If you’re new to direct mail marketing, you probably have a few questions about the best way to deliver your finished pieces to their intended recipients. How significant are bulk discounts? What is presorted mail? And how can you easily take advantage of these postal logistics strategies?
The nuances of the USPS can get complicated, but the concepts are pretty straightforward. Companies can save both time and money on mass mailings by participating in the USPS’ work-share program. The more of the USPS’s work you can do yourself, the greater savings you’ll enjoy. Options include sorting the mail in specific zip code order and delivering trays of mail pieces close to their final destination.
In order to take advantage of presorted mail savings, every piece of mail must go through a stringent preparation process before it is ready to be shipped to its destination. The process begins by certifying each address using CASS (Coding Accuracy Support System) software and checking against the NCOA (National Change of Address) database. Letters and cards must meet certain physical specifications to be automation compatible and addresses must include an Intelligent Mail barcode that incorporates a delivery point routing code (and tracking code if you want to follow your mail). The mail is then sorted and bundled depending on its 5-digit or 3-digit zip code, each tray of mail is inserted into a sleeve that wraps around the tray, and the tray is strapped and tagged according to USPS specifications. Accompanying documentation is also required.
The USPS rewards you with significant discounts on postage if your presorted mailing is large enough. First-class presorted mail requires 500 pieces, and each piece will be delivered in 1-4 days for less than the price of a regular standard piece. Presorted standard-class requires only 200 pieces and is even more cost-efficient, but the mail may take as many as 10 days to arrive.
While these savings certainly add up, some companies find their expenses increase as well due to the additional labor and technology costs of preparing their mailing. One way to eliminate this additional expense is to work with a commingling firm that combines your mail with that from other sources and then presorts and ships each tray to a postal facility close to its final destination to maximize discounts. MailSmart Logistics’ commingling clients save an average of 12% compared to standard class shipping, and their mail typically arrives about 2.4 days earlier. Plus, even small mailers can see the savings from commingling so it is worth the time to investigate.
If you think your company might benefit from commingling, learn more by reading our 13-page free eBook, Is Commingling Right for You?
MailSmart Logistics provides worry-free shipping at remarkably-low postal rates –
You’re going to love working with MailSmart Logistics!
