what is the difference between first class and standard mail?
The main differences between first class mail and standard mail (also known as marketing mail) are price, delivery speed, as well as options for mail forwarding and returns of mail with obsolete addresses. . Below you’ll find details on how to save on postage in 2021 with our guide to comparing first-class mail vs. marketing mail.
With USPS postage rate increases set to begin in August 2021, marketers want to know how to save money on postage now. We first published this blog in 2018, and it’s still one of the most popular! people need to know how to save money on shipping costs. learn the difference between first class mail and standard mail or marketing mail.
know the difference between first class and standard (or marketing) mail
Creating a direct mail campaign requires many steps: from setting up your project with the correct print parameters to determining your mailing list. use this guide so you don’t end up forgetting to determine what type of postage or rate best suits your campaign needs. Knowing the differences between first-class mail and standard mail (also known as marketing mail) can help you and your business make decisions that will help you save on postage costs and get your mail into the hands of your recipients in the best possible way.
what is first class mail?
The main differences between First Class Mail and Standard Mail are price, delivery speed, and options for forwarding mail and returning mail with obsolete addresses. presorted first class mail is still less than the price of a regular postage stamp. the price may vary depending on the type of correspondence. First-class mail includes postcards, letters, large envelopes, and small packages. first-class mail must weigh 13 ounces or less. mail pieces weighing more than 13 ounces are shipped as priority mail.
the first class is the fastest option. If you choose to presort your mail, you can add a day to your expected delivery schedule, but it can save you a significant amount on postage fees. Presort mail can be discounted by up to 20%, which could help offset rising postal rates in 2021!
If you plan to send urgent or personal information, First Class Mail may be your best option and is required for bills, credit cards, and other personalized correspondence. While First Class Mail experienced some inconsistency in delivery times in 2020 during the election and for a few weeks afterward, First Class Mail still has the most consistent delivery times, even during peak shipping seasons. this makes First Class Mail an obvious choice for organizations that cannot afford any room for error in their delivery rates.
usps first class mail delivery is prioritized over standard (or marketing) mail. As of July 2021, local mail will be delivered in 2-3 days. domestically, first class mail should arrive in about 4 days.
An additional benefit of sending First Class Mail is the ability to reach customers who may have outdated address information. If first-class mail cannot be delivered, USPS will forward the mail to the correct address or return it to the sender, sometimes free of charge. This is a great opportunity for your business to make CRM updates and reduce bounced mail. companies that send first-class mail also have the option of adding additional services, such as certified mail.
Pre-sorting or blending savings are achieved when your mail service provider (MSP) has performed data processing, such as ncoa updates on barcode data, prior to blending your mail by zip code. Your MSP then delivers this mail directly into the mail stream with USPS. Because it costs USPS less to handle your mail because the work is already done, you can save up to 20% on postage.
what are the specifications for first class mail?
- There is no minimum weight. maximum weight for flats is 13 oz. (when the weight is over 13 oz, your mail is classified as priority mail)
- maximum weight for letters is 4 oz.
- minimum amount to presort or mix your mail with a mail service provider such as midwest direct it is 500 pieces
what is standard mail? what is marketing email?
marketing email is the new name for standard email. Any mail that is not personal or confidential, such as advertisements, flyers, newsletters, merchandise, or small packages, is usually sent as marketing mail. At 32% less than the price of First Class Mail, it’s a cost-effective option if your business schedule is more flexible and focused on saving money.
Standard Mail does not have a guaranteed delivery time, although it typically averages less than 5 business days locally and up to 13 days nationally. A more customized map of marketing or standard mail delivery times can be generated on the USPS website. (This may seem complex. If you need help, please contact us.) mail is processed on a “time available” basis, which means your business may not want to send time-sensitive promotions like event announcements or coupons with two. weekly redemption times, using standard or marketing mail.
Unlike First Class Mail, Standard Mail does not offer free automatic returns or free mail forwarding. You can still avoid spending money on bounced mail by performing a data cleanup on your list before you send your mail. plus, you can pay to have standard mail forwarded to you via a complimentary service endorsement.
In addition to standard mail, nonprofits can save up to 70% off the cost of first-class mail by sending communications as nonprofit standard mail. These shipping prices are only available for domestic mail and follow the same delivery times as standard mail. To apply for these rates, the nonprofit organization must be authorized by USPS.
requirements for standard mail (also known as marketing mail)
- There is no minimum weight. maximum weight for flats is 16 oz.
- maximum flat weight 16 oz.
- maximum letter weight 3.5 oz.
- minimum amount to presort or commingle your mail with a service provider mail, like midwest direct is 200 pieces
- savings range from 32% to 68%
what is nonprofit or standard nonprofit marketing email?
Nonprofits can save up to 70% off the cost of first-class mail by sending communications as nonprofit standard mail (also known as nonprofit marketing mail). These shipping prices are only available for domestic mail and follow the same delivery times as standard mail. To apply for these rates, the nonprofit organization must be authorized by USPS. download the usps form.
ask a mail service professional for prices and savings offered
Want to know more about how to save shipping costs on your mail? Still wondering if standard or first class mail is the best option for your business? ask your mail service provider to guide you through postage types, rules and mail merge options to determine the best solution for your next mailing project.
bonus
one more way to save on shipping costs in 2021
take advantage of the usps informed delivery promotion 2021
This promotion encourages shippers to continue adopting the use of USPS’ omnichannel feature, Informed Delivery®. we’ve added some links below on how we help you launch informed delivery campaigns and our dashboards that report informed delivery insights/results.
reported delivery requirements
- regular and nonprofit marketing letters and postal plans, and presorted or automated first-class mail
- letters, cards and plans that meet the promotional requirements will be eligible for a 2% postal discount during the promotion.
- registration is open: July 15, 2021 to November 30, 2021
- the promotion period, or when you must send the mail, it is from September 1, 2021 to November 30, 2021
downloads
all about first class mail
first class mail guide for beginners
beginner’s guide to email marketing
beginner’s guide to informed delivery email
first class vs standard blog
data management
How do courier services help save on shipping costs?
what is mixed mail?
everything you need to know about informed delivery
More information on First Class Mail vs. Standard Mail