Consumer Credit-Card DM Surges

In another sign of economic recovery, quarterly direct mail volume received by consumers increased 16%, according to Mintel Comperemedia.
 
In the first quarter of 2010, U.S. consumers received 6.1 billion pieces of direct mail, Mintel Comperemedia reported. In comparison, during the fourth quarter of 2009, 5.3 billion mail pieces were received.
 
“A seasonal push for life and auto insurance and a more confident credit-card industry are fueling this increase in mail,” Andrew Davidson, Mintel Comperemedia senior vice president, said in a statement. “Offers for new credit cards have increased substantially compared to last year as the economy recovers and fewer customers default on their cards."

During the first quarter of 2010, 1.2 billion credit-card mail pieces were received, up 36% from the first quarter of last year. The volume of insurance mail rose a more modest 8%, but at 2.6 billion pieces, it nonetheless accounted for more than 42% of all consumer direct mail received during the quarter.