Today the price of mailing magazines, journals, newsletters, catalogs and other printed materials can significantly affect an organization's bottom line. As a result, mailers need to take a more comprehensive look at objectives, considering everything from when a printed piece needs to arrive at its destination to mailing frequency and format issues.

Sexton Printing has been involved with mailing in one form or another for over 20 years. Our niche has been and continues to be in publications, periodical and direct mail.

We take a consultative and comprehensive approach to each one of our customers communication needs with an emphasis on proper design for printing, as well as mailing requirements. In addition, we will evaluate the integrity of your list, checking for problems such as improper address formatting that can negatively affect mail processing. And the first time we process your list you'll receive these FREE items:

1. An error report which lists any addresses unsuccessfully matched to the Nat'l database
2. A list of addresses with invalid ZIP Codes
3. Recommendations to help you improve your list preparation and achieve maximum list integrity.

Address quality standards:

1. Accuracy verification of all 5-digit ZIP Codes at least once during the 12 month period prior to a standard mailing
2. Only addresses successfully matched to the most current USPS Nat'l database through CASS (Coding Accuracy Support System)- certified software are eligible for automation discounts.
3. All presorted First-Class mail must use a "move update" method such as the "Address Service Requested" endorsement line or NCOAlink
4. All ZIP Codes on mailings must be accurate to qualify for presort and/or automation discou nts. Using PAVE (Presort, Accuracy, Validation and Evaluation)-certified software is recommended.
5. Carrier Route mail must contain addresses that have been successfully matched to the most current USPS Nat'l database using current CASS-certified software. Coding must be performed within 90 days of the mailing date.
6. For all other automated pieces, coding must be performed within six months. USPS-approved documentation is required in all cases.

1. BRC / Postcards-Minimum 3.5x5 Maximum 4.25x6. NOTE: what's important today in order for it to be machineable, is that the piece must be 7pt thick up to 4.25x6 or 9pt for sizes. Otherwise, you will lose automation discounts and will pay a surcharge. Some stocks will satisfy this requirement with 80lb stock while others will need to be heavier. Please make sure you double-check this.
2. Let ter- Minimum 3.5x5 Maximum 6.125x11.5 Thus, a postcard that is 6x9 falls into the Letter category. NOTE: piece must meet the Aspect ratio=relationship between the height and width for it to be machineable. Weight is a factor and depends on the specific postal classification.
3. Flat- Height- minimum=5" maximum=12" Length- minimum=6" maximum=15" NOTE: must design with a particular orientation between final folded or bound edge and any intermediate bound or folded edge. Thickness no more than 3/4" thick. Weight for 1st class= 13 oz max, Periodicals= 20 oz max, Standard= less than 16 oz, Bound Printed Matter= 20 oz max.

When sending mail files to Sexton Printing via E-Mail address them to: maillist@sextonprinting.com. Please be sure to include the following for faster and more accurate processing:

1. Name of each file
2. Number of records for each file
3. Specify the Sexton Job number that has been assigned to your project (if available)
4. Send all files together at one time

Also, I have included some scanned charts of various envelopes along with their names, sizes etc. This may assist you with future projects and the inserted material sizes.

Click for larger version

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If you would like to join me on one of our upcoming tours, if there is something that you would like me to address, or if you know of someone who might like to receive TK's Korner, please let me know via e-mail at tkubinski@sextonprinting.com or phone. Take care and have a great day.

Successfully,
Tom Kubinski-Printing Consultant