Frequently Asked Questions
What are bulk rates?
The Post Office offers discounts for bulk mailings
because we do some of the work that otherwise would have to be
done by them (for example, sorting the mail by Zip
Code or transporting the mail to a different postal facility).
Everyone benefits from this "work-sharing." Mailers make an
investment in time and technology, your mailing costs
are reduced and you pay less postage.
Are
there minimum quantities for a bulk mailing?
To qualify for certain postage discounts, you must mail a
minimum number of CASS certified pieces:
* 500 pieces for First-Class Mail
*
200 pieces for Standard Mail
How do I know if my piece is a
a letter or a
flat?
A "letter" can be an envelope, a self-mailer, folded
brochure or a card that is within the minimum
and maximum described. It may not exceed 6-1/8" x 11-1/2".
The minimum
thickness is .007 inch (if no more than 4-1/4" high and 6" long);
.009 inch (if more than 4-1/4" high or 6" long or both).
The maximum
thickness is .016 inch.
A "flat" can be a self-mailer, folded brochure, a large envelope, package or even a big postcard larger than
6-1/8" x 11-1/2" but smaller than 12" x 15"
and up to 3/4" thick.
What is CASS?
The "Coding Accuracy Support
System" examines each address in your mailing list for proper
formatting and adds the +4 Zip to improve the accuracy of your
mailing. All addresses that receive postage discounts must be 100%
CASS certified. You can request we mail to the non-CASS
addresses and supply you with the non-CASS addresses
so you can update your mailing list.
What is NCOA?
"National Change of
Address" allows the checking of an existing mail list to
determine if a person or family has moved in the last 18 months.
USPS now requires this service for maximum postage discounts.
What is an
indicia?
An indicia is a mailing permit used used as a substitute for stamps.
Do I need to
purchase a bulk permit?
No. Why pay an annual fee to have your own permit when you can use
our
permit at no additional charge when we do the
mail services. You may also use a presorted stamp for either
bulk or First Class mailings.
What type of
address files do you accept?
In order to process bulk mail for your customers, we
must have the mailing list in an usable electronic format: Microsoft
Excel spreadsheet, Access database. CSV or equivalent
files. Most proprietary applications released within the past
few years will export a mail list for your use either through an
"Export" or a "Save As" command. If you are
not sure whether you have a usable file format, just
contact us.