Client Resources
Examples of indicia (not prima's permit):
USPS Business Mail 101
1. Contact us before you print
With so many changing rules and regulations the post office sets, mailing requirements can get confusing. Send us a pre-print proof of the piece and we will review and verify it to make sure that it will maximize your postage saving and processing time.
2. What is an indicia?
Indicia's are useful for high volume mailings and can also make the design of your piece appear more uniform. An indicia is an imprinted designation on mail that denotes postage payment, permit number and mailing classification. It usually looks something like this and is printed directly on the mail piece in place of a live stamp. If you are unsure of what information your indicia should have, give us a call and we will be happy to assist you with the design and text before it prints.
3. What is NCOA (National Change of Address)?
While over 40 Million people in the United States alone change their address every year, it is very important to keep your list up to date with the new location of your contacts. The NCOALink process consists of computer software purchased, leased or developed by the licensee to access the NCOALink data. The Postal Service certifies the process and licenses the NCOALink product to private sector companies for commercial mail list processing or internal mail list management. Updated, computerized change-of-address information is provided on a regular basis to the NCOALink licensees by the Postal Service. Prima Mail has the software and license to run the NOCA for all of your mailing lists. By doing so, it improves mail deliverability by providing mailers with current, standardized, delivery point coded addresses for individual, family, and business moves.
4. How long will it take to prepare my project for mailing?
We normally request 3 to 4 business days to complete an average job but can often finish it sooner. The quantity and complexity of your job may affect the actual turn times. The process can be expedited if we receive your address files and a sample of your mail piece in advance.
5. What is the difference between First Class and Standard and what is presort?
Presorted mail is your best option if you mail in volume. At Prima Mail, we prepare and sort your mail to save you time and money on postage. By completing most of the steps required to mail in our shop, we reduce the work load of the post office once they receive the mail, therefore qualifying us to mail pieces at a discounted rate. Presorted mail typically falls under two categories, First Class or Standard.
First Class
For discounted First-Class Mail, you must have 500 or more pieces per mailing and you must do some additional work to make your mail easier for the postal service to handle. The postage depends on the characteristics of your mail piece. You must pay an annual mailing fee at each facility where you enter mail. Mail pieces must weigh less than 13 ounces.
Standard (Formerly called "Bulk Mail")
Standard Mail offers a lower price on postage for the work you perform. The mail piece must weigh less than 16 ounces.
Standard Mail requires a minimum of 200 pieces or 50 pounds per mailing. It cannot be used for sending personal correspondence, handwritten or typewritten letters, or bills and statements of account. Prices are based on weight, shape, preparation, and entry. Automation prices are lower than nonautomation prices.