Bulk mail fulfilment
Bulk mail fulfillment refers to the process of sending large quantities of mail, such as letters, postcards, or brochures, to a large number of recipients. This process typically involves several steps, including:
- Data preparation: Gathering and organizing the mailing list, including names, addresses, and other relevant information.
- Printing and finishing: Printing the mail pieces, such as letters or brochures, and finishing them with any necessary folds, perforations, or other treatments.
- Mailing list sorting: Sorting the mail pieces by zip code or other geographic criteria to ensure efficient delivery.
- Packaging and shipping: Packaging the mail pieces in bundles or trays and shipping them to the post office or other mailing facility.
- Tracking and reporting: Tracking the mail pieces as they are processed and reporting on the results, including delivery rates and any issues that may arise.
Bulk mail fulfillment can be performed in-house by a company's marketing or mailroom department, or it can be outsourced to a third-party mail service provider. Some of the benefits of outsourcing bulk mail fulfillment include:
- Cost savings: Outsourcing can be more cost-effective than performing the process in-house, especially for large or complex mailings.
- Expertise: Mail service providers have the expertise and equipment to handle large volumes of mail quickly and efficiently.
- Time savings: Outsourcing allows companies to focus on their core business activities while leaving the mail fulfillment process to the experts.
- Increased accuracy: Mail service providers have the technology and processes in place to ensure accurate and efficient processing of mail pieces.
Some of the common types of bulk mail fulfillment include:
- Direct mail: Sending targeted mail pieces, such as letters or postcards, to specific individuals or households.
- Transactional mail: Sending mail pieces, such as bills or statements, to customers or clients.
- Periodicals: Sending regular publications, such as newsletters or magazines, to subscribers.
- Catalogs: Sending large mailings of product catalogs to customers or prospects.
When selecting a bulk mail fulfillment provider, companies should consider factors such as:
- Experience: Look for providers with experience handling large volumes of mail and a track record of successful mailings.
- Technology: Ensure that the provider has the latest technology and equipment to handle mail pieces efficiently and accurately.
- Customer service: Choose a provider with a reputation for excellent customer service and a willingness to work with clients to meet their specific needs.
- Pricing: Compare prices and services offered by different providers to ensure the best value for the company's budget.
- Compliance: Ensure that the provider is compliant with all relevant postal regulations and laws, such as the CAN-SPAM Act and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.