Creating a direct mail piece can be challenging, but there is good news! The USPS recently came out with a helpful list of the top 3 challenges when designing direct mail campaigns.
1. Odd Shapes
Squares and tubes are charged higher prices for postage because they have to be processed manually. These pieces are known as Customized Marketing Mail or CMM.
Bulky items such as pens in regular letter envelopes are likely to get damaged or lost.
2. Address Mistakes
The mailing address should be on the front of your mailing piece (The same side as the postage) The mailing address should be placed:
1/2 inch from the left edge of the piece
1/2 inch from the right edge of the piece
2-3/4 inches from the bottom edge of the piece
5/8 inch from the bottom edge of the piece
Use a return address to receive undeliverable mail when paying with precanceled stamps, or with a company permit imprint.
3. Misplaced Markings
Postage can be paid with a stamp, meter, or permit imprint, goes in the top right corner.
Class of Mail - First-Class Mail®, Marketing Mail™, or Nonprofit—must be printed as part of, directly below, or to the left of the permit imprint, meter imprint, or stamp.
Barcodes are needed to receive automation price breaks, mail pieces such as Letters & Flats must have a barcode for mailing.
USPS mailing regulations can seem confusing at first but Premier is here to help with all your direct mail design concerns. Send us your piece and we can advise on the “mailability” of your piece and suggest ways to make it eligible for the lowest possible postage rates. Contact Premier at info@premieruplink.com for a copy of the USPS Domestic Mail Manual.