Resources

Mail prep Checklist

Successful mailings begin with good information. The more information you can provide to NPC about your mailing project, the more accurately we can estimate the cost of the project and help generate ideas for the most successful and cost-effective method possible:

  • Description of what is being mailed. Is it a letter, flat or package? How many inserts does it have? Are they all the same weight and size? If you are printing and mailing from NPC, this information will need to be provided by the customer.
  • Number of pieces being mailed. The total quantity of pieces is imperative to any mailing estimate. This may or may not be the same as what is being printed. If it differs, specify how many will mail out of the total print order.
  • Size and weight of each piece. Again, if NPC is doing the printing of each piece in the mailing, we will be able to help you determine the size and weight. Otherwise, be sure to communicate the size of inserts and envelopes as well as the overall size and weight of a completed package.
  • Format of the address list. NPC accepts virtually any format, but some partners may not. Common formats are fixed-width ASCII, Excel, Access, dBASE and FileMaker that can be transported electronically over the Internet, on a CD or a DVD.
  • Number of versions being mailed. Many times this is only one, but increasingly the answer is higher. More versions affect time by possible breaks in production and multiple set-ups.
  • Items being supplied to the mailer vs. the items they will be responsible for obtaining. By specifying, you reduce errors on assumptions; such mistakes can mean unexpected expenses and delays.
  • Functions you expect the mailer to perform. Mailers like NPC do more than address and mail. We can also provide services such as cleansing data, producing variable documents, ink jetting, folding, inserting, collating, and assisting with commingling.
  • Dates for the mailing. Important dates that affect mailing production are: date(s) of supply receipt, date of file receipt, and expected delivery date(s).
  • How you would like to have it mailed. This primarily refers to mail class. There are advantages and disadvantages, as well as rules, that apply to each. If you are unsure of how to mail a piece, NPC will help determine what will work for your project.
  • Postage Type. Many postage options exist and your choice may be as much about "look" as about cost.
  • Geographic information for recipients. Are any letters/packages being sent out of the United States? Are all letters/packages being delivered in a limited number of zip codes? Knowing generalities as to where the pieces are going could help NPC save you money.

If you would like to know more about your postage options, contact an NPC representative today at 800-847-5757 or email info@npcweb.com.