· Screen your mailing list for unnecessary names, duplicates and incomplete addresses.
· Use “E-Certified with E-Return” instead of regular “Certified” with receipt or “Registered” with receipt whenever possible. It costs less and still provides a receipt and notice of delivery to the sender.
· Do not over-insure. The post office and UPS will pay only the actual value of an item, not the declared value.
· Use postcards for short messages or announcements. The cost is 35 cents instead of the letter rate of 55 cents.
· Combine mailings when possible into a larger envelope for distribution at the location.
· Use Business Reply envelopes provided by vendors, instead of department envelopes.
· When possible FAX the information when time is crucial, instead of using Express mail.
· Request Library and Book rate whenever possible. Savings can be as much as 50% of the cost of 1st class mail.
· Use Intra-campus envelopes for on-campus mail. Use regular business envelopes for off-campus mailings only.
· If you have 200 identical pieces or if a few names could be added to reach 200 pieces, use Non-profit Standard “Bulk” Rate whenever possible, saving at least 27 cents per letter sized mail piece.
· Whenever possible, for mailings with more than 5 pages, fold material in half and place in a 6×9 envelope to reduce postage (Remember do not use an envelope with a clasp; there is an extra USPS service fee.).
· Use “Courtesy Reply” regular envelope without postage instead of “Business Reply” and save on first class postage, plus 10 cent processing fee.
· Print your inserts as double sided inserts to keep the weight down on your mail piece.
· Talk to Mail Services staff to decide it you can mail an item at a cheaper rate than First Class.