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Understanding USPS Marketing Mail®: A Guide to Direct Mail Services

March 30, 2023
  

 

In today's digital age, it is easy to overlook traditional marketing channels such as mail. However, direct mail or marketing mail remain effective tools for reaching customers and promoting your business.

Marketing mail, also known as bulk mail, is a type of mail used for advertising and promotional purposes. It is sent in large quantities to a targeted audience and typically offers discounts, promotions, and other special offers. Marketing mail is often used by businesses to reach potential customers who may be interested in their products or services. In this article, we will explain how you can use USPS Marketing Mail® to send your promotional material.

 

What is USPS Marketing Mail®?

 

Marketing Mail, also known as USPS Marketing Mail® or formerly Standard Mail, is a type of mail not required to be mailed as First-Class Mail® or Periodicals. It is commonly used by businesses and organizations to send promotional materials, such as: 

  • Printed matter, flyers, circulars, advertising.
  • Newsletters, bulletins, and catalogs.
  • Small parcels.

 

USPS Marketing Mail® parcels can also qualify for certain extra services, such as Electronic USPS Tracking and Bulk Insurance (only for Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail machinable and irregular parcels). However, it is important to note that USPS Marketing Mail® is not forwarded or returned unless requested with an ancillary service endorsement, which may incur additional fees or postage.

 

USPS Marketing Mail® Requirements

 

USPS Marketing Mail® is regulated by the United States Postal Service (USPS) and has specific guidelines for design, content, and mailing requirements. Some of these requirements include minimum and maximum sizes, weight limitations, and formatting guidelines.

To qualify for USPS Marketing Mail®, mailers must have a Business Mail Permit and meet certain requirements, such as a minimum weight of one ounce, a maximum weight of 16 ounces and a minimum quantity of 200 pieces or 50 pounds of mail. There is no single-piece USPS Marketing Mail® postage, and prices vary depending on the type of mail (e.g. letters, flats/large envelopes, and parcels).  But for beginning mailers, USPS Marketing Mail® is often the best choice because postage prices are very low.

Unlike First-Class Mail, there is no separate USPS Marketing Mail® postcard price (USPS Marketing Mail® postcards are mailed as letters or flats depending on size).

 

Nonprofit organizations can also take advantage of Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail®

 

Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail® is eligible for significantly reduced nonprofit postage rates. To use this service, nonprofit organizations must be authorized by the Postal Service and send printed materials that qualify for USPS Marketing Mail®.

 

USPS Marketing Mail® can reduce your direct mail costs

 

Direct mail can be highly effective because it allows businesses to reach out to potential customers in a personalized and targeted way. One of the biggest benefits of using USPS Marketing Mail® is the cost savings if you send direct mail. USPS Marketing Mail® is a good option to consider if you regularly send promotional materials, such as flyers, circulars, newsletters, and catalogs.

 

Source: USPS Postal Explorer Website

 

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