Direct Mail FAQ's

Admail West recognizes that working with direct marketing can be confusing, especially when complying with the United States Postal regulations. We have put together our most frequently asked questions to help guide you in your direct mail efforts.

Q: How long will it take for my mailing to be delivered?

A: There are several factors that can affect the delivery timeframe of your mailing, including class of mail (first class presort vs. standard presort), destination, and the United States Postal Service (USPS) designated peak periods.

Choosing the "right" postage for your mailing campaign can be somewhat bewildering if you aren't prepared for the cost and delivery implications. Outside of overnight priority mailing, First Class Presort is the Postal Service's fastest and more costly approach to mailing, generally reaching its destinations within 1 to 5 business days. Standard Presort mailings typically take 5 to 15 business days to reach its destinations nationwide. Although standard mail may have a longer delivery timeframe, there are some financial advantages to standard mail, offering a postage discount to account for the longer delivery timeframes.

As with any business, the United State Postal Service does experience peak mailing periods that could have an affect with the timeframe mail is delivered. This would include the December holiday timeframe and during recognized political seasons.

Q: How long will it take Admail West to prepare my mailing?

A: Admail West is a 24-hour lettershop. We will accommodate our production schedule to meet your project deadlines. Generally we request 2 to 3 business days to complete a project, depending on scope of work. Our team of professionals will work with you to meet your mailing timeframes.

Q: How secure is my data at Admail West?

A: The value we put on our client's data is of the utmost importance to us. Admail West has created a highly secure data processing environment that protects the privacy and integrity of your data. We maintain the highest confidentiality agreements as well as operate as a bonded company.

Q: If I mail using standard postage, will my mail be handled differently than first class mail?

A: No. All mail handling is treated with the same respect and care by Admail West regardless of the postage choice. The only difference between standard and first class mail is the delivery timeframe. The Post Office offers its clients a postage discount for standard mail to account for a slightly longer delivery timeframe. We can also deliver to Bulk Mail Centers and Sectional Center Facilities to reduce postage and increase delivery times.

Q: What is the aspect ratio?

A: The dimension of a mail piece expressed as a ratio of length (the direction parallel to the address) divided by height. For example, a postcard 5-1/2 inches long by 3-1/2 inches high has an aspect ratio of 1.57. An aspect ratio between 1.3 and 2.5, inclusive, is required for automation compatibility. For some First-Class Mail, aspect ratio is used to determine whether a nonstandard surcharge applies.

Q: When are tabs needed on a mailer, and how many are required?

A: Postal regulations require tabs to be affixed to a letter-size mailer if it is folded or a saddle-stitched booklet. One tab is required on a folded mailer when the fold falls below the indicia. Two tabs are required on a folded piece when the fold is positioned above the indicia, and/or if the letter mailer has any form of stitching. If a letter mailer has stitching, the opening must be at the top to qualify for automated postage rates.

Flat mailers are not required to have postal tabs.

Q: What are the new USPS NCOA Move Update Requirements?

A: Starting November 23rd, 2008 all First-Class mail must be updated within 95 days of the mail date. Also, to reduce the amount of Undeliverable as Addressed mail, the USPS is also extending the Move Update requirement to Standard Mail. This means that all databases used for mailing must have been updated with correct deliverable addresses within the past 95 days of the mail date. Click here for more details.

SOLUTION: Admail West can provide NCOA (National Change of Address) services that meet this requirement for you.

Q: Can I have perforated tabs for easy opening?

A: Yes, perforated tabs are accepted by postal regulations if they are affixed to the top or trailing edge of the mail piece. Non-perforated tabs are required on all bottom tabs.

Q: Are there any restrictions for inserts and envelopes being inserted by machine?

A: Yes. An envelope must have a minimum of a quarter inch clearance left and right with respect to the inserts for a total of a half inch. If an insert fits too tightly in an envelope, then it won't easily insert using industry standard inserting equipment.

Q: What is the maximum letter envelope flap size for the inserting equipment?

A: The maximum flap size for a booklet style envelope is 2-3/8" long.

Q: Can you inkjet on coated stock?

A: This is always a tricky question to answer because it really is a 50-50% answer. Typically, material with an aqueous coating in the address area can experience some challenges with the inkjet print penetrating the coating, thus creating a beaded effect on the address and barcode. Other times it works just fine. Admail West recommends that if you want to put a coating on the address panel, please give us a paper sample so we can test it for you. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Q: How do you achieve the best laser print quality?

A: Print quality can be affected by both the paper stock and ink used in printing. For more information on how to achieve the best laser print quality, please refer to our Media and Ink Requirements Guide.

Q: What are the current postal rates?

A: Please see the Postage Rates Guide (drawn from the USPS Ratefold guide) for current postage rates. Our project managers are happy to consult on how to design a mailpiece to achieve the lowest postal rates possible.

Q: How do I get more information about your services?

A: Visit the Contact Us page to receive more information about Admail West's Direct Mail Services.