Open Forum

  • 1.  self mailers and someone else gets away with it

    Posted 07-23-2015 02:18 PM

    We have a customer request to mail a tri-fold self-mailer with the mail panel in the wrong position and the size greater than the max length of 10.50 (piece size is 6 x 11). 

    I rejected the request and of course the feed back I received was "We mailed it the same way last year" and "Another mailer will mail it this way".

    I can see no changes to the DMM regarding the max size, mail panel orientation. I've confirmed with the Detroit Post Office Mail Piece Design Analyst that I have the correct information.  

    Does anyone have different specs?  

    How do you hand the "someone else will do it" situation?

    Every time I quote the DMM rules and regulations, I get pushed back and challenged to find a way around the system or a way to mail it like "someone else can".  Anyone have some suggestions?

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    Leann Steffes
    Mailing Lead
    ArborOakland Group
    Royal Oak MI
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  • 2.  RE: self mailers and someone else gets away with it

    Posted 07-23-2015 02:22 PM

    What you described doesn't make it unmailable, just not an auto letter.  We send these as Auto flats.  Last year's vendor probably did the same thing - just never brought it up to them.  This happen to us alot.  We always try to inform the customer about the most cost effective way, but sometimes they just want what they want.

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    Virginia Myers
    Customer Service Manager
    M.A.I.L. Inc.
    Lafayette IN
    765-448-4222
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  • 3.  RE: self mailers and someone else gets away with it

    Posted 07-23-2015 03:44 PM

    I mailed one today the was 11.5"x6'', max. letter size & it was a folded self mailer.  BMEU didn't like it but they took it.  If it were 10.5" (Auto Rates) postage would have been $320.00.  As a non-machineable postage was $874.00.  It's been awhile since that has happened, but this job was rammed all the way through prepress & production WITHOUT me giving the OK.  I doubt this will happen again for a long while.

    I too get " well, XYZ Company did ...... ".  I say, then take it to XYZ.  I have my hands full with regular stuff & I am on good standing with the folks at the BMEU.  I won't put that a risk for anything.

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    David Ferguson
    Mailroom Supervisor
    Southwestern Stationery
    Oklahoma City OK
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: self mailers and someone else gets away with it

    Posted 07-24-2015 08:44 AM

    I would agree with what is being said by others.  Mailings can go through the post office many different ways.  In order for this piece to mail at a presorted discount rate, it must meet the DMM rules (mail panel in middle of a trifold, max size 10.1/2 x 6, etc...).  However, if it does not meet the DMM rules, then it's not unmailable, it just is not mailable at the discounted rates.  It becomes a non-automated letter, so you'll just need to change up the way the paperwork is prepared, and submit it to the bmeu as such.  It should be fine.  Postage is higher, but it can still mail.

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    John Schafer
    Owner
    Shuman Heritage Printing
    York PA
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: self mailers and someone else gets away with it

    Posted 07-24-2015 09:09 AM

    Good morning everyone

    Based on the previous conversations, I feel the need to jump in on this string.

    First, the mail panel CAN be on the panel created by the final fold and still be automation compatible.   However if this is the case you will need to add a third tab on the lead (right) edge of the piece within 1" from the bottom.  This regulation is in DMM 201.3.14.4.a.1.

    Now on to the 6 x 11 piece, because it exceeds the maximum length for a "machinable" lettersize piece it does not qualify for machinable or automation rates.  The piece can mail as either a non-machinable letter or an automation flat.  I recommend that you mail it as a flat, as the postage will likely be less than as a non-machinable letter.

    As for the comments that, "ABC company will mail this" or we mailed it last year, I'll second the comments about saying, "go ahead and take it to them".  Your good reputation and relationship with the USPS to too valuable to chance trying to sneak something into the system.   Remember the USPS is also checking that you did everything properly as the mail is being processed through their system.

    Have a great Friday and spectacular weekend.

    GPH


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  • 6.  RE: self mailers and someone else gets away with it

    Posted 07-24-2015 09:57 AM
    Thank you everyone - good information!
    Leann


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