Direct Mail is Evolving—Here’s How to Stay Ahead with Inkjet Innovation
In a digital world, print remains one of the most trusted, personal, and effective ways to communicate with customers. As envelope printers, mail houses, and commercial shops adapt to shifting market demands, the convergence of speed, personalization, and cost-efficiency has become the new standard. At iJetColor, we’ve seen firsthand how those who embrace innovation are pulling ahead—and we’ve designed our products and strategies to help them do just that.
Industry Trends: Print Volumes Down, Value Per Piece Up
While total print volumes are trending down in many segments, the value of each printed piece is rising. Marketers today are more focused on data-driven, high-response direct mail campaigns. Variable data, color graphics, and speed-to-mailbox are no longer “nice to haves”—they’re essential.
Envelope printing is experiencing a renaissance. Why? Because envelopes are the first impression in a direct mail campaign. According to the Data & Marketing Association, oversized envelopes have the highest response rates of all direct mail formats. That’s driving printers to offer more customized, vibrant, and full-color options that grab attention instantly.
Best Practices: From Static to Strategic
To thrive in today’s market, successful shops are shifting their envelope production from static inventory-based models to dynamic print-on-demand workflows. This eliminates pre-printed shells and reduces obsolescence, while enabling full-color personalization in real time.
Here are a few proven best practices from our customers:
● Optimize with Variable Data Printing (VDP): Personalization can boost direct mail response rates by 135%. Our iJetColor 1175 Series enables variable graphics and text with high-speed precision, letting you offer this as a premium service.
● Upgrade from Legacy Systems: Many shops running earlier models are hitting limitations with media handling and print quality. Upgrading to the iJetColor 1175 series gives you a 60% boost in speed, better cost-per-print, and expanded paper compatibility.
● Train for Profitability: Invest in your operators. Our customers who take full advantage of our onboarding and training programs consistently report better uptime and output. Efficiency doesn’t come from equipment alone—it comes from confidence in using it.
Technology Innovation: High-Speed Inkjet That Delivers ROI
At the heart of the iJetColor family is our commitment to evolving inkjet technology that meets the unique needs of envelope printers. Our latest innovations include:
● Auto-Loading Systems: The iJetColor 1175C AutoLoader boosts productivity with seamless feeding of envelopes up to 10,000 per hour. For high-volume shops, that’s the difference between keeping up and falling behind.
● Pro-Grade Precision: The 1175 Pro model is designed for premium applications—offering 1200 DPI resolution, expanded paper sizes, and heavy envelope compatibility.
● Cost-Controlled Ink Management: With cost-per-impression tracking and onboard analytics, you can price jobs accurately and maintain healthy margins—even on high-coverage, variable-color pieces.
New for 2025: Introducing the iJetColor Q
This year, we’re excited to introduce the newest member of the iJetColor family: the iJetColor Q—our most advanced envelope press yet.
The iJetColor Q is engineered for shops that demand speed, precision, and unmatched versatility. It offers even faster throughput, broader substrate support, and advanced automation features that simplify production and maximize output. Whether you're producing high-volume mailings, personalized campaigns, or full-color corporate stationery, the iJetColor Q delivers professional results with lower cost-per-piece than ever before.
With this launch, we’re expanding what’s possible for digital envelope printing and giving shops a clear path to scale their business. The iJetColor Q joins the 1175 Series to offer more choices, more performance, and more flexibility—backed by the same reliability and service our customers count on.
Looking Forward: Print Is Getting Smarter
As we look to the future, smart print technology will continue to shape the way envelope printing is done. Real-time data, predictive maintenance, and AI-driven workflow optimization are already starting to influence how shops operate. We’re investing in these capabilities now so our customers stay competitive tomorrow.
And one thing remains clear: print isn’t going anywhere. It’s getting faster, smarter, and more profitable for those who innovate.
Ready to Upgrade? We’ll Help Make It Easy
To make your investment even more accessible, we’re offering 0% interest financing for qualified buyers. That means you can upgrade your capabilities today—with no interest, no delays, and no compromise. To learn more, visit iJetColor.com or contact our team for a personalized demo. Let us help you turn today’s trends into tomorrow’s competitive advantage.