Looking at next year's budget and trying to do more with the same, or even with less? The ins and outs of the U.S. Postal Service direct mail rates and schedules can get complicated, but knowing the basics can save you money. Below are three considerations for your next mailing.  

1. Consider mailing standard presort instead of first class presort. Depending on the physical size of the piece, standard presort can result in substantial savings in postage. For example, a flat piece weighing under 3.3 oz could cost as little as 49.6 cents to mail standard presort. The same size piece (under 3 oz) could cost as much as $1.09 to send out first class presort.
2. Consider the physical size of your mailing. Larger pieces cost more to mail. For example, an 8.5" x 11" flat mailer folded again to 8.5" x5.5" can mail under the letter rate rather than the higher flat rate. The standard presort letter rate (for anything under 3.3 oz) is 27 cents while the flat rate is 49.6 cents. Even if sent first class presort, there would be savings - the letter rate (under 1 oz) is 38.2 cents, while the flat rate (under 1 oz) is 75.7 cents.
3. Consider paper and printing. Choosing a #2 or #3 stock, rather than a #1, could save on printing costs. For example, the cost of printing 10,000 6" x 11" postcards on 100# RIS Value Silk Cover is 15% less than if you were to print on 100# McCoy Silk Cover. And if your print quantity is low, consider digital printing - it can often be much more cost effective than traditional offset printing.

What ways are you saving on direct mail?

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