MCI Printing - Professional Commercial Printing Services

Variable Data Printing

Personalized printing where every piece can be unique. Names, addresses, images, and offers customized for each recipient.

Features & Benefits

  • Personalized text and images
  • Database integration
  • QR code personalization
  • Versioning capabilities
  • Proof approval workflow

Service Details

Turnaround Time:

5-7 business days

Minimum Quantity:

250 units

How It Works

Variable data printing (VDP) personalizes each piece with unique text, images, or offers based on recipient data. Your database drives the content—customer names, purchase history, location-specific information, personalized URLs (PURLs), and unique codes. We design templates with variable fields, then merge your data during digital printing. Each piece can be completely unique while maintaining consistent quality. Common applications include personalized direct mail ("Dear John, as a St. Louis homeowner..."), customized catalogs showing products relevant to each recipient, and promotional materials with individualized offers based on customer segments.

Why Choose MCI

Generic mass mail gets ignored. Personalized mail gets opened and read. VDP increases response rates significantly by making each piece relevant to its recipient. MCI has managed variable data campaigns for insurance companies, retailers, nonprofits, and marketers who measure results and know personalization works. We handle complex data merges, conditional content rules, and quality control that ensures every piece prints correctly—no "Dear [FIRSTNAME]" mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What data can be personalized with variable printing?
Almost anything: recipient names, addresses, account numbers, purchase history, membership status, location-specific content, and personalized offers. Images can vary by segment—show different products to different customers. QR codes and PURLs can be unique to each piece for tracking.
What file format do you need for variable data?
We accept Excel, CSV, or database exports with your variable fields clearly labeled. Clean, consistent data produces the best results—standardize name formats, verify addresses, and remove duplicates before sending. We can help with data cleanup if needed.
Can images change based on recipient data?
Yes. Variable imaging selects different photos, graphics, or product shots based on recipient attributes. A lawn care company might show snow removal services to northern addresses and lawn maintenance to southern ones. Image versioning requires planning but dramatically increases relevance.
How do you proof variable data printing jobs?
We provide sample proofs showing representative records from your data—beginning, middle, and end of the file, plus any conditional logic variations. You review for accuracy before we print. We also run automated checks for missing data, formatting errors, and merge field problems.

Work Samples

Variable data printed direct mail pieces showing personalized names and addresses unique to each recipient

Personalized direct mail with unique recipient data

Customized brochures and letters with variable images and text tailored to different recipients

Customized brochures with variable text and images

Variable data printed postcards featuring personalized offers, unique QR codes, and custom URLs per recipient

Personalized postcards with unique QR codes and offers

Batch variable data printing output showing personalized certificates and membership cards with unique serial numbers

Personalized certificates and membership cards with unique serial numbers

Get Started

Ready to order? Contact us for a custom quote tailored to your needs.

Request Quote

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