In a world that has become so technology-driven, there are many who still look forward to opening their mail every day. Holding a tangible piece of communication can engage prospects with fun interactions such as stickers, samples or coupons, and is more personal than so much of today’s digital marketing.

Direct Mail campaigns can be very successful for your business, particularly with the benefits provided by the United States Postal Service (USPS).

The USPS assists businesses with targeted mailing campaigns meaning they are focused on the groups of possible customers likely to respond to the contact.

Direct mail allows your business to address customers right where they’re at, making them more likely to respond.

The marketing method also is measurable, so your company can track and analyze results and discover your return on investment – making adjustments to planned mailings as needed.

Direct mail can cost as little as 14.5 cents per piece, with a variety of sizes to choose from, and can include customized options such as coupons, menus, event announcements, store openings and more!

Options for direct mailings include:

• First class mail: no minimum quantity; the fastest way to deliver mail; with full forwarding and return services.
• First class pre-sorted mail: 500-piece minimum; guaranteed delivery within three business days; cost per piece similar to a stamp; any undeliverable pieces will be returned.
• Pre-sorted standard: 200-piece minimum; between 30-35 percent less expensive than first class; processing time between 7 and 10 business days, though it might take longer. (Our experience has been that it often goes QUICKER)!
• Nonprofit mail: 200-piece minimum; about 40 percent less than regular commercial mailing rates; organization must meet eligibility requirements and have an approved authorization by the USPS, as well as meet specific mailing guidelines.

The USPS has regulations in place to assure delivery for an assortment of prices and mailing sizes”

• Address must be on the right side of a mailer, parallel to the longest side of the piece
• Individual names go on the first line, company names on the second, street address or PO Box number on the third followed by the city, state and zip code on the bottom line. One space between the city and state and two spaces belong between the city and zip code. Punctuation should not be used.
• Addresses should be in black ink using a sans-serif font, if the business is using an automated mailing rate
• Font size for address should be at least 10 points, on a light-colored envelope. Reverse type, with white letters on a dark background, should not be used.
• If there is an address window, it needs an extra 1/8 of an inch of space around the type so the address is not cut off.
• The address should not be more than 2 and ¾ of an inch from the bottom of the mail piece. It should be about a half an inch from the right side of the piece.

Return addresses are not required on all mail; however, using the space for your business’ logo and tagline can be a great way to widen your brand.

• Return addresses are required for certain types of mail, including priority mail, package services and company permit imprints.
• Return address formatting is the same as the delivery address, but font can be as small as eight points.
• The size of the return address area allowed is 33 percent of the height of the direct mail piece and 50 percent of the length.

Mailings should have 5/8 of an inch of space along the bottom that is left blank; anything printed there will confuse mail sorting machines which imprint postal barcodes.

Our website offers information and tips for your direct mail campaign. For more information on how direct mailings can help your business, contact Sarah Smith, Results Specialist at Communications at 731-9456 or sarah@konhaus.com!