Direct Mail Advertising
Description
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in (1) creating and designing advertising campaigns for the purpose of distributing advertising materials (e.g., coupons, flyers, samples) or specialties (e.g., keychains, magnets, pens with customized messages imprinted) by mail or other direct distribution and/or (2) preparing such advertising materials or specialties for mailing or other direct distribution. These establishments may also compile, maintain, sell, and rent mailing lists.
Hierarchy
| Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 2-digit sector | The Sector as a Whole The Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services sector comprises establishments that specialize in performing professional, scientific, and technical activities for others. These activities require a high degree of expertise and training. The establishments in this sector specialize according to expertise and provide these services to clients in a variety of industries and, in some cases, to households. Activities performed include: legal advice and representation; accounting, bookkeeping, and payroll services; architectural, engineering, and specialized design services; computer services; consulting services; research services; advertising services; photographic services; translation and interpretation services; veterinary services; and other professional, scientific, and technical services. This sector excludes establishments primarily engaged in providing a range of day-to-day office administrative services, such as financial planning, billing and recordkeeping, personnel supply, and physical distribution and logistics. These establishments are classified in Sector 56, Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services. |
| 541 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 3-digit subsector | Industries in the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services subsector group establishments engaged in processes where human capital is the major input. These establishments make available the knowledge and skills of their employees, often on an assignment basis, where an individual or team is responsible for the delivery of services to the client. The individual industries of this subsector are defined on the basis of the particular expertise and training of the services provider. The distinguishing feature of the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services subsector is the fact that most of the industries grouped in it have production processes that are almost wholly dependent on worker skills. Thus, the establishments classified in this subsector sell expertise. Much of the expertise requires degrees, though not in every case. |
| 5418 | Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services 4-digit industry group | This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in advertising, public relations, and related services, such as media buying, independent media representation, indoor and outdoor display advertising, direct mail advertising, advertising material distribution services, and other services related to advertising. |
| 54186 | Direct Mail Advertising 5-digit NAICS industry | See industry description for 541860. |
| 541860 | Direct Mail Advertising 6-digit U.S. detail | This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in (1) creating and designing advertising campaigns for the purpose of distributing advertising materials (e.g., coupons, flyers, samples) or specialties (e.g., keychains, magnets, pens with customized messages imprinted) by mail or other direct distribution and/or (2) preparing such advertising materials or specialties for mailing or other direct distribution. These establishments may also compile, maintain, sell, and rent mailing lists. |
Need a supply chain stack that maps to this industry?
Use this NAICS classification as the starting point, then connect it to Item workflows across inventory, warehousing, order management, fulfillment, and transportation.
Classification References
- 01The direct distribution or delivery (e.g., door-to-door, windshield placement) of advertisements or samples--are classified in Industry 541870, Advertising Material Distribution Services;
- 02Distributing advertising specialties for clients who wish to use such materials for promotional purposes--are classified in Industry 541890, Other Services Related to Advertising;
- 03Creating advertising campaigns and placing such advertising in media--are classified in Industry 541810, Advertising Agencies; and
- 04Compiling and selling mailing lists without providing direct mail advertising services--are classified in Industry 513140, Directory and Mailing List Publishers.
Index Items
Advertising material preparation services for mailing or other direct distribution
Direct mail advertising services
Direct mail or other direct distribution advertising campaign services
How Item Can Help
Advanced data analytics identify peak shipping windows and optimize route planning to significantly reduce delivery costs and improve customer service metrics.
External Resources
Census.gov NAICS Detail
Official US Census Bureau definition and scope for NAICS 541860.
Direct Marketing Association
A major trade association providing resources, standards, and advocacy for direct marketing including direct mail.
U.S. Census Bureau NAICS Dictionary
An official government page defining the industry scope for Direct Mail Advertising within the NAICS system.
American Marketing Association
An industry professional organization offering educational resources and certification for marketers across all channels.
