Direct-mail glossary

Variable data printing (VDP)

Also known as: VDP, variable printing, personalized direct mail

Variable data printing is a digital printing technology that allows each piece in a print run to contain unique text, images, or codes — such as a recipient's name, a personalized offer, or a unique QR code — without slowing down production.

Why it matters

Traditional offset printing locks in the same image for every piece. VDP uses digital presses that merge a database of recipient information with a design template, substituting unique values on each card as it comes off the press. For direct mail, this means you can address each postcard to "Dear [First Name]", include a personalized coupon code, or place a QR code that links to a landing page unique to that individual recipient. Personalization consistently improves response rates in direct mail research — even something as simple as including the recipient's name can increase engagement. The more relevant the message to the individual, the more likely they are to act.

CardCadence

How CardCadence handles it

CardCadence uses variable data printing on every card. Each postcard carries a QR code that resolves to a link unique to that recipient, rendered automatically at print time with no extra setup on your part — so every scan is attributable to the specific card, and the specific address, that drove it. CardCadence does not print a personal URL (PURL) on the card; the QR code is the tracked path. You can also personalize the text itself from your contact-list data — first name, last name, company, city, and your own custom fields.

Ready to put this into practice?

CardCadence handles the printing, postage, and mailing from $0.75 per postcard — no subscription required.