What is Bulk Mail?
- The term “bulk mail” refers to quantities of mail prepared
for mailing at reduced postage rates. (Discounted first class and advertising
mail is also called “standard mail” by the Postal Service.)
- Bulk rates are discounted from “single–piece” rates (currently
$.34 for a letter).
What are Bulk Rates?
- The Postal Service offers discounts for bulk mailings because you
do some of the work that otherwise would have to be done by the Postal Service.
- In order to mail at bulk rates you need to
•Get a mailing permit and pay an annual mailing fee. (Product
Services covers both of these for mail sent from 2850.)
•Pay postage using one of several methods: precanceled stamps, postage
meter, or permit imprint.
• Make smart choices about the size, shape, and weight of your mailpiece.
• Presort the mailpieces.
How do the pieces have to be sorted?
- Product Services has software that sorts mailing lists by USPS
rules to get the best postage discount.
- Envelopes or labels are imprinted with the addresses and a bar code in
the sort order.
- Stuffed envelopes must be kept in the same sort order.
- Stuffed mailing is sent to distribution for metering, bundling, and postage
paperwork to meet USPS requirements for discounted postage.
- Product Services arranges for delivery to the post office.
Requirements for a Bulk Mailing
- Materials must be printed or duplicated
- Mailing pieces must be identical in size, weight, and number of enclosures
- Need a minimum of 200 pieces (or 50 pounds of mail)
Cost Analysis compared to First Class Presorted Mail
- First Class letter $.30
- Standard letter $.135 (average cost; range can be $.089–$.158) plus processing
costs for metering, bundling, and preparing the mailing for the post office.
Before you begin
Let us help you determine whether or not your mailing qualifies for a bulk
mailing. Contact Nancy Talsma or Lisa
Peacock.
