Design is Critical
	There are many pitfalls to avoid when designing pieces for mail. Make your piece too small, and it will be rejected by the Post Office. Make it too large, and you will pay for more postage. The Post Office has a rule for everything. We'll Guide You The Post Office has an entire book dedicated to the rules and regulations for properly designed direct mail pieces. Below are some of the basics to keep in mind. Because of the complexity of postal regulations, we strongly urge you to take advantage of or FREE MAIL PIECE CONSULTATION SERVICES that we offer to all customers who use us to print and/or mail their direct mail job. Involve us right from the start to ensure your piece meets all the rules and to guarantee your piece will not be rejected by the post office. Size and Shape are Important The Postal Service separates all mail into one of four size categories: Cards: A "card" must be: - Rectangular - At least 3-1/2 inches high x 5 inches long x .007 inch thick - No more than 4-1/4 inches high x 6 inches long x .016 inches thick If your piece does not meet the criteria above, the Postal Service considers your piece to be a letter Letters: A "letter" must be: - Rectangular - At least 3-1/2 inches high x 5 inches long x .007 inch thick - No more than 6-1/8 inches high x 11-1/2 inches long x 1/4 inch thick Flat and Large Envelopes: The Postal Service uses the words "flats" and "nonletters" to refer to large envelopes, newsletters, and magazines. Whatever you call them, flats must: - Have one dimension that is greater than 6-1/8 inches OR 11-1/2 inches long OR 1/4 inch thick. - Be no more than 12 inches high x 1 inches long and 3/4 inch thick. Designing for Automation Can Save You More Money In addition to the rules above, there are further restrictions for your mail piece to qualify for the lowest possible postage rates. These rates are reserved for mail pieces that meet the more stringent automation requirements. Contact us for more information.