In House Mailing Capabilities
9 Ways Sexton Printing Helps You Maximize Mailing Efficiency:
- Address Coding/Standardization via CASS-Certified Software
- Postal Presorting via PAVE-Certified Software to Maximize Postal Discounts
- Merge/Purge Services
- List Hygiene & Enhancement Services like Database Restructuring
- List Evaluation & Error Reports
- Mailing Strategy Consultations
- Single Source Control & Convenience
- Dual Head Ink Jetting and/or Cheshire Labeling
- Wafer Sealing
Meeting growing postal challenges while providing added control and convenience encouraged Sexton Printing to work closely with customers and the Post Office to develop effective mail distribution strategies aimed at getting materials delivered quickly and cost effectively. Often the solution is not any single action, but a relentless pursuit of many small improvements along the chain that make a big difference in a mailer's costs and speed of delivery.
Today the price of mailing magazines, journals, newsletters, catalogs and other printed materials can significantly affect an organization's bottom line. As a result, mailers need to take a more comprehensive look at objectives, considering everything from when a printed piece needs to arrive at its destination to mailing frequency and format issues.
Sexton Printing has been involved with mailing in one form or another for over 20 years. Our niche has been and continues to be in publications, periodicals with some direct mail.
We take a consultative and comprehensive approach to each one of our customers communication needs with an emphasis on proper design for printing, as well as mailing requirements. In addition, we will evaluate the integrity of your list, checking for problems such as improper address formatting that can negatively affect mail processing. And the first time we process your list you'll receive these FREE items:
- An error report which lists any addresses unsuccessfully matched to the Nat'l database
- A list of addresses with invalid ZIP Codes
- Recommendations to help you improve your list preparation and achieve maximum list integrity.
One particular win-win situation, was with a new client who had been doing the same mailing with another company for two years. We suggested going to a heavier weight stock for a cost of $1000 more on paper that yielded a savings of $3000 in postage. Mail reclassification continues to reward automation compatible mail with discounts that are intended to compensate mailers for their preparation investments. Mail not conforming to automation standards pays a premium or surcharge.
Address quality standards:
- Accuracy verification of all 5-digit ZIP Codes at least once during the 12 month period prior to a standard mailing
- Only addresses successfully matched to the most current USPS Nat'l database through CASS (Coding Accuracy Support System)- certified software are eligible for automation discounts.
- All presorted First-Class mail must use a "move update" method such as the "Address Service Requested" endorsement line.
- All ZIP Codes on mailings must be accurate to qualify for presort and/or automation discounts. Using PAVE (Presort, Accuracy, Validation and Evaluation)-certified software is recommended.
- Carrier Route mail must contain addresses that have been successfully matched to the most current USPS Nat'l database using current CASS-certified software. Coding must be performed within 90 days of the mailing date. Good News this was just Repealed.
- For all other automated pieces, coding must be performed within six months. USPS-approved documentation is required in all cases.
Recap some of the old/new requirements:
- BRC / Postcards-Minimum 3.5x5 Maximum 4.25x6. NOTE: what's important today in order for it to be machineable, is that the piece must be 7pt thick for 4.25x6 pieces or 9pt for others. Otherwise, you will lose automation discounts and will pay a surcharge. Some stocks will make this requirement in 80lb while others will need to go heavier. Please make sure you double-check this.
- Letter- Minimum 3.5x5 Maximum 6.125x11.5 Thus, a postcard that is 6x9 falls into the Letter category. NOTE: piece must meet the Aspect ratio=relationship between the height and width for it to be machineable. Weight is a factor and depends on the specific postal classification.
- Flat- Height- minimum=5" maximum=12" Length- minimum=6" maximum=15" NOTE: must design with a particular orientation between final folded or bound edge and any intermediate bound or folded edge. Thickness no more than 3/4" thick. Weight for 1st class= 13 oz max, Periodicals= 20 oz max, Standard= less than 16 oz, Bound Printed Matter= 20 oz max.
- New Postal Rates-did go into effect on 6-30-2002
- Postage Tax- the state did implement a postage tax on anything that is mailed to a destination within the state. Non-Profits are still exempt. Good News this was just Repealed.
Still confused? Don't worry. Sexton Printing offers complete in-house mailing services, and we're in compliance with the rules and regulations of reclassification. Most important, we're fully committed to helping your organization develop an effective strategy to reduce mailing costs and speed delivery. We'll maximize your presort discounts through our PAVE-and CASS-certified software, then go several steps beyond to ensure you gain all the postal advantages possible.
When sending mail files into Sexton Printing via E-Mail address them to: maillist@sextonprinting.com. Please be sure to include the following for faster and more accurate processing:
- Name of each file
- Number of records for each file
- File structure
- File format
- Specify which job for
Note: we do have a complete form that asks for more in depth instructions for those projects that you feel need to be more detailed.
Stay tuned for up coming TK's Korner's that invite you to the annual paper mill tour. It surely is a good time had by all and filled with a lot of eyes/hands on learning experiences.
Referrals are greatly appreciated. If you know someone who I should contact, please let me know.
If you would like to join me on one of our upcoming tours, if there is something that you would like me to address, or if you know of someone who might like to receive TK's Korner, please let me know via e-mail at tkubinski@sextonprinting.com or phone.
Take care and have a great day.
Successfully,
Tom Kubinski-Printing Consultant
