The concept of cross-media marketing services is coming into its own. In July 2011, InfoTrends published a multi-client study entitled The Evolution of the Cross-Media and Marketing Services Provider. This study surveyed more than 280 print/cross-media service providers to understand the current state of cross-media marketing as well as the evolution taking place in the graphic communications market.  One of the key trends that came out of our research was a concern about pricing for cross-media marketing services.

This document offers a deeper dive into pricing strategies for cross-media marketing services. It discusses how pricing is presented, determines the ways in which various services are charged for, and explores the challenges associated with pricing.

The recent economic turmoil has accelerated changes in the printing industry. Print service providers are transforming their business models to adapt to a changing economy and capitalize on transforming media dynamics. Succeeding in today’s market requires an understanding of new technology, revised sales strategies, automated workflows, and new skill sets.

To address these challenges service providers are looking for best-in-class business development and professional services offerings that help maximize their investment in digital printing equipment by improving efficiency and driving revenue growth. This opens a new opportunity for various suppliers in the industry to provide a new level of services for their customers.

Regardless of your industry, or geographic location, the transaction document output market is undergoing significant change. The 2009 USPS Annual Report showed that first class mail volume in the United States dropped 8.65% between 2008 and 2009 – a segment that is heavily affected by transaction mail. Canada Post’s 2009 Annual Report showed a 4.2% decline in transaction mail volume in the same period. At the same time, InfoTrends research indicates that consumers are planning to increase the number of bills they receive online. The erosion of transaction mail volume represents a fundamental change in how companies view the transaction document, and how consumers prefer to communicate with their providers.

This market shift provides new opportunities for technology vendors, as well as providers of software enablers such as document & content management and electronic presentment. It also offers a tremendous opportunity for print service providers in the document outsourcing arena to assist customers in migrating to more productive and efficient operational strategies relative to transactional data flow. For corporations, shifting from printed pieces to electronic bill presentment and payment options can save the company time and money; however, with new opportunities come new challenges. The key to success is understanding customer requirements and behaviors to implement the most effective balance of printed and electronic bill presentment and payment strategies – while also considering the marketing opportunity associated with each delivery channel.

Whether you are from the vendor, service provider, or corporate side of the market, this study will provide you with the insight you need to move forward with a calculated approach to electronic bill presentment and payment.