Posted on: July 1, 2008

Blank postcards are an effective, easy and inexpensive way to keep in touch with members, reach out for new members, announce special events and fund raisers, or thank donors for their support. By printing postcards in-house, organizations can quickly communicate time-sensitive needs, while saving time and cost. Blank postcards save labor, time, and money because there’s no folding, stuffing, or sealing. No special equipment is required. All that is necessary is a personal computer and inkjet or laser printer or copier. Postcards (4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″) can be mailed at $0.27 apiece, saving up to 35% on postage expenses. Printing postcards in-house eliminates buying, storing, and printing envelopes.

Burris’ website makes it easy for users to select the right paper (using its “What Weight Paper Will Your Printer Handle?” tool or Paper Weight Comparison Chart), order blank postcards (and have them delivered right to their door), create or change a message (using its free templates for Microsoft Word and Publisher), print quickly and efficiently (using its Four-of-a-Kind ™ Postcards), and mail (by printing postage on postcards or using USPS bulk mail).

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Posted on: June 2, 2008

In an effort to address the growing need for recycled products, Burris Computer Forms is pleased to announce an environmentally friendly addition to its Four-of-a-Kind Postcardâ„¢ line. This new product in the Burris line of blank, printable postcards is made from 30% recycled paper, which provides users the ability to print postcards in-house and still “go green.”

The postcards made from 30% recycled paper content are available on blank, white 8 ½ x 11 sheets perforated twice, for easy separating. This new product in its line of blank, printable postcards can be printed in-house on users’ own PCs, using laser or inkjet printers, or copiers.

The advantages of printing postcards in-house include fast turnaround, low cost, control of the project, and ability to print a few, or thousands, quickly and cost-effectively. Companies, churches, other non-profits, and individuals use Four-of-a-Kind Postcardsâ„¢ as an easy, convenient, cost-effective way to deliver a message.

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Posted on: August 24, 2007

Mail Entry Overview:

Discount mail must be taken to your Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU). You must keep all documents and receipts for 1 year from each mailing date. Locate your BMEU at http://pe.usps.com/

This is the same office where you apply for your mailing permit, obtain and submit postage statements, and pay for your postage. The staff are a great resource for all your business mail questions. They will generally be able to answer questions about sorting, barcoding, rates, dimensions, mail piece design, and more because they verify that your mail meets these guidelines.
When you enter the office, tell the staff you have a mailing to send. They will take a sample (about 10-20 pieces) of your mailing to weigh, which will determine the weight of an individual mailing piece. Then, your postage statement and CASS Summary Report will be reviewed to compare how many pieces you stated were in the mailing. This will be compared to the weight they obtain for your full mailing. The barcoding scanner will also be used to ensure your barcodes can be read by the machinery. Your paperwork will be completed, postage paid for, and receipt issued.

I hope your BMEU is as nice and helpful as ours.

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Posted on: August 17, 2007

Preparation Overview:

Use quality addresses.
Using a reputable database service whose goal is to help you reach your mailing objectives is key. When selecting one, be sure to ask these questions:
Is this a purchase or rental? What time period?
How often is your data updated?
Is there a guarantee on quality and address deliverability?
How often is the data cleaned and matched with the USPS National Change of Address (NCOA), ZIP+4 and Delivery Sequence File to standardize and keep the addresses accurate?
What format is the data in?
If purchasing labels, are the addresses properly formatted in ZIP+4 format with a barcode to ensure USPS scan ability?
If purchasing labels, are they in zip code order (useful in discount mailings)?
What data is included in the listing?
What is the record count and cost (based on your search criteria)?
Is there a market research report and/or preview available before purchasing?
Did the sales representative compare the SIC codes and/or descriptive codes to ensure accurate comparison?
Are there any additional fees beyond the per record fee?

Verify addresses with USPS using PC postage technology.
The mail pieces will be delivered faster if the addresses are complete and have been verified through the Post Office’s Zip Code verification system. A CASS Certification Report will be required by the post office to standardize and correct the addresses to include the ZIP+4 codes. This will minimize time-intensive, manual corrections to your database. Also, you will avoid the exorbitant postage cost of re-mailing these pieces. Printing the barcode above the mailing address is also helpful so the post office’s machines have room for any necessary markings.

Always test print on plain paper.
Avoid wasted card stock and postage before printing your entire mailing. If there are any changes to make, you will be able to do so prior to your full print.

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Posted on: August 10, 2007

Choosing a Mailing Service
We chose First Class. See pages 27-28 of “An Introduction to Mailing for Businesses and Organizations” and rate charts for all options.

Choosing a Postage Payment Method
We have used PC postage technology (prints postage directly on mail piece) and permit imprint (prints permit information directly on piece). See pages 14-15 of “An Introduction to Mailing for Businesses and Organizations” for all options. The permit application fee was $175 and the annual fee was $175. Permit imprint postage is paid for at the time of mailing, which is taken to the Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU) at your local post office. Dazzle Express states that permit box printing is not available for label or postcard printing. However, you can create a text box with the permit information using Dazzle Designer (included in Dazzle Express). Specifications on the permit information that must be included is here: http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/604.htm#wp1113553 (See 5.3.6 through 5.3.9 and Exhibit 5.3.10).(see web address directly above).

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