Start with equipment and quantity fit
Ask for the minimum quantity and supported production path before discussing unit price. DIS Direct is built for 150,000 pieces or more, with postcards, self-mailers, supplied-envelope letter packs, black-and-white personalization, lettershop, and postal preparation.
Evaluate handoffs and ownership
Identify which work stays in the plant and which work moves to another vendor. DIS Direct performs its production work in-house. List sourcing may use a mail-list partner when the client asks for a defined audience.
Ask for boundaries in writing
Unsupported requirements create the most expensive surprises. DIS Direct does not run a digital press, print envelopes, bind books, staple booklets, or produce color variable imagery. Those requirements should be routed before the final RFQ.
Production partner evaluation matrix
| Category | Question to ask | DIS Direct answer |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | What is the firm minimum? | 150,000 pieces |
| Plant | Which production steps are in-house? | Print, lettershop, data, and postal preparation |
| Personalization | What can vary? | Black-and-white text, addresses, barcodes, and approved codes |
| Formats | Are envelopes and booklets produced? | Supplied/preprinted envelopes only; no books, binding, or stapling |
| Trade work | Can the job be white-label? | Yes, including blind shipping |
| Schedule | Is there a blanket turnaround SLA? | No; timing is scoped to the actual job |
Frequently asked
- What should a high-volume direct mail RFQ include?
- Include quantity, versions, waves, format, size, stock, ink, supplied components, variable fields, proofing, finishing, mail class, list count, postage, geography, approved-material dates, and target mail dates.
- Should price be the first comparison?
- No. Confirm production fit and exclusions first. A low unit price based on the wrong equipment, personalization method, or supplied components is not a comparable quote.