How does bulk mail work
Bulk mail, also known as direct mail, is a cost-effective way for businesses and organizations to send large quantities of mail to a targeted audience. Here's how it works:
Preparation
- List preparation: The sender prepares a list of names and addresses of the intended recipients.
- Design and printing: The sender designs and prints the mailpieces (letters, postcards, or brochures) with the desired content, including text, images, and graphics.
- Sorting and bundling: The mailpieces are sorted and bundled by zip code or carrier route to ensure efficient delivery.
Postage and Mailing
- Bulk mail permit: The sender obtains a bulk mail permit from the United States Postal Service (USPS) or a private mail carrier, which allows them to send large quantities of mail at a discounted rate.
- Postage: The sender pays for the postage using a bulk mail permit or a postage meter.
- Mailing: The bundled mailpieces are taken to a post office or a private mail carrier for processing and delivery.
USPS Bulk Mail Process
- Sorting: The USPS sorts the mailpieces by zip code and carrier route at a local post office or a centralized facility.
- Barcoding: The USPS applies a barcode to each mailpiece, which contains the recipient's address and other relevant information.
- Delivery: The sorted and barcoded mailpieces are delivered to the recipient's mailbox or post office box.
Benefits
- Cost-effective: Bulk mail is often cheaper than sending individual pieces of mail.
- Targeted marketing: Bulk mail allows businesses to target specific audiences with tailored messages.
- Increased response rates: Well-designed and targeted bulk mail campaigns can lead to higher response rates compared to other marketing channels.
Types of Bulk Mail
- Standard Mail: The most common type of bulk mail, used for non-advertised mailings, such as newsletters and statements.
- First-Class Mail: Used for mailings that require a higher level of service, such as priority delivery and tracking.
- Non-Profit Mail: A special category for non-profit organizations, which can qualify for discounted rates.
- Presort Mail: A type of bulk mail that requires the sender to pre-sort the mailpieces by zip code and carrier route.
Overall, bulk mail is a powerful marketing tool that can help businesses and organizations reach a large audience at a lower cost than traditional mailings.