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6 Design Tips to Save Money on Direct Mail Postage

Allegiant Marketing Group
Allegiant Marketing Group

These days everyone wants to do things faster and more economically. The United States Postal Service is no exception. As a result, mail that can be processed on their automated equipment (machinable mail) is less expensive to send than mail that, due to size, shape, weight or format, needs to be handled manually. Therefore, it is important to keep postal regulations in mind when planning your next direct mail campaign.

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1 DESIGN to Save Money on TIPS Direct Mail Postage
2 These days everyone wants to do things faster and more economically. The United States Postal Service is no exception. As a result, mail that can be processed on their automated equipment (machinable mail) is less expensive to send than mail that, due to size, shape, weight or format, needs to be handled manually. Therefore, it is important to keep postal regulations in mind when planning your next direct mail campaign. *Take a look at just how quickly the savings can add up! Quantity Machine Ready Not Machine Ready Savings 200 $47 $106.40 $59.40 1,000 $235 $532 $297 2,000 $470 $1064 $594 5,000 $1175 $2660 $1,485 This e-guide is filled with tips to help you design your direct mail pieces for maximum postal efficiency and cost savings. *Example is based on presort standard ADC rate.
3 Tips at a Glance TIPS Pay Attention to Spec/Aspect Ratios .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 4 Use a Letter Size Self-folded Mailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 5 Place Self-folded Mailer Closures at the Top. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 6 Avoid Wraps, Staples and Strings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 7 Adhere to Physical Standards for Machinable Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 8 Design within Dimension Standards for Cards Claimed at Card Prices .. . . . . . . . . . pg. 9
4 Pay Attention to Spec/Aspect RATIOS Machinable mail must meet certain physical characteristicsone of which is aspect ratio (width divided by height). The length in this case is the dimension parallel to the address as it is read. To qualify for automation: n The minimum spec ratio is 1.3 n The maximum spec ratio is 2.5 PRACTICAL DESIGN TIP So, for example, if you have an 8.5 x 5.5 postcard, the spec ratio is 1.545 and falls within the proper spec ratio and can be sent at the lower rate. If, on the other hand, you have a 5.5 x 5.5 postcard, you have a spec ratio of 1 and will need to pay a surcharge.
5 Use a Letter Size Self-folded Mailer Save time and money by eliminating the envelope in favor of a self-folded mailer. Whats a folded self-mailer? By definition it is a mailpiece formed of two or more panels created when a single or multiple unbound sheets of paper are folded together and sealed. Per USPS Regulations, to be eligible for mailing at the letter rate a folded self-mailer must be: n A minimum of 5 wide x 3.5 high n A maximum of 10.5 wide x 6 high n Rectangular (must meet proper spec ratio of width divided by height) n Minimum spec ratio of 1.3 n Maximum spec ratio of 2.5 PRACTICAL DESIGN TIP A quick trim will take an 11 x 17 sheet down to 10.5 x 17. The right fold will take it down to 10.5 x 5.66. If you forget the trim, or do an uneven fold that brings the height dimension up your piece will go as a flat.
6 Place Self-folded Mailer Closures at the Top Its not enough to just design your self-mailers the right size, you also have to design them the right way. To comply with USPS regulations and be eligible for automated pricing, self-mailers must be designed so that the opening is at the top. Closures such as glue spots, wafer seals, or tabs must also be applied to the top preventing the open edge from jamming in USPS equipment. Closure types can vary depending on the fold style; therefore, it is a good idea to determine your fold style and closure type before beginning your design. opening must be at the top For more information on acceptable fold techniques and closures visit https://ribbs.usps.gov/fsm/documents/tech_guides/FSMReference.pdf
7 Avoid Wraps, Staples and Strings Anything that can get caught in or damage USPS automated equipment will be considered non-machinable and be subject to a surcharge. Leave the following items out of your design to keep costs down. n Polywrap n Polybag n Shrinkwrap n Clasps n Strings n Staples n Buttons n Protrusions
8 Adhere to Physical Standards for Machinable Letters Machinable Letter-size mail is: n Not less than 5 wide, 3遜 high, and 0.007 thick 0.007 thick if no more than 6 wide and 4村 high; or 0.009 thick if more than 6 wide or 4遜 high, or both n Not more than 11遜 wide (10遜 if a self-mailer) or more than 61/8 high or greater than 村 thick n Rectangular, with four square corners and parallel opposite sides. Letter sized card-type mail pieces made of cardstock may have finished corner that do not exceed a radius of 0.125 (1/8) n Within an aspect ratio (width divided by height) of 1.3 to 2.5, inclusive
9 Design within Dimension Standards for Cards Claimed at Card Prices Each card (each stamped card or postcard or each half of a double stamped card or postcard) claimed at a card price must be: n No less than 5 wide and 3遜 high, 0.007 thick n No more than 6 wide, or 4村 high, or greater than 0.016 thick n Rectangular, with four square corners and parallel opposite sides. Card-size pieces meeting the standards may have finished corners that do not exceed a radius of 0.125 (1/8 inch) smallest allowed 3-1/2 5 largest allowed 6 4-1/4
10 about Allegiant Marketing Group (AMG) AMG is a full service mail provider able to help your business deliver the results you want. AMG works as an extension of your business. While you focus on running your business, we operate in the background n Providing you with the best lists possible, n Leveraging our extensive knowledge of USPS regulations to get you the biggest impact for the lowest price, n Printing your piece to your specifications, and n Mailing your piece with quality control and on time. www.MailAMG.com 800-648-3107 SalesTeam@MailAMG.com

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6 Design Tips to Save Money on Direct Mail Postage

  • 1. 1 DESIGN to Save Money on TIPS Direct Mail Postage
  • 2. 2 These days everyone wants to do things faster and more economically. The United States Postal Service is no exception. As a result, mail that can be processed on their automated equipment (machinable mail) is less expensive to send than mail that, due to size, shape, weight or format, needs to be handled manually. Therefore, it is important to keep postal regulations in mind when planning your next direct mail campaign. *Take a look at just how quickly the savings can add up! Quantity Machine Ready Not Machine Ready Savings 200 $47 $106.40 $59.40 1,000 $235 $532 $297 2,000 $470 $1064 $594 5,000 $1175 $2660 $1,485 This e-guide is filled with tips to help you design your direct mail pieces for maximum postal efficiency and cost savings. *Example is based on presort standard ADC rate.
  • 3. 3 Tips at a Glance TIPS Pay Attention to Spec/Aspect Ratios .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 4 Use a Letter Size Self-folded Mailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 5 Place Self-folded Mailer Closures at the Top. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 6 Avoid Wraps, Staples and Strings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 7 Adhere to Physical Standards for Machinable Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 8 Design within Dimension Standards for Cards Claimed at Card Prices .. . . . . . . . . . pg. 9
  • 4. 4 Pay Attention to Spec/Aspect RATIOS Machinable mail must meet certain physical characteristicsone of which is aspect ratio (width divided by height). The length in this case is the dimension parallel to the address as it is read. To qualify for automation: n The minimum spec ratio is 1.3 n The maximum spec ratio is 2.5 PRACTICAL DESIGN TIP So, for example, if you have an 8.5 x 5.5 postcard, the spec ratio is 1.545 and falls within the proper spec ratio and can be sent at the lower rate. If, on the other hand, you have a 5.5 x 5.5 postcard, you have a spec ratio of 1 and will need to pay a surcharge.
  • 5. 5 Use a Letter Size Self-folded Mailer Save time and money by eliminating the envelope in favor of a self-folded mailer. Whats a folded self-mailer? By definition it is a mailpiece formed of two or more panels created when a single or multiple unbound sheets of paper are folded together and sealed. Per USPS Regulations, to be eligible for mailing at the letter rate a folded self-mailer must be: n A minimum of 5 wide x 3.5 high n A maximum of 10.5 wide x 6 high n Rectangular (must meet proper spec ratio of width divided by height) n Minimum spec ratio of 1.3 n Maximum spec ratio of 2.5 PRACTICAL DESIGN TIP A quick trim will take an 11 x 17 sheet down to 10.5 x 17. The right fold will take it down to 10.5 x 5.66. If you forget the trim, or do an uneven fold that brings the height dimension up your piece will go as a flat.
  • 6. 6 Place Self-folded Mailer Closures at the Top Its not enough to just design your self-mailers the right size, you also have to design them the right way. To comply with USPS regulations and be eligible for automated pricing, self-mailers must be designed so that the opening is at the top. Closures such as glue spots, wafer seals, or tabs must also be applied to the top preventing the open edge from jamming in USPS equipment. Closure types can vary depending on the fold style; therefore, it is a good idea to determine your fold style and closure type before beginning your design. opening must be at the top For more information on acceptable fold techniques and closures visit https://ribbs.usps.gov/fsm/documents/tech_guides/FSMReference.pdf
  • 7. 7 Avoid Wraps, Staples and Strings Anything that can get caught in or damage USPS automated equipment will be considered non-machinable and be subject to a surcharge. Leave the following items out of your design to keep costs down. n Polywrap n Polybag n Shrinkwrap n Clasps n Strings n Staples n Buttons n Protrusions
  • 8. 8 Adhere to Physical Standards for Machinable Letters Machinable Letter-size mail is: n Not less than 5 wide, 3遜 high, and 0.007 thick 0.007 thick if no more than 6 wide and 4村 high; or 0.009 thick if more than 6 wide or 4遜 high, or both n Not more than 11遜 wide (10遜 if a self-mailer) or more than 61/8 high or greater than 村 thick n Rectangular, with four square corners and parallel opposite sides. Letter sized card-type mail pieces made of cardstock may have finished corner that do not exceed a radius of 0.125 (1/8) n Within an aspect ratio (width divided by height) of 1.3 to 2.5, inclusive
  • 9. 9 Design within Dimension Standards for Cards Claimed at Card Prices Each card (each stamped card or postcard or each half of a double stamped card or postcard) claimed at a card price must be: n No less than 5 wide and 3遜 high, 0.007 thick n No more than 6 wide, or 4村 high, or greater than 0.016 thick n Rectangular, with four square corners and parallel opposite sides. Card-size pieces meeting the standards may have finished corners that do not exceed a radius of 0.125 (1/8 inch) smallest allowed 3-1/2 5 largest allowed 6 4-1/4
  • 10. 10 about Allegiant Marketing Group (AMG) AMG is a full service mail provider able to help your business deliver the results you want. AMG works as an extension of your business. While you focus on running your business, we operate in the background n Providing you with the best lists possible, n Leveraging our extensive knowledge of USPS regulations to get you the biggest impact for the lowest price, n Printing your piece to your specifications, and n Mailing your piece with quality control and on time. www.MailAMG.com 800-648-3107 SalesTeam@MailAMG.com