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Postage Savings Tips!

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  •  Save 10% on postage and recharge costs by using the Automation Compatible Mail program. It’s easy to prepare your outgoing mail according to the requirements of the program.
  • Screen your mailing list for unnecessary names, duplicates and incomplete addresses.
  • Use “Certified” instead of “Registered” mail whenever possible. It costs less and still provides a receipt and notice of delivery to the sender.
  • Do not over-insure. The post office and shippers will pay only the actual value of an item, not the declared value.
  • Use postcards for short messages or announcements. The cost is 1/3 less than sending an envelope.
  • Combine mailings when possible into a larger envelope for distribution at the location.
  • Use Business Reply envelopes provided by vendors instead of department envelopes.
  • FAX the information when time is crucial instead of using Express mail.
  • If you do need something sent overnight use FedEx since their services are quicker and more economical.
  • Request Library and Media rate whenever possible. Savings can be as much as 50% of the cost of 1st class mail but it is slower.
  • Use Intra-campus envelopes for on-campus mail. Use regular business envelopes for off-campus mailings only.
  • Use Non-profit/Bulk Rate whenever possible, savings can be as much as 20 cents per mail piece.
  • Use “Courtesy Reply” instead of “Business Reply” and save on first class postage plus 10 cent processing fee.
  • Use the most cost-effective shipping method - USPS Priority mail instead of Express, First-class instead of Priority mail or Media mail instead of First-class.
  • Use the smallest package or envelope that is practical for your mail piece. Whenever possible fold your outgoing mail and use a #10 business envelope rather than a larger, flat style.
  • Only request a signature on Express mail when absolutely needed. There are now charges for signatures at residential and some business addresses.
  • If you purchase 9 x 12 or 10 x 13 envelopes, order plain white or manila and not the ones with the green "First-Class" logo.
  • To avoid potential damage to the envelopes & contents use only 'peel-n-seal' or self-stick large envelopes, not the clasp type. There is a handling charge assessed by the US Postal Service on clasp-style envelopes when used for mailing purposes.
 
 
 

 

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