FAQs

Find answers to most commonly asked questions here.  Whether it's concept & design related, or post office "mumbo jumbo", feel free to look around and email us anytime if you have more questions.
bullet Do I have to mail my piece in an envelope?
bullet No.  It can be much more cost effective to mail your piece as a self mailer and save the cost of the envelope.  An 8 1/2 x 11 sheet can be folded in half or in thirds such that when you look at the mailing panel, the fold is on the bottom, the opening is on the top.  If the mail piece is designed this way, the Post Office requires only one wafer seal or tab in the top center of the open side in order to qualify for automation rates.
 
bullet Do I have to buy a permit to mail at presorted rates?
bullet The Post Office does require you to own a permit (either First Class or Presorted Standard) in order to take advantage of presorted postage rates.  The cost of the permit is $360 for the first year and $180 annually every year after that.  If our clients don't want to spend the money to buy their own permit, we do allow them to use ours if we will be preparing the mailing.
bullet What is a flat?
bullet The maximum size for a piece to qualify as a letter is 6 1/8" x 11 1/2".  Anything bigger is considered a flat.  Flat size postage is more than letter size postage.  For example, an automation letter size piece at Presorted Standard rates averages $.257 each.  An automation flat size piece at Presorted Standard rates averages $.489 each
 
bullet Can I save money by using a postcard?
bullet Maybe.  A postcard as defined by the Post Office is no larger than 4 1/4" x 6".  If you can fit all you have to say on a card this size, it can be a very cost effective way to mail.  The average rate for an automation Presorted First Class postcard is $.223 each.  If you have a hard time getting all your copy to fit on such a small card, you can mail a jumbo postcard, say 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" or even 6" x 9".  For that size card, however, you may want to switch from Presorted First Class to Presorted Standard.  You'll save on average about $.112 a piece


 

 

 
bullet What's the difference between Presorted Standard and First Class?
bullet The difference between First Class and Presorted Standard (Bulk) is time and money.  First Class generally takes two to seven business days to be delivered by the Post Office.  Presorted Standard generally takes four to fourteen business days to be delivered.  On average you will experience the mid point of these ranges.  Keep in mind there are no guarantees so you want to allow sufficient time for your mailing to be processed by the Post Office

As to cost, for a 1 oz. letter sized piece, the cost difference is approximately $.108 a piece.  Automation presorted First Class 1 oz. is $.36 per piece on average whereas automation Presorted Standard is $.252 per piece on average.  These rates can vary based on how many pieces you mail to each zip code, but for planning purposes, you can use them as an average.
 
bullet How can I get mail pieces with bad or undeliverable addresses returned to me so I can update my database?
bullet If you mail at First Class rates, the Post Office will return bad or undeliverable addresses to you at no additional charge.  This services is not included in Presorted Standard mailings.  You can add an endorsement (e.g. Return Service Requested) to your mail piece asking for returns and mail Presorted Standard, however there will be a charge for each return.  There are three different endorsements each with a different level of service.  If you have further questions regarding undeliverable mail, please call or email us.
bullet What is an indicia?
bullet There are three ways to affix postage to your mass mailing.   One way is to print what is called an "indicia" on your mail piece.  This is the square of printed information that goes where a stamp would typically go.  It generally looks like this:

The information in the indicia is provided to you when you purchase your permit at the Post Office.  If you don't purchase your own permit, you will have to get the indicia information from the mail house that will be processing your mailing.  Mail that is entered as an indicia mailing is paid for and verified by weight.
The second way to affix postage is by postage meter.  Both Presorted First Class and Presorted Standard mailings can be entered as metered mailings.
The third way to affix postage is by stamps.  The Post Office sells both Presorted Standard, Presorted First Class and Non-Profit stamps that can be used for mass mailings.