard to quickly convey your message right
at the mailbox!
Very soon, additional formats will be introduced including custom brochures, fold-over
notecards, flyers and more! In addition, if your company has specific product formats
that you would like to order, call us today about re-branding
Astonishingmail! We can add your custom formats and create a site that
has the look and feel of your own corporate site.
Astonishingmail
is great for my business needs. Do you offer pre-composed templates for my personal
needs as well? For example, party invitations, Easter postcards, vacation postcards,
etc?
We have your answer! Our sister
site, Astonishingcards offers a variety of postcard and greeting card solutions
for every occasion! Easy online, interactive tools allow you to create a custom
card from exclusive professional designed templates. To see our exclusive Astonishingcard
templates, click
here.
Can
I purchase a business list from
Astonishingmail?
We are currently finalizing
online access to a nationwide business database. Check back soon for more details!
Does
Astonishingmail
offer solutions for sales teams?
Yes! Our Sales Follow Up solution
is specifically designed to meet the needs of your sales force by offering a customized
marketing tool to follow up sales calls. Check back soon for program release!
How
do I learn about new and exciting tools offered through
Astonishingmail?
Registered users have the
opportunity to receive occasional e-mails from
Astonishingmail
notifying of special offers, new products and more! Don’t worry! We won’t flood
your e-mail box. You also have the option to opt out at any time.
Why
can’t I see names for the list that I selected?
If you request a follow up
report when completing your order, we will e-mail you an Excel file listing the
names and addresses of each of the records in your mailing lists. Names are not
available until purchased.
I know
there are more homes in the area that I am searching than I am getting in my result.
Why aren’t there more records?
Astonishingmail
wants to offer you as many records as we can in your target area. However, we want
to make sure that the records that you receive are as deliverable as possible. (You
should expect a reasonable number of returns.) Records that are coded with poor
deliverability are automatically excluded from your list results.
In addition, persons who have registered with the Direct Marketing Association and
requested not to receive mail solicitations have also been removed from your list
results.
In order to learn specifics about your list request, we need you to contact us with
the details so we can research. Please call Customer Support at
(800) 767-9227
and we can help.
I don't
want to use a credit card to pay. What are my options?
Astonishingmail
accepts credit cards online as the only form of payment. Our credit card acceptance
page is secure and your information is safe. If you have concerns about paying this
way, please contact Vicki at
(800) 767-9227.
Astonishingmail
is great! I wish my company had a tool like this for our marketing program!
We can help!
Astonishingmail
offers a variety of products and services to assist you with your marketing efforts.
But for those companies that want complete control of their brand standards while
enabling local marketers to create and produce locally relevant versions of your
corporate marketing message, we can re-brand and customize
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