Set by the mail houseSetup · data · addressing · inserting · presort
Set by USPSPostage, at published prices
Service charges (set by the mail house)
- Setup: a fixed charge per job.
- Data processing: address cleanup, change-of-address updates and deduplication, per job or per thousand.
- Addressing: per piece, for printing addresses and barcodes.
- Folding, inserting and sealing: per piece, for letter packages.
- Tabbing: per piece, for closing folded mailers.
- Presort and mail prep: per piece or per job.
Postage (set by USPS)
| Piece | Example price |
|---|---|
| First-Class presorted letter, automation 5-digit | $0.621 |
| First-Class presorted postcard, automation 5-digit | $0.453 |
| Marketing Mail letter, automation 5-digit | $0.395 |
| Marketing Mail letter, saturation | $0.255 |
| EDDM Retail flat | $0.260 |
Most mail houses ask for postage up front, before the mail drops, because they pay USPS on your behalf.
Comparing quotes
Give every mail house the same details: piece size and weight, quantity, whether the list needs cleaning, mail class and deadline. Then compare service charges separately from postage.
Common questions
How much does a mail house charge?
It varies by job. Expect separate charges for setup, data processing, addressing and any inserting, plus postage at USPS prices.
Why do mail houses want postage up front?
They pay USPS from their permit account when the mail is entered, so they collect it from you first.