If you produce a low-cost newsletter, your cost to mail the publication can easily be higher than your cost to produce it. While you should be concerned with getting timely information to your target audience, an understanding of mail classes may save you money. Because postal rules and rates change, it's a good idea to contact the post office for current regulations.
The term "bulk mail" refers to quantities of mail prepared for mailing at reduced postage rates. The term "bulk mail" means discounted First-Class Mail and advertising mail (called "Standard Mail" by the Postal Service). Discounted rates are available for other classes of mail, too. The Postal Service uses the terms "bulk" and "presorted" interchangeably.
Bulk rates are discounted from "single-piece" rates. "Single-piece" means that you pay the full postage rate; when you put a stamp on a letter, you're paying the single-piece rate. Many mailers pay single-piece rates even though they are doing large mailings. Why? Because they don't want to do any extra preparation work - they don't have the time, or it's just not cost effective for their business.
What Are Bulk Rates?
The Postal Service offers discounts for bulk mailings because you do some of the work that otherwise
would have to be done by the Postal Service (for example, sorting the mail by Zip Code or transporting the
mail to a different postal facility). Everyone benefits from this "worksharing." Mailers make an
investment in time and technology, and the Postal Service's costs are reduced, allowing you to pay less postage.
In order to mail at bulk rates, you need to:
Get a mailing permit (permission to mail ) and pay an annual mailing fee.
Pay postage using one of several convenient methods: precanceled stamps, postage meter, or permit imprint.
Make smart choices about the size, shape, and weight of your mailpiece.
Ensure that your addresses are accurate.
Presort the mailpieces (separate or sort your mail by ZIP Codes).
Take your mail to the post office where you hold your mailing permit.
The choices you make can result in significant difference in the postage rates that you will pay.
Minimum Quantities for a Bulk Business Mailing
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 Post
300 pieces for Presorted or Carrier Route Bound Printed Matter
300 pieces for Presorted Library Mail
300 pieces for Presorted Media Mail (sometimes called "book rate")
