Mailing Service Questions

Bulk Mailing and Printing Service
Tired of spending your time messing with address labels, licking stamps, or hauling heavy boxes to the Post Office? 

With our state-of-the-art mailing software and addressing equipment, we not only save you time and eliminate the hassle, we can get your mailing directly to your customers faster and for less money.

Because Bulk Mailing can be so complex, below you will find a list of the most important information you need to know, as well as a list of the most frequently asked questions. If you need a quote, please complete the Bulk Mailing Quote form.

First things first.  There are two kinds of Mailing Services:

Type #1:  EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail)
EDDM is simply a mailing to EVERY door in a select zip code or zone of zip codes.  No specific names are associated with the mailer. Instead, printed pieces are usually addressed with a 'generic' greeting such as:  "Postal Customer".  EDDM is generally the most economical way to send bulk mail.

Type #2:  List Based 
List based services are specific addresses from your own list of contacts - OR - a list of addresses that you rent or buy from a list service.

General Questions
Questions About EDDM
Questions About List Based Mailings
Glossary of Terms
Price Quote


General Questions:

What does "Mailing Services" include?

  • *Data Processing of One (1) List ($50 ea. additional list)
  • *C.A.S.S. Certification (what's this?)
  • *De-Duplicating Address
  • *Pre-Sorting & USPS documentation
  • *Ink-Jet Setup & Addressing
  • *Post Office Delivery

What design considerations should I be aware of?


You must have: 4w x 2.5h inches of blank space at the bottom right hand corner for addressing and barcode. 1w x 1h inches of blank space at the top right hand corner for the indicia/permit. 

NOTE:  No UV coating allowed in the address areas. We recommend NO UV coating at all on the postage side of your mailer. Aqueous coating IS acceptable.

direct mailing designs


SPECIAL NOTE:  LAYOUT OF 8.5 X 11 MAGAZINES FOR BULK MAILINGS REQUIRES SPECIAL CONSIDERATION. DOWNLOAD THIS LAYOUT GUIDELINE SAMPLE (PDF)



What class of mail is available?

Presorted Standard
  • 200 pieces required to qualify for Presort Standard.
  • Post office delivery time is estimated 10-14 days.
  • Cheapest postage rate but longest delivery time.




Presorted First Class

  • 500 pieces required to qualify for Presort First Class.
  • Post office delivery time is estimated 1 - 3 business days.



Non-Presort First Class
  • 200 pieces to qualify for Non-Presort First Class.
  • Post office delivery time is estimated 1- 3 business days.
  • Non-Presort First Class is the same as placing a stamp on an envelope (no discount).



Non-Profit
  • 200 pieces to qualify for Non-Profit mail.
  • Customer needs to complete USPS FORM 3623 to qualify for Non-Profit rate.
    (PS Form 3623)
  • Post office delivery time is estimated 10-14 days (Same as Presort Standard).
  • Uses customer's Non-Profit account with OUR permit number.



EDDM FAQs:

How do I order Direct Mail Service (EDDM)?


     

    Is Postage included in the EDDM Mailing Service?

    YES and NO. PrintSushi will provide a complete quote that includes a breakdown of Printing, Mail Service, and Postage.  However, these are actually 3 separate charges - you will be invoiced for postage separately.  


    Can we use our own mailing permit?

    No, mailing service is only offered to customers that want to use our permit. Mailing permits are tied to local USPS offices and may only be used in the locality where they are issued. If you'd like us to address your material and ship it to you, you could use your own permit and mail it from your location.

    What are the minimum pieces to qualify for Bulk Mail?

    • Presorted Standard - minimum 200 
    • Presorted First Class - minimum 500 pieces
    • Non-Presort First Class - minimum 200 pieces
    • Non-Profit (Standard) - minimum 200 pieces
     
    What is the turnaround time on EDDM Mailing Service?
    NOTE: these times reflect OUR processing time. They do NOT include delivery times once received by post office. Turnaround times begin AFTER we receive your PAMF (what's this). PAMF forms submitted before the 1 P.M. (P.S.T) deadline will be considered the first day of turnaround. Here are the turnaround times for data processing:
    • 200 - 25,000 = 1- 3 business days
    • 30,000 - 60,000 = 3 - 5 business days
    • 70,000 - 100,000 = 5 - 7 business days
    What file formats do addresses need to be submitted in?
    We accept the following formats: .xls (Excel [recommended]), .csv (Comma delimited), .txt (ASCII text file)

    What paper stock choices can Addresses be printed onto?


    We can ink jet your addresses on paper that does not have UV coating on postage side or address block.

    • 100lb book
    • 100lb cover
    • (4/1) 14 or 16pt
    • (4/4) Spot UV or UV Front
    • Matte 14pt or 16pt
    • 70lb bright white
    Proof Authorization Mailing Form. The PAMF is a proof that is e-mailed to you after postage payment has been received and printing completed. Proof shows indicia and one random name from customer's mailing list ink jet on mailer to show placement. Indicia indicates the class of mailing.

     

    List Based FAQs:


    Can you insert additional pieces into my envelope, flyer, etc.?

    Yes we can do inserting. Please contact us to discuss your particular needs and to get an accurate price quote. 

    Do you offer tabbing (also called wafer sealing)?

    Any mailing piece that requires tabbing is automatically tabbed according to postal regulations. There is no additional price for tabbing as this is automatically included in the price. If you need tabbing but you don't need us to mail your material for you, please call us for pricing. 

    Will aqueous coating interfere with addressing and mailing?

    Not with our equipment! We can easily address aqueous-coated pieces. In fact, adding aqueous is a great way to avoid the scuffing which can occur during the sorting and delivering of your pieces in the mailing process. If you plan to have us print your products but have someone else address and mail them, please check to make sure the aqueous coating won't interfere with their process. Some bulk mailing services have problems working with aqueous coating. 

    Is there a fee for a Temp-Return Service Request?

    No, not for First Class mailing services. The use of most service endorsements for returning pieces and updating addresses when needed are included free for customers mailing via First Class and First Class Presort, as long as the piece includes a return address.

    For Bulk Mail (standard mail), we will add "Or Current Resident" after the primary name or business. Pieces will be delivered as addressed and since nothing is being returned, you'll incur no further charges or fees on the mailing. If this will not meet your mailing needs, please contact us for return service or change-of-address options and rates for bulk mail. 

    How long will it take to get my piece into the mail?

    Add one additional day to the Production Speed you select when placing your order. For instance, if you choose our standard 4-day Production Speed, the mailing will be complete on or before the 5th business day after you approve your proof. 

    What happens to undeliverable mail? Can I request that it be returned to me? I'd like to keep my mailing list up to date.

    Yes, in fact, we offer this service with First Class mailings at no charge. We add an endorsement line to tell the Post Office you are attempting to keep your list up to date. An endorsement line for this would say "Temp-Return Service Requested", and when printed on the mail piece it ensures that it is returned to you with the new address or reason for non-delivery attached.

    Using an endorsement such as Temp-Return Service Requested is optional for customers using Bulk mail. If you'd like this option, you will be charged for all returned or updated addresses by the USPS, at first class rates. 

    Do you offer mailing lists?

    Yes! Our mailing experts will work with you to find a targeted list that meets your needs.

    Lists can be rented for single use, two time use, or unlimited use for one year. Renting your mailing list through us assures you'll get the highest quality addresses to minimize undeliverable pieces and maximize your direct mail campaign results. 

    What is NCOA (National Change of Address)?

    Over 40 million Americans change their address every year. The National Change of Address (NCOA) system uses the USPS database to check for people and businesses that have filed a change of address with the USPS within the last 48 months. Performing this update on a list saves you money on printing and postage by updating a list. Studies have shown that this service can save users a significant cost (in many cases up to 15% or more), plus help increase response rates. NOTE: The post office does not forward bulk mail to the new address, they just recycle it. 

    NCOA - How it Works

    We compare your list with the change orders given to the post office, which automatically updates your list with that person or business' new address. We provide you with this a list of the names with changes and their new address (some change to valid addresses, others change to non-updateable addresses). There is no cost to perform an NCOA clean up. We do charge $25 setup and $0.01 per name for NCOA list scrubbing only orders. Due to postal regulations and USPS privacy rules, a Tax ID is required in order for us to create the NCOA account.

    Mailing Services Glossary of Terms

    CASS Certification

    Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS) improves delivery of your mail piece and maximizes postage savings by adding Zip+4 codes to your mailing list where possible. The CASS Certification process also helps determine certain address problems and standardizes addresses to Postal Service formatting. The correct Zip+4 allows us to apply postal barcodes to your mail pieces, qualifying your mail for Mail Class discounts. 

    Zip+4

    The standard ZIP Code is a system of 5 digit codes that identify the individual post office or area delivery station associated with the address. The additional 4 digits identify a specific range of delivery addresses. 

    Barcodes

    Barcodes are small vertical lines printed in the bottom right corner of the piece to be mailed (we call this area the clear space). Much like a grocery scanner, barcodes represent the numbers which make up the address and Zip+4 codes. These codes make it possible for the mail processing equipment to quickly process these pieces, lowering mail-processing and delivery costs. The savings are passed on to consumers through lower postage rates. 

    Clear Space

    Area in the lower right corner of a mailing piece where the address and barcode is printed. This area must be blank or with less than 10% ink density, to ensure machine readability and therefore be eligible for your desired mail service class. 

    Ancillery Service Endorsements (such as Service Requests)

    These are usually imprinted directions on a mail piece to tell the Post Office what to do with the piece if it becomes undeliverable, such as: Change Service Requested, Forwarding Service Requested, Return Service Requested, and Address Service Requested. These are normally required on a First Class Presorted pieces. 

    Ink Jet Addressing

    We use state of the art, high-speed, ink jet technology for accurate addressing and bar coding that meets or exceeds USPS addressing regulations. In addition, our addressing equipment can print on aqueous coating. This scuff-resistant gloss coating enables your piece to resist scratches and marks as it travels through the postal system to have a better chance of arriving at its destination looking clean and sharp. Many mailing services cannot print on aqueous-coated stocks. 

    NCOA (National Change of Address)

    Over 40 million Americans change their address every year. The National Change of Address (NCOA) system uses the USPS database to check for people and businesses that have filed a change of address with the USPS within the last 48 months. Performing this update on a list saves you money on printing and postage by updating a list. Studies have shown that this service can save users a significant cost (in many cases up to 15% or more), plus help increase response rates. NOTE: The post office does not forward bulk mail to the new address, they just recycle it.