Direct Mail Campaign FAQ’s
Can you help design our direct mail campaign piece for us?
Yes, we can! We have direct mailing templates to help you set up your mail piece based on USPS specifications. For a small fee, we can design your direct mail piece for you. Click here to view our templates
Can you use my direct mailing permit?
Yes and No. Permit numbers are specific to a particular Post Office. We are happy to print a direct mail piece with your indicia and send to you to complete the direct mailing. However, for us to offer our complete direct mailing services, and mail your piece for you, we would need to use our permit.
What is CASS Certification?
CASS Certification, or Coding Accuracy Support System, is a process used to maximize postage savings by adding Zip+4 codes to your direct mail campaign mail list where possible. The CASS Certification process can also help identify specific address problems and will standardize an address format for the USPS. Any address found undeliverable will be removed.
Is there a specific way I need to send my direct mail campaign database?
We prefer you submit an Excel or a Text File as a CSV (Comma Separated) or a Comma Delimited format. Other types of databases could be subject to an additional handling fee. At a minimum, please include name, address1, city, state and zip code. Others you may choose to use are company name, address2 or Department name.
What is the difference between a First Class and Standard Bulk Mailing Services?
First Class mail is the best choice for mail that is time-sensitive. Delivery time is normally 1-3 days in the U.S. depending on the location of recipient. First Class direct mail campaigns also include a forwarding or return of mail in the event a person has moved. In addition, First Class mail delivers consistently throughout the year, whereas Standard, bulk mailing services could have delays depending on the mailing season. Generally, mail going First Class will fall into one of three categories, Automation Rates, Presorted Rates or Full Rates. Minimum quantity for Automation and Presorted Rates service is 500 addresses.
Standard, or bulk mailing services, offer lower postage rates, but a much longer delivery time. Normal delivery is anywhere from 4-10 days in the U.S. depending on the location. During peak mail times, such as holidays, Stand Mail can take longer. This service does not include a forwarding or return of mail in the event a person has moved unless you pay an additional fee for the service. The mail piece will not be returned and no fee incurred by simply adding “Or Current Resident” after the primary company or name. Standard Mail generally falls into two rate classes, Automation Rates and Full Rates. Automation Rate minimum quantity is 200 addresses.
Will you over run my direct mail campaign piece to ensure I have a complete direct mailing?
We always run the exact amount of your mail list, or over, to ensure that you direct mailing is complete.
What is the new USPS move update?
Effective November 23, 2008, a mailer who wants to process mail at a discounted First-Class Mail Rate must certify they have updated the addresses in their direct mail campaign lists within 95 days prior to the date of the mailing.
What is NCOA?
NCOA, or National Change of Address, is a database of registered moves. We will compare your direct mail campaign list with the change orders given to the post office, which automatically updates your list with that person or business' new address. We provide you with this a list of the names with changes and their new address (some change to valid addresses, others change to non-updateable addresses). There is an additional cost for this service. Due to postal regulations and USPS privacy rules, a Tax ID is required in order for us to create the NCOA account. Please call 800-930-7064 if you would like us to perform an NCOA update on your list. Please contact us for additional information.
For additional information, please feel free to call our Customer Service team or visit www.usps.com.
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