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New Standards for Letter-Size Folded Self-Mailers
The above is a link to the new (8/12/2011) proposed design rules for folded self-mailers. The industry has until September 14, 2011 to comment. There have been significant, positive changes in the current proposed self-mailer rules compared to those initially issued by the USPS. But it is my belief that with USPS finances in free fall, the Postal Service should not make any changes that will antagonize end users of postal delivery services. For this reason alone, these proposed design changes should not be made mandatory.
What the industry has said... "Todd Butler of Butler Mailing Services authored what I believe is the definitive White Paper on these new [12/29/08] proposed requirements . Todd has been involved in the genesis of these requirements from the beginning (although, as you will see, is vocal in his opposition to the outcome) and provides a useful perspective on the evolution of these new proposed rules. Although software vendors are not affected by this particular rule as it relates primarily to piece characteristic and tabbing requirements, if implemented these requirements are likely to affect your production." "I encourage everyone to become familiar with the issue and if it affects you then provide comment to the Postal Service before January 28th." -- K. Jon Runstrom, President BCC Software Inc.
Printers are facing a decline in print volume and margins at the same time customers are demanding more services. Customers not only want in house marketing and design functions, they also want their printer to provide direct mail and fulfillment services. With limited resources and falling revenues, how can printers make the necessary investment in technology, personnel and training to meet these demands?
Support for Non-mailers
With customers demanding more and competitors moving in, how can an operation with limited sales and resources afford to put in place the software, hardware and postal expertise necessary to provide quality, accurate, and efficient mailing services?
The truth is that for many mailings most mail production work can be done using existing labor and equipment . In 1983 Butler Mailing Services' first direct mail job was successfully processed in our living room, applying labels by hand. We have experienced many of the issues you’ll encounter in the preparation of direct mail while trying to conform to the infuriating, ever changing postal rules and regulations. With our history and over 25 years of experience, we’re able to understand your operational needs along with the many challenges you must confront. Let us explain how, with little or no cost to you, we can help you supply the technology and postal expertise your operation needs to provide quality mailing services in house. [More Information]
Support for Printers that Mail
We know from experience how difficult it is to find knowledgeable people for your data processing department. Whether it's a surge in business or a key employee that's on vacation, you need qualified experienced people to perform your data work. You can not find people with the necessary skill set at a temp agency. But you can find the expertise needed to process your most important customer's data file at Butler Mailing Services.
Mail Piece Testing and Approval
The Postal Service has a process for testing mail pieces designed for carrying optical discs destined for the automated letter mail stream. This voluntary testing is available for designs not meeting the DMM specifications that regulate discs and ensures their compatibility with processing equipment. When a design passes machinability testing by postal engineers, the PCSC issues a letter of approval authorizing the design to claim automated letter discounts across the country. This approval process is available for all letter sized mail.
Butler Mailing Services has extensive experience with this process having received postal approval for over 50 mail piece designs, more than anyone else in the country. Through years of testing, Butler Mailing Services understands the interactions between mail piece design and postal processing equipment. We have the knowledge and experience necessary to work with your organization in developing or changing designs to ensure compatibility with postal processing equipment.
To find out more about postal processing of letters go to www.ekeymailer.com and view Postal Processing of Optical Disks on the right hand side of the home page. This presentation deals primarily with disc mailers but shows postal equipment and issues affecting all letter mail. (Requires Java to run and takes a few seconds to load.)
 DiscMail is the utilization of optical discs for postal delivery of interactive multimedia. In our web centric society, direct mail must compete with the sights, sounds, motion and interactivity of the Internet. DiscMail does more than compete; it delivers greater functionality at a lower cost than on-line. Check out the article Spineless Slugs! It tells direct mailers (Spineless Slugs) how to compete directly (price/functionality/speed) with on-line advertising. Butler Mailing Services developed, tested and patented the eKEY® Family of products specifically designed to carry discs through postal processing. Our tests have shown that the eKEY Mailer can carry a CD/DVD (mini or full size) through automated letter processing without breakage. Postal testing of our products has certified them for automated letter discounts (postal approval letters available). With more than 50 approved designs, no one offers a greater variety of disc mailers than eKEY® Technologies. For more information go to www.ekeymailer.com |
Butler Mailing Services, Inc. offers a complete line of mailing and list services. We have been using Postalsoft list and mail stream products since 1985 to achieve the greatest accuracy and lowest postage costs available. CASS Certification and NCOA processing is standard for all lists that we mail.
With over 25 years in the mailing industry and experience with multiple software packages, we are uniquely qualified to assist in your data processing needs. Our people have extensive knowledge of the DMM, developed from years of interacting with the Postal Service. Butler Mailing Services can place someone in your operation (depending on drive time), use your software over the Internet, or process your files at our location using our software. No matter the level of service or location, we can provide an employee for the hours, days or specific jobs needed.
So the next time you're short of data processing resources give us a call, we have the knowledge and experience you are looking for. No temps-in-training here.
As one of the few remaining, independent lettershops in the Cincinnati area, we provide for your mailing needs regardless of where you print. From hundreds to hundreds of thousands of mailing pieces, we can handle any size project with delivery to the USPS on your schedule. So print with the most cost effective printer you can find. Then claim the lowest postage rates by using a professional mailer to prep your mailings for postal delivery. Discover the difference between using printers that claim they mail and Butler Mailing Services.
| Copyright © 2011 Butler Mailing Services, Inc. For Information, please call: Phone: 513-870-5060 Nationwide:800-237-7914 Fax: 513-870-5062. |
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