This Perl script has been designed to provide an easy link to the Docmail SOAP API. The script is availble for free distribution under the normal GNU licence terms.

Online Postage

Docmail (www.cfhdocmail.com) is an online postage or 'Hybrid Mail' system.

Docmail allows you to create an online account, and then simply upload (or type in) address lists and documents and run an online data merge. Docmail then prints, envelopes and posts your mailing as 'snail mail'.

The advantages of Docmail - in addition to the huge time saving in not printing and enveloping - are very low costs, achieved through automation and huge volumes (6m envelopes mailed per month). This results in prices that start at 16% below the price of 2nd class UK postage alone - but includes all print, production and stationery as well as the postage itself!

Margin, commission or corporate gateway?

The Perl script presents the Docmail price as is. You may wish to add your own payment routines, and add a margin to this. However, if you want to keep it simple, you can also become a Docmail Associate and get paid a commission on the orders your script may generate. See www.cfhdocmail.com/associate.aspx

Other than reselling the Docmail service under your own brand, this script also provides an opportunity for corporates to front end their own Docmail account to add additional controls or branding.

UK and international mail

Docmail is based in the UK and currently offers maximum savings on UK mail. International mail can be sent using the system, but postage is then a higher cost, so the time saving is the main benefit.

Docmail have plans to offer their system in countries around the world, but this may be a year or two away! Applications from print and mail companies to become a Docmail output center are welcome (email: docmailsupport@cfh.com).

There are clearly big benefits to international mailers who want to send direct mail to the UK Docmail probably represents the lowest cost way of doing that.

Your Opportunity

Docmail, and this simple Perl script, offer you an unrivalled opportunity to create an online Direct Mail or Transactional Mail company for the cost of building and promoting a website.

The Perl script itself contains full installation and use instructions.

Note: in order to use this page and the Docmail-SOAP Perl script you will need to create an account at www.cfhdocmail.com. Each new account gains a £1 free credit, so you will be able to test this script at no cost to yourself!