Postage Saving Tips

 Save 10% on postage and recharge costs by using the Automation Compatible Mail 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.