A Simple 4-Step Guide to Direct Mail

By Lauren D'Alessandro, September 7, 2016 | Marketing

Direct mail projects can be complex and stressful, but Conlin’s has the expertise to guide you through any size project. Thinking about using direct mail advertising to reach your target audience? Ask yourself these four questions:

What size is your mail piece?
How many people do you want to reach?
How fast do you need it to reach those people?
How much do you want to spend?

What size is your mail piece?

The minimum size is 3.5″ x 5″. The maximum size is what defines the three general “rate” categories.

Post Card

4.25″ x 6″ max.

Letter

6.125″ x 11.5″ max

Flat

12″ x 15″ max

How many people do you want to reach?

The following quantity categories determine whether you will need to apply postage manually:

1 - 200 pieces

This quantity range requires that regular postage be applied individually to each piece (stamps, meter strips, etc.).

200+ pieces

For mailings with over 200 pieces, we are able to use a mailing permit called an "indicia". The indicia is printed onto the mail pieces during the addressing process, which saves time because the postage does not need to be manually applied.

How fast will your mail go out?

First Class (Fast)

Mail delivers in one or two days locally and up to four days nationally. This process includes forwarding and return mail.

Standard (Slow)

USPS processes these on a ‘time available’ basis. It can take seven to ten days to reach it’s destination. There are no forwarding or return services for standard mail.

How much will it cost?

This is hard to predict. The three points above, in addition to geographic distribution and address list quality, determine the cost. Discounts are available for larger mailings in the following quantity ranges:

Standard Mail (200+ pieces)

For standard mailings with over 200 pieces, special rates are available if we presort your mailing. We run your address list through our software, which will standardize the addresses and sort them in groups. This extra step saves the Post Office some time.

First Class (500+ pieces)

For first class mailings with over 500 pieces, special rates are available if we presort your mailing. We run your address list through our software, which will standardize the addresses and sort them in groups. This extra step saves the Post Office some time.