Barcode your Business Reply Mail

by Gino

The Post Office has one particular requirement that I see is overlooked a great deal.

Here is an excerpt from the rule as printed in the current Domestic Mail Mannual:

3.17 Enclosed Reply Cards and Envelopes

3.17.1 Basic Standard

All letter-size reply cards and envelopes (business reply mail (BRM), courtesy reply mail (CRM), and meter reply mail (MRM)) provided as enclosures in automation First-Class Mail, Periodicals, and Standard Mail and addressed for return to a domestic delivery address must meet the applicable standards for automation-compatible mail in 3.0.

In other words, what the Post Office is saying is that in order for a mailing to receive reduced automation postage rates not only does the mailing have to meet all the stringent automation compatibility rules on the outside, it must also meet those rules for any reply mail on the inside! Basically, they are saying that they do not want to give you a discount on your mail unless you make it easier for them to mail back the included reply mail. I have always found this to be an odd requirement but nonetheless, if it is not adhered to your mailing will not receive automation discounts, which will not only cost you more in overall postage but may also cause a delay in your final delivery times.

If you currently do not have a automation compatible barcode for your return mail you can obtain one easily by contacting your local Post Office. You will want to ask for the Mailing Requirements Department of the Business Mail Entry Section. They will supply you with a fax number or email address to send them your return address to and in turn relay back an address complete with a barcode. You can then supply your printer with this for your future reply mail print runs.

Want to know how to create a winning direct mail campaign that won’t break your bank?

Click here to receive our consumer guide: 12 Ways To Avoid Paying More Than You Have To For Direct Mail. Inside you’ll learn the key mistakes to avoid when developing a direct mail campaign, the key element that can make or break your direct mail offering, plus you will be eligible to receive a special discount as a first-time customer! Get your free direct mail guide today!

 

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Things that you should know before mailing Postcards

by Gino

Many businesses are turning to postcards as their first choice when considering media for their marketing campaigns. Postcards can be a valuable resource for the budget minded during an economic downturn where every dollar spent is important. Many printers, both local and online, have recognized this and are now offering beautiful four color, glossy postcards at very low costs. Here are some things that you might want to consider before making that final decision on your postcard purchase.

Even though the smallest sizes of postcards have the most attractive prices they may not be the best choice.

The smaller the media the smaller the message. You can only fit so much info on a small postcard. If you have a lot to say and or offer you may want to move up to a slightly larger card. I always recommend at least a 5.5” x 8.5”. Many “Quick Printers” find this size easy to print due to their ability to “Work & Turn” the print run since this size is half of a standard sheet of paper and will either give a lower cost or faster turnaround.

A small postcard is not as visible.

When a potential customer retrieves their mail a small postcard can be dwarfed by the other, larger media in the bundle. Getting your prospects eyes on your media is the most important step in a successful marketing campaign. A larger postcard, especially a creatively designed one with eye-catching graphics or tag line(s) will more easily be viewed.

Gloss or no Gloss?

While having a glossy look can enhance your design having the mail side of the card glossy may cause problems for the mail house during production. High speed inkjet addressing is much easier and more accurately applied to a non-gloss or matte finish so it is usually recommended to only have your info side glossy.

Postcard paper thickness

One of the most common problems with printing postcards is using card stock that is underweight by the Post Office standards. Larger postcards (larger than 4.25” x 6”) are required to be at least 9/1000 of an inch thick. Anything less and your mailing could be upcharged in postage or refused altogether by the Post Office.

Leave enough room for a Barcode

Many designers, especially while designing small postcards, do not allow enough space for the mail house to print a barcode on the mailing addresses. The post office has many placement requirements for printing a barcode and if the mailer does not have adequate room the mailing may be subject to higher postage costs.

Want to know how to create a winning direct mail campaign that won’t break your bank?

Click here to receive our consumer guide: 12 Ways To Avoid Paying More Than You Have To For Direct Mail. Inside you’ll learn the key mistakes to avoid when developing a direct mail campaign, the key element that can make or break your direct mail offering, plus you will be eligible to receive a special discount as a first-time customer! Get your free direct mail guide today!

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Multiple Mailing may be the answer to your marketing needs.

Times are tough and have been for quite a while now and marketing funds seem to be the first to be allocated towards operating expenditures. Unfortunately, during these times marketing is one of the most important areas to consider. A company must stay vigilant in its efforts to keep its name, reputation, products and or [...]

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