What they do
- Clean your list. Standardize addresses, update people who've moved and remove duplicates.
- Address the pieces. Print each address and an Intelligent Mail barcode.
- Presort. Sort and bundle the mail in the order USPS prices reward.
- Pay the postage. Usually through their own permit.
- Deliver it to USPS, often to a Business Mail Entry Unit.
When it pays to use one
USPS commercial prices have minimums: 200 pieces (or 50 pounds) for USPS Marketing Mail and 500 pieces for presorted First-Class Mail. Below those, stamps are simpler. Above them, the postage savings and the time saved usually make a service worth it.
| Sending | Stamp or retail price | Example commercial price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 oz letter, First-Class | $0.82 | $0.621 (automation 5-digit presort) |
| Postcard, First-Class | $0.65 | $0.453 (automation 5-digit presort) |
| Advertising letter | $0.82 | $0.395 (Marketing Mail, automation 5-digit) |
Commercial prices also carry annual USPS fees, which a mail house with its own permit has usually already paid.
What to bring them
- Your printed pieces, or print-ready files if they print too
- Your mailing list, in a spreadsheet
- The mail class you want, or ask them to recommend one
- Your deadline
Common questions
What is a bulk mailing service?
A business that prepares large mailings for USPS commercial prices: cleaning addresses, sorting, barcoding, paying postage and delivering the mail.
How many pieces count as bulk mail?
USPS Marketing Mail needs at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds. Presorted First-Class Mail needs at least 500.
Do I need my own permit?
Usually not. Most mail houses mail under their own permit.