Phone:
    716.855.3333

    Fax:
    716.855.0759

If you opt to design your own mail piece, it is best to use page layout software, not word processing software. Please consult Print Plus early in the design process, prior to submitting it for printing and/or mailing. Feedback based on our expertise could save you time and money in the long run by avoiding costly graphic or postal design mistakes.

Design
When the Post Office refers to mail piece design, it is talking about how to design a mail piece for improved delivery service and for postage discounts. It is not referring to how the copy and graphic elements are arranged on the mail piece. The Post Office design standards, which also include how the address is printed on the mail piece, set minimums and maximums for size, shape, thickness and weight of the mail piece. If the mail piece adheres to these standards, it can be handled routinely and efficiently by the Post Office, increasing the likelihood of on-time delivery and earning a postage discount.

Paper Stock
The Post Office also has recommendations for types of paper that are compatible with its equipment. For example, thickness, stiffness, and tear strength are important characteristics for post cards. Paper with background patterns or dark fibers and fluorescent papers that may confuse the scanners or sorters are not recommended. Similarly, textured paper is not recommended if the texture may cause broken characters or smudging when the barcode is sprayed on the mail piece.

Dimensions
It is important to keep the Post Office dimension standards in mind. Of course, it is all right to violate these standards, as long as you understand the impact it will have on postage costs and delivery times. In fact, there may be times when you intentionally want to send a non-rectangular shape such as a square envelope, just to attract attention.

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