The trick to not making your brain explode over the intricacies of the USPS is to locate your resources.
As we tackle this topic, keep two words in mind: PUBLICATION 25. This USPS manual is the “bible” for designing direct-mail and/or its envelope enclosures. Here, we’ll barely scratch the surface: Pub. 25 is the “final answer”!
Follow the link for postal regulations.
Automation in the Postal Service saves them from extra work and saves us both time and money. Beneath the mountain of details and minutiae, the goal is to design and produce a DM piece that will arrive as fast and economically as possible.
Did you know that there are specific minimums for envelope stock weight, construction, and length/width ratios?
Folded self-mailers must meet weight standards and attachment procedures. Mail must meet flexibility guidelines, too. A bit of “bend” is needed to go through machinery, but too much can cause jamming.
Post Office NO-NOs
- plastic film covering or shrink-wrap
- dark colors or patterns
- glassine envelopes
- fluorescent printing
- mechanical closures (clasps, string & button)
Checklist for designing mail
- meets size & weight standards?
- white or light-colored stock/design?
- contains no sharp or bulky inserts?
- securely sealed?
- meets scanner requirements?
These are just some basic guidelines. Remember, if you have any questions regarding the confounding nature of postal regulations, you can always call us!