Malcolm Rivera
Political campaigns can raise millions, even billions of dollars, and direct mail is one of the most powerful ways to share campaign messages with voters. USPS offers a variety of services for sending political campaign mail, with costs depending on the weight, size, and number of mailpieces, as well as the type of postage rate and the target audience. While it is important for mail to stand out, there are ways to save money, such as mailing to specific areas, using inexpensive formats like postcards, and targeting the right voters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| USPS Marketing Mail Flat | Low per-piece postage costs |
| USPS First-Class Mail Service | Personalized letters, fundraising invitations, or any communications with a personal touch |
| USPS Marketing Mail | Sending political postcards, printed flyers, advertisements, or newsletters |
| USPS Every Door Direct Mail | Mail to every door |
| USPS Letter Rate | 6 x 11 pieces, two-folded 11 x 17 pieces and anything smaller will qualify for letter rates |
| USPS Flat Rate | Larger format pieces like an 8.5 x 11 will fall into a flat rate, which will increase postage costs |
| USPS Informed Visibility Mail Tracking and Reporting | Free tracking if the mail has the correct barcode |
| USPS Bulk Rates | 31.3¢ - 40.8¢ for regular business envelopes or half-sheet cards, 61.2¢ - $1.072 for larger pieces |
| USPS Bulk Rates (more than 150 pieces in the same zip code) | 61.2¢ - 77¢ |
| USPS Bulk Rates (more than 150 pieces in zips with the same first 3 digits) | 78.9¢ - 91.7¢ |
| USPS Direct Mail Campaigns (more than 50,000 mailpieces) | Contact USPS for cost |
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USPS bulk rates
Political Direct Mail is one of the most effective ways to share campaign messages with voters. USPS offers several ways to send political direct mail to your target audience. USPS bulk rates are available for political campaign mail, and there are a few things to keep in mind to take advantage of these rates. Firstly, you need to have a mailing permit and sort your mail into specific trays according to USPS rules. Sorting your mail by the route individual mail carriers take to drop off the mail can help you reduce costs through Enhanced Carrier Route (ECR) sorting. USPS Marketing Mail is a popular option for bulk mail as it offers low per-piece postage costs and is ideal for sending political postcards, printed flyers, advertisements, or newsletters. The USPS Marketing Mail prices are bulk prices, and each mailing must meet a minimum quantity of 200 pieces or 50 pounds of mail.
To get the lowest rates, you'll want to pay attention to the size and format of your mail. USPS facilities are best equipped to process letter-rate pieces, which are more cost-effective than flat rates. Anything smaller than or equal to 6 x 11 inches will qualify for letter rates, while larger formats like 8.5 x 11 inches will fall into a flat rate, increasing postage costs. Additionally, you can save money by mailing to specific areas or addresses and by using inexpensive formats such as postcards. USPS also offers Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM), which allows you to mail to entire routes instead of individual addresses. However, EDDM has size restrictions and may not align perfectly with political districts, so some mail may go outside your target area.
To further optimize costs, ensure your address lists are complete and correct, as accurate addresses can help manage mailing costs. You can use software like Postage $aver Pro to prepare your mailing and calculate the exact postage based on the number of pieces and their destinations. Additionally, using a vetted printer in the same region can help you save on shipping costs, and they may offer valuable insights and experience with their local USPS. Finally, consider signing up for USPS tracking to monitor the progress of your mail delivery.
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Targeted mailing
To further reduce costs, campaigns can utilise Enhanced Carrier Route (ECR) sorting, which involves sorting mail by the route individual carriers take, resulting in savings passed on by USPS. Additionally, campaigns can save by mailing to specific areas or using inexpensive formats like postcards, which have a higher read rate than other mail formats.
When sending targeted mailings, it is crucial to ensure accurate and complete address lists. Software and services are available to help maintain up-to-date address information, and advance notification to USPS through their online reporting form is recommended. Campaigns can also benefit from using local printers, who may offer cost savings and have valuable insights into the regional USPS operations.
USPS provides various postage rate options, including letter rates and flat rates. Letter rates are generally more cost-effective, and items measuring 6 x 11 inches or smaller qualify for this rate. Flat rates apply to larger formats, such as 8.5 x 11 inches, and result in increased postage costs. USPS Marketing Mail is another cost-saving option, ideal for sending political postcards, flyers, advertisements, and newsletters.
For larger mailings, campaigns can take advantage of bulk rates, which offer significant savings. Software like Postage $aver Pro can assist in calculating and optimising postage costs, especially when mailing to multiple ZIP codes. USPS also offers tracking services for mailings, providing visibility into the sorting process and delivery preparation.
Overall, targeted mailing is a strategic approach that enables political campaigns to efficiently reach their target audience while managing their budget effectively. By utilising USPS services, sorting strategies, and cost-saving formats, campaigns can maximise their impact while minimising expenses.
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Format and size
The format and size of political campaign mail can vary, but there are some standard options to choose from. USPS offers two main types of postage rates for political mail: letter rates and flat rates. Letter rates are typically for smaller mailpieces, such as letters or postcards, while flat rates are for larger pieces, such as magazines or large envelopes.
To qualify for the letter rate, the mailpiece must be smaller than 6 x 11 inches, which is the standard size for a letter. Anything larger than this, up to a certain point, will fall into the flat rate category. For example, a mailpiece that is 8.5 x 11 inches will likely be considered a flat rate piece and will incur higher postage costs.
However, it's important to note that USPS also offers a service called Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM), which allows campaigns to target entire cities, ZIP codes, neighborhoods, or mail routes. This service has specific size requirements, and the mailpiece must be at least 6 1/8 inches tall and 10 1/2 inches wide. This means that letter-size pieces or half-sheet cards do not qualify for EDDM.
When considering the format and size of political campaign mail, it's crucial to balance cost and impact. While smaller mailpieces may be more cost-effective, they might not stand out as much in the mailbox. On the other hand, larger formats can be more attention-grabbing but may increase postage costs.
To save costs, it is recommended to use a vetted printer in the same region, as this can reduce shipping expenses. Additionally, using Enhanced Carrier Route (ECR) sorting can help reduce costs, as it involves sorting mail by the route individual carriers take, and USPS passes on the savings.
Overall, the format and size of political campaign mail can vary depending on the specific needs and budget of the campaign. Campaigns can choose from various options, including letters, postcards, half-sheet cards, and larger formats, each with its own advantages and cost considerations.
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Printing costs
USPS First-Class Mail® is another option, suitable for more personal communications such as letters, invitations, or other more intimate messages. This service has a flat rate for up to 3.5 ounces.
The size of the mailpiece also matters. USPS facilities are better equipped to process letter-rate pieces, which are typically smaller than 6 x 11, and this option can save you money. Larger formats, such as 8.5 x 11, will fall into a flat rate, increasing postage costs. While it may be more affordable, cutting back on paper stock, colour, or size is not recommended as it can compromise the quality of your campaign material.
To save on printing costs, you can use a vetted printer in the same region, which can also reduce shipping costs. Additionally, sorting your mail using the Enhanced Carrier Route (ECR) method can reduce costs. This involves sorting mail by the route individual mail carriers take, and USPS passes on savings as they have sorted the mail for them.
USPS also offers the Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) service, which allows you to mail to entire routes, targeting specific areas, addresses, cities, ZIP Codes, neighbourhoods, or individual mail routes. This can be more cost-effective than sending mail to individual addresses. However, EDDM has size restrictions, and you must mail to an entire carrier's route, which may result in mail being sent outside your target boundaries.
The cost of sending political campaign mail can vary depending on the volume of mailpieces, the size, and the destination. For example, for 150 pieces or more to the same zip code, the cost can range from 61.2¢ to 77¢, while for 150 pieces or more to zips with the same first 3 digits, the cost increases to 78.9¢ - 91.7¢.
It's important to note that there are also costs associated with mailing permits, software for sorting mail and postage calculation. These additional expenses should be factored into the overall printing and postage budget for a political campaign.
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Tracking and reporting
Informed Visibility Mail Tracking and Reporting (IV-MTR): USPS offers IV-MTR, which allows you to track the progress of your political mailing. By signing up for this free service, you can access information about where your mail is in the sorting process and when it has been prepared for carrier delivery. This helps you stay informed about the status of your campaign mail and plan your follow-up strategies accordingly.
Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMb): To utilize the IV-MTR service effectively, ensure that your mailpieces have the correct IMb. This barcode enables USPS to track and provide visibility into the delivery of your mail. It is essential to follow USPS guidelines for generating and applying IMbs to ensure accurate tracking.
Software Solutions: Various software solutions are available to assist with tracking and reporting. For example, Quick Lettertracker retrieves tracking information from the USPS system and provides easy access to delivery details. Additionally, software like Postage $aver Pro helps calculate postage rates and prepare bulk mailings, ensuring accuracy in your reporting.
Address List Management: Maintaining accurate and up-to-date address lists is crucial for effective tracking and reporting. USPS offers resources, including software, to help keep your address lists current. By ensuring that your address lists are complete and correct, you can minimize delays and manage mailing costs more effectively.
Reporting Problems: USPS provides an online reporting form to report any issues with your mailing after it has been processed. Promptly reporting problems ensures that USPS can address any concerns and that your campaign mailings remain on track.
Enhanced Carrier Route (ECR) Sorting: Working with a mail house can help you implement ECR sorting, which involves sorting mail by the route individual carriers take. This approach reduces costs and streamlines delivery. However, it requires a sufficient mailing volume to cover multiple homes in a single route, so it may not be suitable for highly targeted, low-quantity programs.
By leveraging these tracking and reporting strategies, you can optimize the delivery of your political campaign mail and ensure that your message reaches the intended recipients effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost of sending political campaign mail depends on several factors, such as the size and weight of the mailpiece, the number of pieces being sent, and the location they are being sent to. For example, regular business envelopes typically cost between 31.3¢ and 40.8¢, while larger pieces can range from 61.2¢ to $1.072.
There are several ways to save money on political campaign mail:
- Use a mailing service such as USPS Marketing Mail or Every Door Direct Mail, which offer low per-piece postage costs.
- Target specific areas or addresses instead of sending mail to every door.
- Use a vetted printer in the same region to save on shipping costs.
- Sort your mail using Enhanced Carrier Route (ECR) to reduce postage costs.
- Opt for letter rate postage instead of flat rate, as USPS facilities are better equipped to process letter-rate pieces and offer cost savings.
It is important to consider the design and format of your mailpiece to ensure it stands out and effectively communicates your message. While you can cut costs by reducing the size or colour of your mailpiece, it may be more effective to use a larger format or include full-colour images. Additionally, accurate address lists are crucial for timely delivery and managing mailing costs.
To track your political campaign mail, you can use the Informed Visibility Mail Tracking and Reporting (IV-MTR) service offered by USPS. This service is free, but you must sign up for it, and your mail must have the correct barcode. You can also use software such as Quick Lettertracker to retrieve tracking information from the USPS system.
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