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We Have the Answers

We recognize that working with direct marketing can be confusing, especially when complying with the United States Postal regulations. We have put together our most frequently asked questions to help guide you in your direct mail efforts.

There are several factors that can affect the delivery timeframe of your mailing, including class of mail (first class presort vs. standard presort), destination, and the United States Postal Service (USPS) designated peak periods.

Choosing the "right" postage for your mailing campaign can be somewhat bewildering if you aren't prepared for the cost and delivery implications. As a non-profit, you use Non-Profit or Standard Presort. These mailings typically take 5 to 15 business days to reach its destination. Although Non-Profit or Standard Presort mail may have a longer delivery timeframe, there are some financial advantages by offering a postage discount to account for the longer delivery timeframes.

As with any business, the United State Postal Service does experience peak mailing periods that could have an affect with the timeframe mail is delivered. This would include the Easter and December holiday timeframe and during recognized political seasons.

The typical design phase usually runs from 1 to 3 weeks. If you're in a real time crunch, we specialize in quick turn-around. We will accommodate our production schedule to meet your project deadlines. Generally labeling and pre-sorting takes 2 days. Shipping time will depend on your location and whether there is time for standard freight. Our team of professionals will work with you to meet your mailing timeframes.

No. All mail handling is treated with the same respect and care by Mustard Seed Studio regardless of the postage choice. The only difference between standard and first class mail is the delivery timeframe. The Post Office offers its clients a postage discount for standard mail to account for a slightly longer delivery timeframe. We can also deliver to Bulk Mail Centers and Sectional Center Facilities to reduce postage and increase delivery times.

Our standard postcard is 6 inches tall by 9 inches wide. We also offer a Jumbo Mailer that is 6 inches tall by 11 inches wide. The scope of our work is completely custom and we design and print all sizes and types of mailers. To obtain the best postage rates, a certain aspect ratio is required. The dimension of a mail piece expressed as a ratio of length (the direction parallel to the address) divided by height. For example, a postcard 5-1/2 inches long by 3-1/2 inches high has an aspect ratio of 1.57. An aspect ratio between 1.3 and 2.5, inclusive, is required for automation compatibility. For some First-Class Mail, aspect ratio is used to determine whether a nonstandard surcharge applies.

Flat postcards do not require any special tabbing. Postal regulations require tabs to be affixed to a letter-size mailer if it is folded or a saddle-stitched booklet. One tab is required on a folded mailer when the fold falls below the indicia. Two tabs are required on a folded piece when the fold is positioned above the indicia, and/or if the letter mailer has any form of stitching. If a letter mailer has stitching, the opening must be at the top to qualify for automated postage rates.

es, perforated tabs are accepted by postal regulations if they are affixed to the top or trailing edge of the mail piece. Non-perforated tabs are required on all bottom tabs.

Yes, unless otherwise requested all of our cards are printed on 100# coated cover.


View Our Church/Non-Profit Portfolio View Postcard Samples