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Q: I haven’t really done a lot of large mailings or direct marketing in the past, where do I start?
A: The experts at A+ Mailing Solutions will be happy to discuss your ideas and develop your marketing campaign. We will tailor our services to meet your specific needs and make sure the fine details are covered to answer the who, what, when, where, why and how.
Q: How many pieces do I need in my mailing to qualify for presort discounts? Must they all be from the same zip code or area?
A: To qualify for Presort Standard Mailings you must have a minimum of 200 pieces or 50 pounds. To qualify for First Class discounts you must have a minimum of 500 pieces. The addresses can be all over the country and you still get discounts.
Q: How much longer does the mail delivery take if I send my mail Standard (Previously Third Class) instead of First Class?
A: This varies by the distance the mail piece has to travel and can take several days to travel coast to coast. Delivery times could be 3-10 days but local deliveries are usually faster.
Q: I’ve wanted to send a mailing for some time, but I would like to send to more addresses than I have in my own customer list. What types of lists can A+ Mailing Solutions provide?
A: Residential/Occupant, Consumer and Business lists are all available. We can tailor the search criteria specific to your requirements…geography, income, age, business size, age of business etc. Please see list criteria
Q: I’ve heard that purchased or rented lists have many undeliverable addresses in them. How can I be sure I am acquiring a list with good information?
A: A+ Mailing Solutions works with some of the top list consolidators in the industry. Our list consolidators run their lists through the NCOA (National Change of Address) process on a monthly basis, therefore reducing the number of undeliverable pieces. Many lists are also verified on an annual basis.
Q: How do list compilers obtain their information for the lists?
A: Information is obtained from telephone directories, government and industry directories, subscription services, surveys, mail-order rosters and online information; just to name a few. There are literally thousands of sources where the information is found and then merged together into one large database.
Q: I have always done my own mailing to maintain control over delivery time. What delivery times can I expect if I entrust A+ Mailing Solutions with my mailing?
A: Once we receive all mailing lists and materials in-house, A+ Mailing Solutions typically provides a 3-5 day turn around. If necessary, with advanced notification, we can get your job out sooner.
Q: What kind of response rate can I expect with my mailing?
A: Many industry experts suggest 1-2% is successful. Response rates are affected by products, offers, customer incentives, quality of mailing list, mail piece/package design, and delivery time of the mailing. Because so many factors can affect the result we avoid telling you exactly what to expect and focus on the areas that will increase your potential.
Q: Will telemarketing increase my response rate?
A: Absolutely. It’s all but impossible to call every single customer within the week or two following the mailing. If mailing from your own customer list, we recommend choosing at least 50 key contacts to follow up with so you can get a little more bang for your buck. If we are brokering a mail list for you, we can provide you with telemarketing information to use.
Q: How can I be sure my mailing list doesn’t end up in the hands of another company or mailing service?
A: A+ Mailing Solutions adheres to a very strict Confidentiality Policy.
Q: If I qualify as a Non-Profit organization with the Government, am I automatically authorized with the Post Office for Non-Profit discount rates?
A: No. You must obtain a separate Non-Profit status with the United States Postal Service. You can visit the USPS web site for more information. There are specific rules that your mailings must adhere to for Non-Profit rates. Even though you might be approved as Non-Profit with the USPS, not every mailing will necessarily qualify for the Non-Profit rates.
Q: Is it true that non-deliverable pieces mailed at Standard rates are thrown away rather than being returned to sender?
A: This is true. However, by applying the appropriate Ancillary endorsement to your mail piece, you can instruct the post office to treat your mail differently. There may be fees associated with the services you choose.
Q: Is the Post Office allowed to open my mail?
A: Yes, if it is mailed at Standard rates- the USPS retains the right of inspection. Actually, they routinely open a few pieces from every mailing to verify that the mailing qualifies for the Standard rate. If a mail piece is personal correspondence, an invoice or contains certain information that is specific to the recipient, then it must be mailed at First Class rates. Contact your local Post Office Mail Piece Design Analyst for further clarification.
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