TUESDAY MARCH 18, 2008

MEASURING MASS MARKET FRAUD
March is FRAUD PREVENTION MONTH in Canada and around the world. Prior research for the Competition Bureau suggested that a general population survey would be beneficial in helping to gain further insights into patterns of victimization in Canada. There was no comparative figure that can be cited by Canadians in estimating the level of financial losses incurred by victims of Canadian-based Mass Marketing Fraud (MMF) operators. A major study commissioned by the Bureau, performed by Environics and recently released, is the first of its kind in Canada. For the research, the Competition Bureau defined MMF in Canada as fraud committed via mass communication media using the telephone, mail, and the Internet. This definition includes deceptive SPAM, but excludes identity theft and phishing activities. The survey focuses on attempts to defraud consumers, and does not examine attempts to defraud business.

Amongst the study’s key findings:

Sheridan Scott, Commissioner of Competition, said at the launch of FRAUD PREVENTION MONTH, the statistics from the Environics survey “highlight the need for more consumer education and vigilance.” Learn more: competitionbureau.gc.ca

TRANSCONTINENTAL FIRST QUARTER MAGIC
Transcontinental’s total revenues were only four per cent higher than first quarter 2007, but the commercial printer’s net income was 13 per cent higher, rising to $28.4 million – this despite the rising loonie. Operating income rose from $38.2 million to $48.4 million, in this first quarter where Transcontinental’s acquisition of PLM Group, started to show up in the bottom line. The company is successfully implementing a strategic shift from pure-play printing to a full-service direct marketing company.

Transcontinental’s recent acquisition of ThinData, a leading Canadian permission-based email marketing services firm, enables their next evolution of marketing, bringing print and direct marketing together with the power and speed of electronic marketing. According to Francois Olivier, President and Chief Executive Officer: “Integrating new digital platforms like this (ThinData) with our expertise in direct mail and publishing makes Transcontinental an undisputed marketing partner.” ThinData will become part of the Premedia Group under Nicky Milner’s responsibility. ThinData co-founders, CEO Chris Carder and chief Technology Officer, Chancellor Crawford, retain minority equity positions in ThinData and will continue in their respective roles. Learn more: www.transcontinental.com

FEW COMPANIES TAKING ADVANTAGE OF DOLLAR
According to a recent survey of accountants in senior positions at Canadian companies conducted by RBC and the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, only one in five firms have taken advantage of decreased costs due to the high dollar to purchase – or to plan to buy – capital goods. (Canadian Business, Feb1, The Gazette) Many Canadian companies are being hurt by the strong dollar but few are taking advantage to invest in productivity enhancing machinery and equipment. The fourth quarter survey found nearly half of Canadian companies – three of every four in manufacturing – say they have been hurt. The Bank of Canada and federal government have been urging companies to take advantage of the stronger dollar to invest, with Ottawa also temporarily increasing the rate at which manufacturers can write off such investments to induce them to make those investments. The Tracy Stevenson, vice-president of business financial services, RBC,said that concern over the outlook in some sectors may be the reason for not investing but the 21 per cent who are leveraging the advantage may well be the ones to grow by increasing their competitiveness. Learn more: www.cica.ca
Investment is one of the Key Financial Strategies for Canadian Business tabled at the Toronto Chapter Executive Round Table briefing (January 31, 2008) by Norman Raschkowan, MBA, Chief Investment Officer, Mackenzie Financial Corporation.

PITNEY BOWES ACQUIRES BLUETREE
Pitney Bowes has acquired the direct marketing company Bluetree. The acquisition enables Pitney Bowes to offer an expanded menu of solutions to companies seeking profitable alternatives to telemarketing, since it comes in time for the arrival of Canada’s Do-Not_Call Registry (DNC.) In the United States where the DNC Registry has been in effect since 2003, up to 35 per cent of telemarketing spend has been shifted to direct marketing, and many expect to see a similar migration of funds in Canada. This represents a significant opportunity for Pitney Bowes to market its advanced mailstream technologies. “Our solutions make direct mail the inexpensive way to deliver messages quickly and compellingly, while tightly targeting existing and prospective customers,” said Deepak Chopra, President of Pitney Bowes Canada. “Bluetree’s deep presence in Canada will allow our customers to navigate the obstacles of reaching customers and prospects during this critical time.”

Canada Post’s Direct Marketing Onlinetm service is using Bluetree’s technology to help Canadian businesses design and deliver direct marketing campaigns directly from desktop to doorstep.

 

ADDITIONAL BRANDING MEDIUM: CUSTOMIZED POSTAL INDICIA
Businesses can now design a “stamp-like” postage indicia, with an image of their choice, printed onto envelopes. Launched in respose to customers’ requests to differentiate Lettermail, this new Canada Post product offers business customers the opportunity to leverage significant real estate on the envelope – twice the size of a traditional stamp – for marketing and branding. Customers can order on-line at canadapost.ca/customized. The online application form can be downloaded and submitted along with the customized artwork. Canada Post will manage the order process, production and printing for the indicia. Commercial customers can purchase envelopes from Canada Post or supply their own. Mailings will a Customized Postal Indicia must be dropped off with an order form at a commercial drop off point.

NAMMU TRANSACTION MAIL COUNCIL SURVEY
The deadline for survey responses on Transaction Mail induction issues is March 28. NAMMU members who have not received their survey can contact Council Chair, Shirley Neil seneil@hydro.mb.ca and one will be forwarded to you. Meeting notes of the February 27th Council meeting will be distributed shortly. The Council survey will ensure the specifics of all induction issues are tabled, reviewed and prioritized with Canada Post before the next Council meeting.

EST CHANGES FOR UNADDRESSED ADMAIL
As of April 14, when you create an UNADDRESSED ADMAIL ORDER in the Electronic Shipping Tools (EST) and select “Upon Receipt” as the delivery option, the Mailing summary will display “Upon Receipt: for the Delivery Start Date so that the service standards are applied accurately, when Canada Post receives your mail. These service standards are determined by the transportation time (the number of business days required to transport items from the deposit facility to the delivery facility) and the delivery cycle (the number of business days required to complete delivery. The specific delivery window option for your campaign remains available through the Date Specific check box. Canada Post has also added an Oversize 2 category which is only available for non-letter carrier routes. Customers will also be able to override the container calculation field and enter a different number, if required. Container labels will no longer need to be reprinted when customers change information that does not affect mail processing (applies to EST Desktop only.) Learn more: canadapost.ca

 

CANADA POST HOSTS NEXT TORONTO CHAPTER MEETING
Craig Porter (Mackenzie Financial) Toronto Chapter Director, invites you to join him for an unmissable Chapter session, hosted by Canada Post, March 27th. Agenda items include information and discussion about the Plant Receiving Initiative, as well as the Transpromo Product, and a planned Gateway Plant tour. Reserve your place