Bulk Mailing 101
Direct mail lets you effectively reach your customers with a targeted and tangible message. By taking
advantage of discounts that the USPS offers for sorted bulk mail, you
can contact your customers without spending excessive amounts of money
on postage. Your mailings may already qualify for bulk mailing discounts.
This guide will help you understand what you need to do to achieve these
discounts.
What is Bulk Mail?
USPS offers a bulk mail service
to businesses that prepare mail for the Post Office before they deposit
it. Mailers who qualify can receive discounted postage for sorting their
mail pieces by ZIP Code - called presorting - and depositing it
in special containers. Presort specifics and minimum quantities vary
for each mailing class and piece type. Depending on the level of presorting
you do, you can save a great deal on postage.
USPS offers these discounted
rates because you are doing some of their work for them. The less work
they have to do to deliver your mailing, the less they charge you. You
can earn additional discounts by creating mail pieces that are compatible
with the USPS automated sorting machines and by depositing mail at a
facility that serves the delivery location.
To qualify for bulk mailing
discounts, your mailing must have at least the minimum quantity for
its mailing class. The minimums for each mailing class are as follows:
- First-Class Mail - 500 pieces
- Standard Mail - 200 pieces or 50 pounds of mail
- Bound Printed Matter - 300 pieces
- Media Mail - 300 pieces
- Library Mail - 300 pieces
Once you meet the minimum piece
counts or weight, you will need to prepare your mailing. The following
checklist summarizes the steps involved in bulk mailing:
- Obtain a mailing list and improve address quality
- Determine your mailing class
- Design your mail piece
- Presort mail for discounts
- Get a mailing permit and determine your payment method
- Assemble your mailing in containers
- Deposit your mailing at a Business Mail Unit
For full details
on USPS rules and regulations, consult the Domestic Mail Manual or the
Quick Service Guides at
http://pe.usps.com.