Tips Graphic Focus Mailing Matters Checklist #1 Watch your pennies grow when you mail smarter, faster and wiser: 1. Check to make sure your indicia is correct and right where it's supposed to be, with a minimum of at least 8 point type and 1/2" minimum height. 2. Remember,"Bulk Rate" is no more. "Presort Standard" is the new class for any printed material that is not first class. Any printed material with "Bulk Rate" printed on it must either be reprinted or covered in some other way prior to mailing. 3. Make sure that your direct mail piece folds at the bottom, and that the opening of your mailer is at the top, otherwise double tabbing will be required . 4. Barcode must be within 4" of bottom of mail zone and 1" from the lead edge. 5. Watch your "Aspect Ratio." Divide the length of your piece by the height to get your aspect ratio. To be automation compatible, it should fall between 1.3 and 2.6. 6. When choosing stock, be sure the color permits addresses and barcodes to be easily visible. When inkjetting, uncoated stock is preferable, as the ink will stick and dry more readily. 7. Save as much as 10 cents per mailing by folding your piece from letter size to flat. Anything that's a "flat" (greater than 6 1/8 x 11) costs a lot more to mail. A "Letter" is anything under 6 1/8 x 11. 8. Give your tri-folds or any folded piece that goes into a window envelope the "tap test" to ensure that the entire address stays in view. If it doesn't, it may be rejected by the Post Office. These are just a few ways to save money and improve results with direct mail. To learn more about how to get better results on your next campaign call us at 916-669-0174. Graphic Focus is here to help!