There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving a successful direct mail marketing campaign—there are too many variables from brand to brand and campaign to campaign.
A common thread, though, are the basic USPS requirements everyone must follow. (You want to abide by the USPS rules—or risk paying significant postage.) Forbes breaks down the basic USPS requirements in this article. When you have specific questions about mailers, the following resources can be helpful:
Launch Room
Launch Room is a resource that provides direct mail ideas, tools and news all in one convenient location. You can save time and test new formats with free direct mail design templates. Have access to downloadable rate guides, production checklists and other handy direct mail tools. Weekly articles are posted about industry news, marketing strategies, money-saving tips & more.
Business Mail 101
Business Mail 101 is a valuable resource for those who are new to business mail, or for those who need a little refresher. The site is extremely user-friendly, with step-by-step instructions and helpful hints on how to select the mail service best for your business. There are checklists to make sure you don’t forget anything, and information on postal rates, mail classes, addressing, and sorting.
Quick Service Guides
Quick Service Guides—with words and graphics—describe how to prepare your mail to qualify for a certain postage price. According to the United States Postal Service, Quick Service Guides went into effect March 5, 2018 to “provide an overview of mailing standards on the applicable subject matter.” The list is updated monthly and includes mailing standards for Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM)-Retail, USPS Retail Ground, Commercial Letters, Cards, Flats, and Parcels, Business and Courtesy Reply Mail, Ancillary Service Endorsements, Certified Mail, Adult Signature Services, Registered Mail, and Restricted Delivery.
USPS Mailpiece Design Analyst (MDA) Support Center
The United States Postal Service recently launched the Mailpiece Design Analyst (MDA) Support Center to provide nationwide expertise for mailpiece design and artwork. Customers with Mailpiece Design requests can contact the MDA Support Center at 855-593-6093, or by via email at mda@usps.gov. The MDA Support Center hours of operation are Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. A list of commonly asked MDA customer questions can be found here.
Postal Customer Council
Looking for ways to achieve cost-effective business growth with mail? The Postal Service offers training opportunities and assistance through the Postal Customer Council. According to their website, “Whether you’re a small or large business owner looking for training in direct mail, a mail professional looking for workshops and certification, or you’d like to join the greater community of business mailers, we’re here to help.”
Looking for a complete guide to 2018 USPS postal regulations and guidelines?
Download our FREE 12-page USPS Rate Guide.