       |
New Standards for Letter-Size Folded Self-Mailers
After more than four years of hassling their customers, the USPS has implemented new standards for folded self-mailers. These rules were implemented on January 22, 2012 but won't be enforced until January 5, 2013. This provides time for customers to adjust or redesign their marketing pieces. Tabbing is an issue for everyone. With the new rules some designs will require two tabs on the top of the mail piece and others will require three tabs (two on the lead edge, one on the trail). Some pieces may only require two tabs upto 1 ounce and require three tabs if the piece weighs more than one ounce. There are new minimum (and maximum) paper weight requirements also. The good news is that there is time to figure all of this out and make the necessary adjustments in your direct mail pieces. The above link is to supporting documentation provided by the USPS for the new rules.
Butler Mailing Services is here to answer your question about the new rules governing folded self-mailers and other postal issues. Better yet, let us assist you in the planning, preparation and entry of your next mailing project.
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.
Every Door Direct Mail® (EDDM)
The hottest new postal product is EDDM mail. EDDM is mail that uses a simplified address (Postal Patron) and mailed to every delivery stop on a carriers' route. This type of saturation mail has been around for many years, surprisingly it is the USPS promoting direct mail that is new.
Recently the USPS changed a few rules, created a fancy name for simplified addressed saturation mail (EDDM), and tried to simplify the process so small businesses could produce their own direct mail advertising. Included below is a link to the USPS's EDDM website if you are adventuresome and interested in attempting this truly unique DIY experience.
If you are not into unique DIY advertising projects, we will use all of our resources and nearly 30 years of postal experience to provide you with the best postal delivery at the lowest possible cost when utilizing direct mail. As an example, by using a slightly smaller letter sized piece (instead of the flat required by EDDM) we can provide a lower postage cost and more consistent delivery, plus tracking to let you know when your mail pieces have been delivered to your targeted market.
Butler Mailing Services is introducing a saturation mailing program for new (or experienced) direct mail users. We will work with you to identify and then acquire the routes to which you want to mail, print a 6x9 card (full color both sides), prepare the mailing according to postal regulations, deliver your mailing to a Postal Service acceptance unit, pay all of the postage costs and track your pieces, notifying you when they will be delivered.
For a limited time our cost for mailing 1,000 pieces using this all inclusive program is $487. It doesn't get any easier than having someone else do all the work, and you can't beat the price. Give us a call (we like talking with customers) and we can discuss your needs and numerous options.
Depending on your products or services, saturation (EDDM) mail may not be the best use of your advertising dollars. If you are selling something that every person on a carrier route might want, such as ice cream in Florida, saturation mail is a great marketing vehicle. But if you are selling a specialized product or service, such as water skis, saturation mail may not be your most cost effective form of direct mail advertising.
We can assist you in making a determination as to which postal product, class of mail, and mail piece design best achieves your goals. If you need a special list to reach your unique customers, we can find it at a reasonable cost. So you can stop what you are doing that makes you money to hone your postal skills, or you can higher professionals to handle your mail and keep making money.
Here is the link for the DIY'ers. USPS EDDM Be sure and check out the supporting documentation (scroll down) on the right hand side of the site. You will need to use most of the forms that are listed and understand all of the documentation. Be sure you put paper in your printer before you start printing the reference material. Just remember that it was postal employees who designed EDDM and (falsely?) coined it a "Simplified Mailing Process". For true simplicity and piece of mind give us a call and concentrate on your day job.
**Every Door Direct Mail is a registered mark of the USPS
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.
 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 © 2012 Butler Mailing Services, Inc. For Information, please call: Phone: 513-870-5060 Nationwide:800-237-7914 Fax: 513-870-5062. |
|
|
|
