How Much Does Direct Mail Cost Per Piece? (Real Examples)

Average Direct Mail Costs

The cost will depend on whether you send a postcard, self-mailer, letter or catalog. All Action Mail’s pricing is customized to the specific campaign but below you will find ballpark estimates for postcard mailings.

Cost Breakdown Example (5,000 Postcards)

• Printing: $0.15

• Postage (USPS Marketing Mail): $0.24

• Presort & processing and list $0.05
  Total: $0.44 per piece

Biggest Cost Drivers

• Postcard size

• Quantity

• USPS mail class

• List Distribution

How to Lower Your Costs

• Use USPS Marketing Mail

• Presort your mail

• Optimize size

• Avoid non-machinable designs

• Mail larger quantities

• Get a high quality list which targets possible respondents

What Is Direct Mail Marketing? A Complete Guide for Businesses

What Is Direct Mail Marketing?

Direct mail marketing is a type of advertising where printed pieces—such as postcards, letters, brochures, or catalogs—are mailed directly to households or businesses through the USPS.

It’s a proven channel because it reaches people offline, with far less competition than email or social media. When executed correctly, direct mail can generate strong lead volume and measurable ROI.

Why Direct Mail Still Works

While online ads have become more expensive and competitive, direct mail continues to perform because it’s:

• Tangible: People can hold it, read it, and keep it

• Trustworthy: Mail has higher perceived credibility than many digital ads

• Targetable: You can reach neighborhoods, demographics, or specific customer lists

• Less crowded: The average mailbox has fewer ads than an inbox

Common Types of Direct Mail

Here are the formats businesses most commonly use:

Postcards

Best for: local promotions, awareness, seasonal offers
Key advantage: inexpensive and fast

Letters

Best for: high-value leads, fundraising, personalized messaging
Key advantage: higher response rates and privacy

Self-Mailers

Best for: multi-page messages without envelopes
Key advantage: more space than postcards at a lower cost than letters

Brochures / Flyers

Best for: service explanations and educational campaigns
Key advantage: more detail and “keepability”

Catalogs

Best for: retail or product-based marketing
Key advantage: longer shelf-life and repeat browsing

How Direct Mail Works (Step-by-Step)

A typical campaign follows this flow:

1. Choose your goal (leads, sales, awareness, event turnout)

2. Pick a format (postcard, letter, etc.)

3. Design the mail piece

4. Print in bulk

5. Prepare your mailing list

6. Presort & apply postage

7. Mail through USPS

8. Track responses and optimize

How Much Does Direct Mail Cost?

Costs vary based on volume, format, printing, distribution, and mailing method, but typical ranges are:

• Postcards: $0.30–$0.60 each

• Letters: $0.60–$1.25 each

• Self-mailers: $0.45–$0.90 each

The biggest cost driver is often postage, which is why presorting and choosing the right class can reduce spending significantly.

Best Use Cases for Direct Mail

Direct mail works especially well for:

• Home services (HVAC, roofing, plumbing)

• Medical / dental / med spas

• Real estate and mortgage

• Local retail stores

• Nonprofits

• Insurance agencies

• Political campaigns

• Subscription offers

Common Direct Mail Mistakes to Avoid

• Printing the wrong size → triggers USPS surcharges

• No clear offer or CTA

• Poor targeting

• Too much text / cluttered design

• Using low-quality paper that feels cheap

Want a Campaign That Performs?

At The Mail Business, we help companies with:

• printing

• list aquisition

• presort discounts

• USPS compliance

• full mail production and delivery

Request a quote or free review today and we’ll help you lower costs and improve response rates.

Nonprofit's Donor Tax Statements

The IRS requires non profits to send a donation receipt or acknowledgement letter to provide official documentation of contributions for tax purposes.

When are they sent

These statements are sent by January 31st

How they can be sent

Donor Tax Statements can be sent via email after each transaction or by mail. Mailing statements helps ensure that the recipient has a paper copy along with their other tax documents to easily account for these contributions. A mailing also allows organizations to include additional collateral to show the impact the donations made as well as solicit additional donations in the coming year. Since these are statement they should be sent first class mail even if the organization has a USPS non profit authorization.

How to Setup the documents

Most non profit software will automatically generate these statements. This can be complicated for larger statements where people donate multiple times and have a multipage statement. Action Mail has lots of experience with these and can provide solutions for your specific organization.

How To Design a Mail Piece to get Non Profit Rates

To get non profit postage rates you will need to get approval from the USPS and a non profit authorization number. Once you have this approval there are a few things that need to be done to ensure the piece qualifies for non profit rates

Return Address

The return address should be the exact same name and address registered under the non profit authorization. Any abbreviations are typically not accepted and should be approved prior to going to print.

Indicia or Stamp

A non profit mail piece should also have a non profit indicia or stamp. You do not need to have your own permit but the indicia will need to indicate that the mailing is non profit. Alternatively a specific non profit stamp may be used.

Postal Specs

The mail piece should also fall within USPS postal specifications to get the best non profit rates

The USPS has been strictly monitoring non profit mailings to ensure that people do not fraudulently use non profit rates. It is best to have a mail piece reviewed by a mailing professional prior to printing to ensure no changes need to be made to qualify for non profit rates.

USPS Holds Mailing Prices Steady Through 2026

The U.S. Postal Service has officially announced that the price of a stamp for one-ounce, single-piece First-Class letters will remain unchanged in January 2026.

This decision provides stability for businesses and individuals alike, especially those who rely on regular mailings and First-Class services. The announcement also encompasses market dominant pricing which includes presorted mailings.

What this means for you (our customer)

• No increase in postage costs: If you’re sending letters, small parcels, or using services such as Marketing Mail, Periodicals, Bound Printed Matter, or First-Class Mail, you won’t face a rate increase in early 2026.

• Budget certainty: With postage rates steady, you can confidently plan shipping budgets and mailing strategies without the concern of mid-year adjustments.

• Ongoing support from Action Mail: We’ll continue monitoring USPS announcements closely and keep you updated well in advance of any future changes.

Key points to know

• Postmaster General David Steiner and the USPS Board of Governors confirmed that there will be no changes to “Market Dominant” service rates (including First-Class Mail) in January 2026.

• The cost of mailing a 1-ounce First-Class letter will remain the same.

• USPS emphasized this decision as part of its broader “Delivering for America” plan, which focuses on keeping mail affordable while balancing operational costs and ensuring service reliability.

Bottom line: Stamp prices are holding steady through early 2026, giving you predictable mailing costs and one less expense to worry about.

Why do the postcards I sent out have smudges on them?

If you’ve ever received a postcard with unsightly black or gray streaks across the front, you’re not alone. Smudges on USPS postcards are a common frustration for businesses and individuals alike. Whether you’re sending marketing postcards or personal greetings, those marks can make your mail piece look unprofessional. Let’s break down why this happens—and, more importantly, how you can prevent it.

Why Do USPS Postcards Get Smudged?

1. High-Speed Sorting Equipment

The USPS processes millions of postcards daily through automated sorting machines. These machines use rollers, belts, and ink-jet spray technology to apply barcodes. The friction and contact can sometimes cause scuffing or streaking, especially on glossy surfaces.

2. Ink from Postal Barcodes

As part of automation, the USPS applies an Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMb). The ink is often fast-drying, but on coated or glossy stocks, it can smear if the postcard rubs against another piece of mail.

3. Paper and Coating Type

Not all postcard paper is created equal. High-gloss UV-coated postcards look vibrant, but the slick surface can attract smudging when run through high-speed machines. Matte or uncoated stocks tend to resist smears better.

4. Handling During Transport

Mail doesn’t just travel through machines—it’s also stacked, bundled, and transported. Along the way, postcards rub against each other, sometimes transferring ink or causing abrasion.

How to Avoid Smudges on USPS Postcards

1. Add a Finish for extra protection

• Matte or Satin Coating: Provides protection without being too slick.

• Aqueous Coating: A thin water-based coating that adds durability while staying USPS-friendly.

2. Design with USPS Automation in Mind

Leave the barcode clear zone free of dark, glossy, or heavy ink coverage. This minimizes the chance of smears where USPS prints its barcode. Adding a barcode will also reduce the number of a machines the mail piece runs through reducing the chances of smudging. Return mail typically has more smudging as it will run through multiple machines

Final Thoughts

Smudges on USPS postcards are usually a byproduct of high-speed automation and paper finish—not a reflection of poor printing quality. The good news? With the right stock, coating, and design adjustments, you can dramatically reduce the chances of streaking.

At Action Mail, we specialize in printing and mailing postcards that not only look great but also arrive in your customers’ hands without the mess. If you’re planning a postcard campaign, we’ll help you choose the right paper and finish to ensure a clean, professional presentation.

USPS PCC (Postal Customer Council) Day 2025

We are excited to invite you to this year’s National Postal Customer Council (PCC) Week!

What are PCCs (Postal customer Councils)?

They are nationwide local United States Postal Service (USPS)-sponsored organizations where business mailers and shippers meet with local USPS leadership to have their issues addressed and learn about USPS products and services to help them grow their business.

What is PCC (Postal customer Council) Week?

National PCC Week is an annual event where the USPS Executive Leadership Team, Officers, and Executives attend local PCC events to share with attendees what’s new and trending in the mailing & shipping industry. This event is an opportunity for PCCs to come together, network, and celebrate with fellow PCC members the accomplishments from the past year. PCCs are the grassroots network that provides a successful solution for local business growth.

Why Attend PCC Week?

To hear the Postmaster General’s strategic corporate message and presentations from other USPS leaders. Additionally, there will be networking and educationalopportunities to help you grow personally and professionally. Our event will be held on August 29 th , 2025, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Don’t Delay…Register Day!

Leading Forward: USPS & Industry Excellence - San Diego/Inland Empire PCC Tickets, Fri, Aug 29, 2025 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite

The Holiday Hit: USPS Packages See New Rate Hike for 2025–2026

As the holiday season approaches, the United States Postal Service has unveiled new temporary rate increases that will impact many shoppers, businesses, and mailers starting this fall.

Timing & Scope: What You Need to Know

• Effective Dates: The surcharge applies from midnight Central on October 5, 2025, through midnight Central on January 18, 2026

• Affected Services: The increases apply to Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select, for both retail and commercial customers. Other services remain unchanged

• Purpose: These surcharges are intended to offset the heightened handling costs during peak season and align USPS pricing with competitive carriers like UPS and Fedex who also have similar surcharges

Rate Breakdown: How Much More Will You Pay?

Below are the average rate increases for each class

USPS Ground Advantage (overall average): +5.2%

• Retail: ~5.1%

• Commercial: ~5.3%

Priority Mail: +5.6%

• Retail: ~5.8%

• Commercial: ~5.2%

Priority Mail Express: +5.6%

• Retail: ~5.7%

• Commercial: ~4.9%

Smart Tips to Mitigate Holiday Costs

1. Compare carriers: FedEx and others also impose peak surcharges, but timing and amounts vary. Evaluating all options could save money

2. Estimate early: Use USPS calculators or compare with last year’s costs to plan your budget accordingly.

3. Ship strategic products: Flat‑rate boxes benefit light but bulky items; ground shipping can be more cost-effective for heavier packages.

4. Encourage early holiday shopping: Spreading volume earlier in the season can reduce surcharge exposure and boost customer satisfaction.

Final Thoughts

The USPS holiday rate increase for 2025–2026 reflects a pressing need to manage seasonal strain on its infrastructure and finances. While fees vary by weight, zone, and service, the bottom line is clear: expect higher costs on holiday shipping.

By staying informed and planning proactively, you can ease the budget impact and maintain smooth delivery operations during the busiest time of the year.

What is the most cost effective postcard size for printing and mailing?

A 4x6 postcard is the most cost effective size to both print and mail. Due to the the small size more 4x6 postcards can be printed on a large press sheet so the price is low compared to other sizes. This is also a common postcard size so equipment is setup to quickly run this size and they can often be run with other jobs to further reduce costs.

Why would I not print a 4x6 postcard?

4x6 postcards are small. Often times they may not have enough space to fit all the information required. Using QR codes and redirecting to websites can be something that can reduce the need for a larger size postcard. Another issue is that 4x6 postcards can sometimes be hidden in mail boxes by larger mail pieces. Many times people prefer to use a larger postcard to ensure it gets noticed in the mail box.

What other size postcards are available?

The most common postcard sizes are 4x6, 5x7, 8.5x5.5, 6x9, and 6x11. These sizes meet the USPS requirements for the lowest postage rates. typically the size that balances size and price is 8.5x5.5. Action Mail can also print any size postcard and larger cards may be more beneficial depending on the size and type of mailing.

Who is Eligible to Mail at Non Profit Rates

Non profit USPS postage rates are highly discounted to help non profit organizations. Due to the discount USPS is very strict on who qualifies for non profit rates and how the rates can be used.

Who qualifies for USPS non profit rates

Typically the following organizations with non profit status will qualify to be eligible for non profit rates

Agricultural

Educational

Fraternal

Labor

Philanthropic

Religious

Scientific

Veterans

Some political committees

Individuals are NOT eligible for nonprofit prices; also, not every organization is eligible, even though you may think it qualifies based on the list above. For example, business leagues, chambers of commerce, social and hobby clubs, and certain political organizations usually are NOT eligible.

The criteria the USPS uses is as follows

The organization is not organized for profit.

None of the organization’s net income is intended to benefit any individual or private stockholder.

If you are unsure, please contact us and we can review the organization and contact the USPS for approval. We can also provide and deliver the forms necessary to get the authorization.

What is eligible to mail at non profit rates?

The mailing is made up of USPS Marketing Mail matter only.

1. The mailing meets the standards for Presorted USPS Marketing Mail — i.e., it contains at least 200 addressed pieces or 50 pounds of addressed pieces.

2. The mailing is the organization’s own mail, it cannot be paid for or benefit a for profit organization

3. The mailing does not contain products or advertising ineligible for mailing at the nonprofit prices

4. The mailing will also have to have the return address and name registered with the USPS

Due to the large discounts USPS is very strict about non profit prices and there are huge consequences if the rules are broken.

If you have any questions or would like help applying for USPS non profit authorization please contact us

Same Day Turnaround Direct Mail

Action Mail can do Same Day Turnaround direct mail but it depends on the mailing and how it will be setup. Most direct mailing jobs require data work, file preparation, proofs, printing, sorting, addressing and mailing, which makes same day turn arounds difficult. Additionally the equipment and rush for these projects does make them more expensive.

Quick turn arounds are easier to accommodate if data or artwork is available in advanced or if we receive artwork prepopulated with data and addresses. Quick turn around are also easier if they come in to us on a predetermined scheduled to ensure we can schedule equipment and personnel.

How rush print and mail jobs are handled depends on the job and there are things we can do to expedite process and reduce costs, but there are a lot of factors that contribute to how quickly and cost effectively a job can be printed and mailed.

Please contact us if you have a quick turn around project and we will see if we can accommodate the request.

Why Businesses Still Rely on Direct Mail—and How You Can Stand Out in the Inbox

In a world dominated by email, DMs, and pop-up ads, it might surprise you to hear that direct mail is more effective than ever. According to the USPS, 73% of consumers say they prefer being contacted by brands via mail, and response rates for direct mail can be up to 9x higher than digital channels.

So why aren’t more businesses taking advantage of it?

At Action Mail, we’re on a mission to make high-impact print and mail easy, fast, and affordable—whether you need HIPAA-compliant statements, postcard campaigns, class-action letters, or EDDM for your local storefront.

Why Direct Mail Still Wins in 2025

Trust: Physical mail builds more trust than digital marketing. A printed piece feels real—and customers are more likely to read and keep it.

Visibility: Email inboxes are overloaded. Direct mail lands directly in the hands of your customer, with zero spam filters.

Targeting: With address-based mailing lists you can reach neighborhoods, income groups, or industries.  You can even target very specific demographics with specialty lists

ROI: Direct mail has one of the highest ROIs in marketing—especially when combined with digital retargeting.

What We Offer at Action Mail

We specialize in rapid-turnaround printing and mail services, including:

 Variable-Data Printing (personalized letters, invoices, benefit statements)
Statement Mail Processing with full HIPAA compliance
Full-Color Postcard Campaigns—design, print, and mail within 48 hours
USPS Marketing Mail and Presort First Class options
EDDM Design & Delivery targeting entire zip codes
Custom Fulfillment & Packaging with quality control tracking

We serve businesses of all sizes—from law firms and dental offices to eCommerce brands and political campaigns.

Real Results: What Our Clients Say

“We needed thousands of personalized benefit letters printed and mailed under strict deadlines. Action Mail handled everything from data merge to USPS entry. Seamless, secure, and fast.”
— Compliance Director, Healthcare Group

“We were paying too much and waiting too long with our old vendor. Action Mail cut our costs and got our postcards in the mail in two days. Huge difference.”
— Marketing Manager, Retail Chain

Get a Quote in Minutes—No Sales Pressure

Want to know how much your campaign will cost?

Request a Free Quote

Or call us at (760) 480 2323 to speak with a print/mail specialist.

USPS July 13, 2025 Rate Change

USPS July 13, 2025 Rate Change — What Mailers Need to Know

USPS will implement new mailing rates effective Sunday, July 13, 2025, with average increases of ~7.4% across all Market Dominant products. However, the impact varies widely depending on mail class, sort level, and entry point. Below is a summary from the perspective of high-volume mailers:

1. First-Class Mail — Retail and Metered

• Single-piece Forever stamp rises from $0.73 to $0.78

• Metered 1-oz letters increase from $0.69 to $0.74

• Additional ounce goes from $0.28 to $0.29

Impact for Mailers:

• Retail First-Class Mailers will feel a 6.8%–7.2% increase.

• Metered accounts (typically small businesses) see a similar increase.

• This mailstream remains expensive for volume use — budget-conscious mailers may consider shifting transactional or outreach pieces to presort or Marketing Mail where possible.

2. Presorted First-Class Mail

• Average increase: 7.6%

• Automation letters and flats see base price increases of 7.7–8.7%

• Discounts still apply, but SCF/NDC incentives have been reduced or removed

• Mailers can use promotions to offset some of the impact

Impact for Mailers:

• Presort mail remains the go-to for time-sensitive, personal, or statement mail, but mailers should budget for a higher cost per piece — especially for 2-oz letters and flats.

• CASS/NCOA compliance and proper sortation remain critical for maximizing discounts and avoiding undeliverables.

3. Marketing Mail (Commercial & Nonprofit)

• Commercial Marketing Mail sees up to 10.4% base rate increases, though average net increase is ~7.4%

• Nonprofit Marketing Mail still benefits from a 40%+ discount vs. commercial rates but is also impacted

• NDC discounts eliminated; SCF discounts reduced by 30%

• Saturation letters and flats (e.g., EDDM) also face higher costs

Impact for Mailers:

• Budget pressure for high-volume marketing campaigns, particularly those using destination-entry drop shipping.

• SCF drops now offer less savings, and NDC entry no longer helps — logistics strategies may need to shift.

• Saturation mailers (e.g., grocery, retail) will see significant per-piece cost increases — reconsider targeting strategy or test smaller lists.

Strategic Considerations for Mailers

• Reoptimize Drop Entry: SCF drops are still valuable but not as much as before; consider distribution modeling to find new cost-effective entry points.

• Review List Hygiene: Avoid wasted postage on bad addresses — maximize ROI with address updates (CASS/NCOA) and suppression strategies.

• Reevaluate Format Mix: Some mailers may consider shifting from flats to letter-size or testing EDDM as saturation discounts shrink.

Final Takeaways

• Presort mail remains the best value for transactional mail, but costs are rising.

• Marketing Mail is getting more expensive—especially for saturation and destination-entry strategies.

• Mailers must actively manage logistics, data quality, and creative formats to keep postage efficient.

• Nonprofits remain protected to a degree, but must be aware of the evolving structure of discounts.

Let me know if you’d like a custom breakdown for your specific mailing.

How to Set Up a File for Booklet Printing

Creating a booklet requires specific file preparation to ensure the final printed product looks professional and is assembled correctly. Follow these straightforward steps to set up your file for booklet printing.

1. Determine the Booklet Size and Page Count

Before starting your design, decide on the finished size of your booklet (e.g., 5.5" x 8.5", 8.5" x 11") and the total number of pages. Keep in mind that the total page count must be a multiple of four because booklets are typically printed on large sheets folded and trimmed. Keep in mind for a booklet the page count will need to be divisible by 4 to ensure all sides of a sheet are used.

2. Choose the Correct Software

Programs like Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator are well-suited for creating booklets. These tools support features such as page imposition and allow precise control over layout and margins.

3. Set Up Your Document Properly

• Page Size: Set your document’s page size to the final trimmed size of the booklet.

• Margins: Include appropriate margins (usually about 0.25" to 0.5") so content does not get cut off during trimming.

• Bleeds: Add at least a 0.125" bleed on all sides if your artwork or background extends to the edge of the page.

4. Export as a Print-Ready PDF

When exporting your file as PDF:

• Use PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 standards for compatibility.

• Include crop marks and bleed.

• Embed all fonts and convert colors to CMYK.

• Ensure your resolution is at least 300 dpi for images.

• Export 1 sheet per page, Action Mail will impose the files in the correct order to be printed

5. Double-Check and Proof

Review every page carefully. Verify page numbering, margins, bleeds, and overall layout. If possible, print a mock-up at home to check folding and page order.

Summary

Proper file setup for booklet printing involves choosing the right size, setting margins and bleeds, understanding page imposition, and exporting a print-ready PDF. Following these steps helps avoid printing errors and results in a polished, professional booklet.

Can I insure my packages?

Yes, you can insure your packages.  There are a few different options to insure packages and it depends on the carrier you use, the class of mail and how much you want to insure the packages for.

Typically insurance covers lost and damaged shipments, and if something happens to your package you will need to file a claim with the appropriate carrier or insurance company.  Most carriers like USPS (priority mail), UPS, and Fedex offer insurance up to $100 free of charge. If your items are more valuable than $100 you can always add additional insurance with a third party insurance provider.

Some services like USPS first class mail and international first class mail do not come with insurance. Insurance for these services can be purchased through a third party provider.  Even if you do not have insurance for these services you may be able to reclaim the postage funds if the package was not delivered.

Insurance does not cover items that are delivered than stolen.  Insurance will only cover lost or damaged items by the carrier.  To claim insurance you will need to submit a claim with the carrier and provide evidence that the items were lost or damaged.  This can be time consuming and can sometimes be hard to prove or demonstrate.  If you do receive a complaint from a client ask them to provide pictures of all angles of the packaging and as much information as possible.

The Argument, for Outsourcing Mailing and Printing; Why It's Time to Let Go of Your On Site Mail Department

In the paced world of business today companies are always looking for ways to streamline processes save money and increase efficiency. One area where improvements can be made is in managing mail services. While many businesses still handle printing, sorting and mailing tasks internally there are reasons to consider outsourcing these responsibilities to a mailing and printing service provider. In this article we will delve into the advantages of outsourcing mailing and printing tasks. Explain why it might be time to say goodbye to your on site mail department.

Cost Efficiency;

Running an internal mail department involves fixed costs such, as salaries, benefits, equipment upkeep and supplies. By outsourcing mailing and printing operations businesses can cut down on these expenses by transforming them into costs directly associated with usage. This flexible payment structure enables companies to adjust their mailing activities based on demand leading to long term savings.

Expertise and Efficiency;

When it comes to mailing and printing services their focus is, on expertise and efficiency. They have the know how and tools to get the job done swiftly and accurately. By using high speed printing gear and automated sorting systems outsourcing ensures that your mailings are handled with precision. This expertise results in processing times fewer mistakes and overall improved efficiency compared to doing it all in house.

Access to Advanced Technology;

Staying updated on the mailing and printing tech can be a challenge for mail departments. By turning to a service provider businesses can tap into cutting edge equipment and software without the investment. This technology allows for processing, better quality prints and more customization options empowering businesses to create impactful mailings for their recipients.

Scalability and Flexibility;

Outsourcing mailing and printing tasks provides businesses with flexibility and scalability than handling everything. Whether you're sending out a batch or a large volume of mailings professional providers can meet your needs efficiently. This scalability ensures that your mailing operations can adjust to changes, in volume or demand without disrupting workflow or productivity.

When you outsource your mailing and printing needs it allows your company to focus more on business activities. This shift, in attention can lead to increased productivity and growth without getting bogged down by tasks. Outsourcing also ensures that your sensitive information is handled with security measures and compliance standards reducing the risks of data breaches and other violations. Overall partnering with service providers can bring cost savings, expertise, advanced technology access, scalability, efficiency improvement and enhanced security for your business success, in todays environment.If you're prepared to bid farewell to your internal mail facility and discover the advantages of subcontracting get in touch with us now to explore how we can assist you in enhancing your mailing processes.

How Fast Can you Turnaround Direct Mailing and Printing Projects

Fast Turnarounds

Turnaround times depend on the project but sometimes we can send mailings and printing out same day or next day. Typically Action Mail’s turn around time is 3-5 days but it really depends on the complexity of the project. It is best to contact us regarding your specific project and we will see how quickly we can turn it around

Same Day or Next Day Turnaround

Same Day or Next Day turnaround may be possible but it often depends on what we have currently on our schedule and what type of printing this is. Typically postcard or flyer printing is much easier for us to turnaround quickly, but it will also depend on the design and volume.

Rush Turnaround Fees

Rush turnarounds do have additional fees and it can be much more expensive as we may need to print and run the project on different machinery to expedite processing. Pricing will depend on the specs and how we can process the printing and mailing to deliver on the rush turnaround.

It is best to contact us if you have a rush project and we will do our best to meet your deadline. We have systems in place to accomadate rush jobs, as we know how important it is to meet deadlines and have projects completed on time while still maintain a high uality.

How to Export Postcard Art in Canva for Printing

Canva is a great tool to make inexpensive artwork for printing yourself, but artwork should be created a certain way to get the best print quality. Canva is not as powerful as some other designing software but it is much easier to use.

Initial setup of Canva printing

It is important to setup the file correctly to ensure once it is designed the output will be correct. You will first need to select the correct size. Selecting the size will depend on preference, but different sizes may qualify for different postage rates and increased printing costs. For postcards we generally recommend 8.5x5.5, but it will depend on the type of mailing and budget. You will also need to ensure that bleeds are accounted for in the design. To view bleeds when designing click File -> Settings then select Show Print Bleed. The Canva design will now have a outline of where the postcard will be cut. Please have artwork extend past this cut line so the artwork extends to the edge of the piece once printed and cut. Please note that we recommend not leaving a 1/8” buffer around the cut lines to ensure nothing relevant to the design gets cut. Your postcard is now ready to design in Canva

Exporting a Print Ready File from Canva

To export a print ready file from Canva you will need to Select File then click Download. There will be a popup on the right of the screen in this popup select the following options. For File type select PDF Print, check the boxes for Crop marks and bleed as well as Flatten PDF. Ensure the pages you want to download are selected. For the color profile it is best to select CMYK, but this does require a premium plan. If you select RBG we will convert the file to CMYK when printing but the conversion may change some colors slightly. Then select Download and send us the PDF file that is generated.

If you need help exporting a file you can share the link with us and we can download it. We can also provide expert designers who can design your mail piece in more powerful Adobe programs. Please contact us if there is anything we can help with.

How an Organization Can Qualify for Nonprofit Mailing

In order to be mail at non-profit rates the following criteria will need to be met. The USPS does have an option of a collaborative mailing where a for profit organization may mail with a non profit, but this can only be done if the messaging only benefits the non profit.

1. Meet Eligibility Criteria

An organization must fall into one of these categories:

• Religious

• Educational

• Scientific

• Philanthropic

• Agricultural

• Labor

• Veterans

• Fraternal (with some restrictions)

• Political or voter registration organizations

• Other nonprofits serving specific community or charitable purposes

Note: The organization must be nonprofit and recognized as tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3) or other qualifying 501(c) categories.

2. Apply for Authorization

• File PS Form 3624: "Application to Mail at Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail Prices"

• Submit it to the Mailing Standards Specialist at the post office where you hold (or will open) your mailing permit.

Required documents:

• Copy of IRS tax-exempt determination letter

• Organizing documents (e.g., Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws)

• Financial records if requested

3. Maintain Eligibility

• The content of the mail must relate to the organization's mission.

• You cannot use nonprofit rates for mail that primarily promotes a business, contains excessive advertising, or benefits a for-profit entity.

• Reauthorization is not required yearly, but the USPS can review and revoke status if rules are violated.

What Is Cooperative Mailing?

Cooperative mailing occurs when two or more organizations collaborate to send out mail together under one nonprofit authorization.

Rules for Cooperative Mailings:

• Only permissible if all parties are eligible nonprofit organizations AND the mailing promotes their mutual nonprofit purposes.

• The nonprofit organization must control the mailing: content, purpose, and beneficiary.

• No for-profit benefit is allowed.

• All content must relate to the nonprofit’s mission.

• Violating these rules can lead to revocation of nonprofit mailing privileges and retroactive postage charges at regular rates.

Common Violations:

• A nonprofit includes advertising from a for-profit business in their mailing in exchange for sponsorship.

• A nonprofit mails on behalf of a for-profit company (even if they share similar goals).

Acceptable Example:

• Two 501(c)(3) educational nonprofits jointly send a newsletter promoting a collaborative program.

Bound Printer Matter

What is bound printer matter?

Bound printed matter is a class of USPS mail that allows mailers to send heavy booklets and catalogs at lower prices. This applies to both flats and packages.

How can my mailing qualify?

The basic requirements are below, but a mock up may be necessary to review to ensure it meets the requirements, as some are fairly vague

Weigh no more than 15 pounds. Pieces might be subject to other minimum weights or dimensions based on the standards for specific prices.

1. Consist of advertising, promotional, directory, or editorial material (or any combination of such material).

2. Be securely bound by permanent fastenings such as staples, spiral binding, glue, or stitching. Loose-leaf binders and similar fastenings are not considered permanent.

3. Consist of sheets of which at least 90% are imprinted by any process other than handwriting or typewriting with words, letters, characters, figures, or images (or any combination of them).

4. Not have the nature of personal correspondence.

5. Consist of mailable matter that is neither mailed or required to be mailed as First-Class Mail nor entered as Periodicals

6. Not be stationery, such as pads of blank printed forms.

There may also be some additional inserts that are not booklets or catalogs, but these will need to be approved as well.

Bound printed matter is a great mailing class to cost effectively ship and mail heavy booklets and catalogs.

For more information contact us, as the rules are fairly complicated