Are you ready for USPS Marketing Mail™? With the official rollout scheduled for January 2019, now’s the time to prepare for the transition.
What is USPS Marketing Mail?
The USPS announced in 2016 that Standard Mail will be rebranded as USPS Marketing Mail. This rebrand is an attempt to better align the mail class with business’ use of it, and to promote direct mail as an important part of the marketing mix.
With the change approaching, these tips will help you get ready:
What Qualifies as a USPS Marketing Mailpiece?
Will your business mailing qualify as USPS Marketing Mail? The USPS defines Marketing Mail as “mail matter not required to be mailed as First-Class mail or periodicals” and mail that sends “printed matter, flyers, circulars, advertising, newsletters, bulletins, catalogs and small parcels.” It must also weigh less than 16 ounces.
To further help mailers clarify what qualifies as Marketing Mail, the USPS put together a decision tree. Major highlights: The mailpiece cannot be typed or handwritten, and cannot solely be sent as a bill or statement of account. The decision tree also has specific guidelines for the inclusion of “personal information” for the recipient*.
What are the USPS Marketing Mail Rates®?
All USPS Marketing Mail are bulk prices, yet postage for USPS Marketing Mail will vary because it’s based on the weight of each mailpiece. Each mailing must meet a minimum 200 piece quantity to qualify for the bulk pricing, and a minimum per-piece price applies to the following envelope sizes and types:
- Letter-sized mail – 3.5 ounces or less
- Nonautomation and nonmachinable letters – 4.0 ounces or less
- Flat-sized mailpieces – 3.3 ounces or less
Mailpieces over the minimum weight requirements are subject to a per-piece charge and a corresponding per-pound charge*. Consult the USPS for more details on pricing.
Indicia Language
Indicia language will be optional for USPS Marketing Mail – mailpieces may feature either the Standard Mail or USPS Marketing Mail verbiage. And if you’re a nonprofit, the Marketing Mail language should read “Nonprofit MKTG Mail.”
Still Standard
Last thing – if you mail pallet placards, tray and sack labels, don’t worry about the rebrand. These pieces will continue to be labeled and mailed as Standard Mail.
Make sure your business is ready for USPS Marketing Mail. A Tension Sales expert can help you design your first (or next) USPS Marketing Mail piece. Contact us today to get started.
*Contact the USPS for rates and final approval of your mailpiece. This blog is for informational purposes only.
