There are several steps involved in the mailing process and a successful discounted mailing requires careful consideration of the steps below.
- Choosing a Mailing Service - Which mailing service you choose depends on the shape, weight, and content of your mail, along with speed of delivery.
- Choosing a Postage Payment Method - The Postal Service offers three ways for you to pay for and apply postage to your mail pieces. (stamps, permit imprint & metering)
- Preparing Your Mail - Machinable, non-machinable, and automation are the three ways The Postal Service classifies how mail pieces are prepared. These classifications are based on the ability of your mail piece to be processed on Postal Service equipment.
- Sorting Your Mail - Sort your mail according to Postal Service standards.
- Entering Your Mail - The minimum requirement is to enter your mail at the Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU) or Post Office where you hold a mailing permit. You can receive additional discounts by transporting your mail closer to where it will be delivered.
After you make these choices, prepare your mail pieces, then sort them by Postal Service standards, and enter your mailing at a postal facility. For each step, you will need to complete the minimum level of work required by the Postal Service. You may also choose to complete higher levels of work to receive greater postage discounts.
To qualify for certain postage discounts, you must mail a minimum number of pieces:
- 500 pieces for First-Class Mail
- 200 pieces (or 50 pounds of mail) for Standard Mail
- 50 pieces for Parcel Select
- 300 pieces for Presorted or Carrier Route Bound Printed Matter
- 300 pieces for Library Mail 300 pieces for Media Mail (formerly book rate)
In some cases, the characteristics of your mail pieces will determine which rates and discounts are available to you. If you need any assistance in determining what method works best for you, please contact Eye/Comm at 619-448-6111 or email info@eyecomm.org. We’re happy to help with all your questions.
