Mailing Guidelines

We mail millions of mail pieces every year for hundreds of customers in all 50 states. Mitchell Graphics is your one source for complete mailing services including List Processing, Postal Automation, Fulfillment, Market Research and Consultation.

Results:

Keep in mind the 40/40/20 Rule. 40% List, 40% Offer, 20% Creative. List - Do all you can to be sure the people who get your mailer are good candidates to buy your product or service. This includes getting the right mailing list and examining and updating addresses to ensure delivery. Offer – What you are selling must be relevant and attractive (irresistible if possible) to the recipient of the mailer. Creative - What you are selling must be presented in an easy to understand, attractive and compelling manner. Be sure to include a call to action in your copy. Your Mitchell Graphics Account Manager will review your objectives, assist in designing your mail piece and examine your mailing list to help maximize your results.

Personalization:

Personalization, also known as Variable Messaging or Customization, is a method of printing portions of the direct mail offer in such a way that it is unique to each recipient. By speaking directly to each recipient by name and addressing their specific needs you can increase the response to your mailer.

First Class and Standard A mail delivery:

First Class mail is treated differently than Standard A mail (the old Bulk Rate mail). First Class is usually delivered in 3-5 business days and will be returned to you at no charge if undeliverable. Standard A mail can take up to 2-3 weeks to reach the recipient and will be discarded with no notification if undeliverable.

Notification of a bad address on Standard A mail:

The USPS has a number of what are called Ancillary Service Endorsements that can be printed on your mail piece to determine how undeliverable mail is treated. Contact your Account Manager to discuss your needs.

Postcard Postage Rates:

Postcards up to 4.25” x 6” get a 23 cent stamp. Around 19.4 cents if processed as a First Class Automated mailing here at Mitchell Graphics. Postcards larger than 4.25” x 6” all the way up to 6” x 11” in size can be mailed either First Class or Standard A. First Class Automated postage is around 31 cents each. Standard A Automated mails at around 22 cents each. Non-profit institutions mail at around 15 cents per piece. Exact postage is determined after we process your mailing list. Postage is usually paid by check made payable to US Postmaster and is delivered to the Post Office with your mailing.

Differences between Presorted & Automated:

Presorting is defined as preparing your mailing so that it is sorted to the finest extent required for the type of mailing whether First Class, Standard A or Non-Profit. In Automating your mailing we apply a barcode in the address area to assist in processing at the Post Office. Discounts off regular postage rates are applied to Presorted and Automated mailings. Mitchell Graphics' Mailing Department will do all it can to maximize any postage discounts your mailing may qualify for.