Gone are the days of the Penny Post! The USPS has announced their intent to increase postage rates on January 22, 2012. Click here for a price chart. The overall the average price increase is 2.1%.
There will also be changes to the self-mailer requirements. Want to know more? This link offers detailed descriptions and illustrations of the new requirements.
The post office is extending a 1-year compliance period from January 2012 to January 2013. During that period the current mail piece designs will be accepted. After that, you must comply with the new rules as outlined by the post office. Here are a few of the most important changes:
- The new maximum size for a self-mailer will be 6 x 10.5.
- The maximum weight will be 3 ounces.
- Tabs will no longer be able to be perforated.
- Tabs must be made out of paper, not plastic.
- No loose pieces inside of self-mailers. They must be attached with a glue dot or folded over an inside mailer flap.
- The tab sizes will vary between 1-inch, 1.5-inch and 2-inch tabs depending on the paper stock and folding.
- Minimum paper stock thickness will be 70#.
Don’t let these changes overwhelm you. The direct marketing experts at Kessler Creative can help you design your pieces with the most cost-effective papers and layout to ensure a successful mailing with a fantastic ROI.
