If your business or organization plans to send out a large quantity of addressed mail pieces, there's a more cost-efficient way than using USPS First-Class Mail®. It's called USPS Marketing Mail.

Unlike USPS First-Class Mail, USPS Marketing Mail is a bulk mail service.

Companies and organizations can use it to mail marketing materials such as postcards, flyers, circulars, advertising, newsletters, bulletins, catalogs--and even small parcels.

You can only use USPS Marketing Mail service if you have a minimum quantity of 200 pieces or 50 pounds of commercial mail. The maximum weight an individual bulk item can be is less than 16 ounces.

Delivery takes place in 3-10 business days for this class of mail.

This service is only for domestic mail. USPS Marketing Mail is not available for international deliveries. When shipping needs extend beyond domestic borders or require special handling, USPS Ground Advantage™ provides a comprehensive suite for various shipping needs.

The main benefit of using USPS Marketing Mail is the money it will save you on postage. Businesses and organizations appreciate the lower bulk mail rates.

According to postalytics.com, sending your item via USPS Marketing Mail will cost about 30% less vs. sending it via USPS First-Class Mail.

If you have used other USPS mailing services in the past, you may be accustomed to having additional features included with them. That is not the case with USPS Marketing Mail. Its bare-bones approach is one of the reasons why it is so economical.

If you would like any of the following extra services included with your USPS Marketing Mail order, it can be added for an additional cost:

• Forwarding and return services 
• Electronic USPS Tracking® 
• Bulk insurance 
• Certificate of Mailing 

For shipments requiring detailed tracking and security, USPS Certified Mail® provides evidence of mailing and delivery, with options for signature confirmation.

Unlike other USPS postal services, there is no single-piece postage price with USPS Marketing Mail. There are only bulk mail prices.

There are three bulk mail rate categories: Letters, Flats/Large Envelopes, and Parcels.

Yes. You can’t just walk into a Post Office with your mail pieces and use USPS Marketing Mail.

You have to apply for a mailing permit first.

You can do this on the Business Customer Gateway on the USPS website or by filling out a PS Form 3615, Mailing Permit Application, and Customer Profile, which can be obtained at your local Business Mail Entry Unit or Post Office.

The permit cost is currently an annual mailing fee of $330.

The United States Postal Service has a service called Nonprofit USPS Marketing Mail.

This service allows nonprofit organizations to send out bulk mailings at postage costs significantly less than the rates charged for regular USPS Marketing Mail.

Yes. Another way to send your bulk mailing is with USPS Every Door Direct Mail®.

There is no annual mailing fee for this service. No permit is required, and your postal rates are less than you would pay for USPS Marketing Mail.

There is one catch, though.

USPS Every Door Direct Mail is for unaddressed mail that gets delivered to every mailbox in an area. In other words, you can’t target your mailings and messages to specific people and/or addresses on your mailing list. As a result, you’re restricted to having a general marketing message on your mailing piece.

Additionally, for publishers and organizations distributing periodicals, USPS Periodicals Class Mail offers specialized rates and services tailored to meet the needs of regular publications.

Understanding USPS Marketing Mail is crucial for businesses and organizations aiming to distribute bulk mailings efficiently. With its bulk prices, this postal service offers significant cost savings compared to USPS First-Class Mail®. While additional features like forwarding and return service, tracking, and insurance come at an extra cost, the streamlined nature of USPS Marketing Mail makes it a budget-friendly choice that you should consider for your bulk direct mail campaigns.

Businesses requiring more targeted, expedited, or secure mailing solutions can explore other USPS services such as Priority Mail®, First-Class Mail®, USPS Ground Advantage™, USPS Periodicals Class Mail, and USPS Certified Mail®, each offering unique benefits to meet diverse mailing needs.