Direct Mail for Charities
At Platinum, we specialise in helping charities run cost-effective, impactful direct mail campaigns, with expert guidance on VAT to help you stretch your budget further.
We understand the unique financial pressures faced by non-profits: tight budgets, limited resources, and the constant drive to raise awareness and funds. That’s why we provide a full-service solution tailored to your needs- including design, print, personalisation, fulfilment, and support with VAT-efficient postage.
Reduce VAT — the Right Way
Direct mail isn’t automatically VAT-free, and it’s important not to assume that all components of a campaign are exempt.
However, the majority of the postage cost, particularly the element charged by Royal Mail, can be VAT-free. The VAT typically only applies to the Downstream Access (DSA) portion of the mailing.
Effective Messages
Direct mail for charities remains one of the most effective tools for fundraising in this sector. It delivers your message straight into the hands of potential donors, bypassing the digital noise that can often be ignored. The tactile and personal nature of direct mail fosters stronger emotional connections, making it ideal for appeals, updates, thank-you messages, and awareness campaigns.
Working with Platinum
One of the biggest benefits of working with Platinum is our ability to help you establish an agency agreement with our postal providers. This arrangement enables you to avoid paying VAT on the main chunk of the postage cost upfront, saving significant amounts, all while remaining fully compliant and above board.
This is especially important for charities, as even though they benefit from VAT relief in some areas, reclaiming VAT when it is charged can be difficult and time-consuming. That’s why structuring your mailings correctly can have a real impact.
Results for Charities
Many of the charities we work with already benefit from this approach, saving thousands of pounds on large-scale direct mail campaigns, and saving funds that can be redirected straight back into their cause.
Whether you’re running a one-off appeal, a regular giving campaign, or an awareness drive, making your mailings as tax-efficient as possible can significantly improve your return on investment.
Compelling Mailing
Our creative team can help you craft emotionally compelling mailings featuring impactful stories, visuals, and calls to action, designed to move your audience and encourage a response. In addition, to make every penny count, we offer data cleansing services to sharpen your mailing lists, reduce waste, and increase deliverability. From concept to delivery, Platinum is your trusted partner for direct mail for charities. We take care of the details, so you can focus on making a difference.