Fixing the Most Common Design Mistake
Sending a mailing at presorted, automation rates saves money over retail rates. But one small mistake can disqualify your mailing for automation rates: including a business reply envelope (BRE) or customer reply envelope (CRE) that is missing the FIM and address barcode. USPS regulations require that if the mailing goes at an automated rate then the return envelope must also be automation compatible.
Here are THREE ways to avoid this costly mistake:
- Get a BRE or CRE design from the USPS. Go to www.usps.com/replymail/
- Make sure you ask your designer and printer to include the FIM and address barcode.
- E-mail a PDF proof of your BRE or CRE to your account manager at Mailrite to check it before printing.
If the reply envelopes arrive at Mailrite without the FIM and address barcode, Mailrite can still add them by running them through our inkjet printers.
10 Ways to Save Money on Your Next Mailing
There are many aspects to consider when preparing a direct mailing. Here are a few good pointers.
| 1. Customer Service | Call one of our experienced account managers and let them help you design your next mailing piece to save the most amount of money on both processing and postage. |
| 2. Address Orientation | Make sure the address on your mailing piece is oriented correctly. A small error in address placement can end up costing you a large amount in additional postage. |
| 3. Postcard Options | If you're mailing a postcard and it measures no more then 4 ¼" x 6" (along with matching the other postcard criteria) go First Class. Not only will you save money by not using Standard Class, but your piece will travel through the mail at First Class speed. |
| 4. National Change of Address (NCOA) | Submit your mailing list for a National Change of Address check. An NCOA check will tell you if your addressee has moved and where to in the last four years. |
| 5. Piece Size | When mailing Standard Class, make sure your mailing piece does not exceed 6 1/8" x 11 ½" x ¼". Over this size and you will pay a higher postage rate. |
| 6. Piece Orientation | Make sure that the open edge of your self-mailer is above the address and not below. Postal regulations require two tabs for a piece opening on the bottom. |
| 7. Duplicate Addresses | Have our Data Processing Department check for duplicate names and addresses in your mailing list. Not only will you save printing costs but you'll save postage too. |
| 8. Clear Zone | The Post Office reserves the bottom ¾" of a letter-sized piece as a "Clear Zone". Don't put words or graphics below the address block. Either can confuse the Post Office's OCR readers and deny you the preferred automated rate. |
| 9. Our Postal Permit | Use our permit on your next mailing piece and save the $175 cost the Post Office charges for your own permit. |
| 10. Our Services | Get your mailing piece into the mail on time by using our services. Time equals money and our professional staff is committed to helping you save money. |
Contact us for more information.