Consider distribution when you plan your printed material, not as an afterthought - especially if the items will be mailed. U.S. Postal Service regulations may affect your decisions about paper, folds, ink, and finished sizes if you wish to take advantage of bulk or nonprofit rates. Start by checking with Mailing Services about the size, shape, and weight of the finished piece; addressing; mailing permits; business reply mail; and bulk mail.
Dimensions of finished piece
U.S. Postal Service regulations specify the minimum and maximum sizes allowed in order for for mail pieces to receive discounts.Paper weight
The weight of the paper on which your order is printed can make a difference in your costs. Lighter weight papers often have a high rate of damage when they are addressed, requiring that you begin with more printed pieces than you need. It might be more economical to choose heavier paper and print the exact quantity you need. On the other hand, using lighter paper with envelopes could be the best choice.Tab, don’t staple
Your publication must be tabbed closed for mail discounts.Update mailing lists
Outdated mailing lists with undeliverable addresses will cause you to lose your postal discount and can delay distribution.Know your numbers
Print enough pieces for your entire mailing list to avoid having to reprint your publication just to reach all your audience. At the very least, reprinting will delay delivery to your intended audience. And, if your publication was printed on an offset press, you will have to pay all the fixed charges again (press preparation time, for example). Send a few extra pieces to allow for spoilage.On the other hand, if you use the University’s bulk mail permit, print some pieces without the permit information if you plan to mail any of them individually. Items with a permit imprinted may not be mailed singly, and the USPS can revoke the permit if violations occur.