May 6, 2011
Weighing Your Options for Savings
If a tight budget is weighing heavily on your mind, consider fighting back – by weighing your package! While Standard Mail doesn’t incur surcharges until 3.3ozs, First Class Mail sees additional costs after only 1 ounce. Paying attention to the weight of your package helps you avoid any nasty surprises when postage is due, and could be a great way to cut costs.
It’s easy to overlook something you can’t see – so try making a mail sample. Old print and mail samples are perfect for mocking-up a sample for weighing. After assembling your dummy package, see where you stand; if you’re just over a threshold, you can look at options to bring that weight down. If you don’t have samples, or just don’t have a scale, ask your mail house what your package comes in at. They should not only be able to make and weigh a sample, but also help you determine how to modify your package.
You might consider choosing a lighter stock for one of your inserts, or maybe you can save money just by slightly under-sizing a piece. Both of these choices have additional cost-savings potential – and while a less heavy stock might be a pretty small savings, getting more up on a sheet can make a big difference in your print prices! Work with your printer and/or mail shop to see what makes the most sense for you.
It’s important to remember your audience, and your quantity, when making these decisions. While 12.5¢ a piece might not be worthwhile for a 500 piece invitation mailing, the savings start becoming attractive as your quantity increases – especially if you’re mailing flats. Remember – this option isn’t perfect for every job, but by getting in the habit of keeping weight in mind, you’ll find yourself able to save costs the day the right job comes through!
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you plan your next direct mail campaign. Download this free resource, Planning for Success: A Guide to Planning a Direct Mail Campaign.
