The USI Distribution Services team supports the marketing efforts of the University through the preparation of mass mailings designed by our various colleges, departments and programs. Annually we prepare and submit to the USPS more than 1.5 million mail pieces consisting of postcards, tri-folds, enveloped inserts and full size magazine type of products.
While "bulk rates" are the most economical method of mailing, the following are required to mail at these reduced prices:
- Distribution Services approval of the proposed content of the piece, prior to printing.
- Minimum volume of 200 pieces or 15 pounds.
- Presort (not the same as zip order) of the mailing list by Distribution Services prior to addressing*
- NCOA address changes appended to the mailing list by Distribution Services prior to addressing.*
- The address must contain a USPS compliant barcode.*
*Contact Distribution Services prior to printing any "pre-addressed components," such as letters that are folded and placed into a window envelope for mailing at bulk prices.
List Processing
The Distribution Services team utilizes specialized software capable of processing lists to qualify for significant USPS postage discounts. In addition to the presort services, the required National Change of Address (NCOA) services is provided for each required mailing. By processing in this manner, the expense of address correction is minimized. List data should be provided to Distribution Services in CSV or Excel format. Contact a Distribution Services representative with questions about the formatting of list data.
Folding, Inserting and Sealing
USI Distribution Services has specialized equipment which supports various fold configurations, such as single and tri-folds. Folded products and as many as three additional components (BRM cards, BRM envelopes or other folded products) can be stuffed and sealed into a shipping (window or non-window) envelope.
Folding can be provided as a stand-alone service or in combination an inserting process. Specifications and pricing for folding and inserting follow.
Specifications
Folding
Sheet size – standard 8"x11"
Type of folds –1/2 fold; tri-folds, business or Z
Collated folded self-mailers1 – maximum 5 sheets
Inserting
Maximum – any combination of types, not to exceed 4
Types – cards (BRM), furnished pre-folded sheets2 and flat sheets folded during inserting process
Envelope size – 6"x9" or #10, window or solid
Personalization
Maximum – one sheet containing personalized address3, salutation or personalized information
Selective Insertion
Projects that have differing inserts must be grouped together into different production streams. The equipment does not have the capability of doing selective insertion.
1 - Requires additional tabbing and addressing processes to mail.
2 - Furnished as folded, or folded by a separate process at Distribution Services.
3 - All personalized information must be contained on a single sheet, front and back.
Address Positioning on Printed Sheet for Window Envelopes
Positioning of the address on the printed sheet is critical for delivery of the mail piece. If the address shifts within the envelope and portions of the address are not displayed, it will be returned as undeliverable. Specification for address placement on the sheet follows.
Address Area = maximum window of 3 5/8" (width) x 15/16" (height) area
Positioning from Top of Sheet = 2 7/16"
Indention from Left Edge = 15/16" Overlays are available upon request.
Pricing
Pricing varies based on volume and complexity of the program. Pricing below is effective July 1, 2016.
| Order Needs | Volumes of 25-200 Pieces | Volumes of more than 200 pieces |
|---|---|---|
| Fold only up to 2 sheets | $7.50 minimum charge | $.03 per piece / $3.00 per 100 |
| Fold only additional sheets, no more than 5 total | $10 minimum charge | $.045 per piece / $4.50 per 100 |
| Fold and insert up to 2 sheets or furnished inserts into envelope | $10 minimum charge | $.03 per piece / $3.00 per 100 |
| Fold and insert 3-4 sheets or furnished inserts into envelope | $20 minimum charge | $.06 per piece / $6.00 per 100 |
Tabbing
USI Distribution Services has specialized equipment which supports the USPS requirements for tabbing and mailing of self-mailer types of products. Contact a Distribution Services representative to discuss your tabbing needs.
Address Imaging
USI Distribution Services utilizes high-speed inkjet imaging equipment which supports the standard addressing needs for your mailings. We also utilize additional imaging devices to print postal permit indicia information in lieu of having to have it pre-printed on your mail piece. Contact a Distribution Services representative to discuss your address imaging needs.