Courtesy Reply Envelopes
Please note that the post office is now enforcing the rule that ALL pieces in a mailing MUST be automation compatible for you to get your best postage rate.
What does this mean for you? If you are including a return envelope in your piece, it must contain:
- Your zip+4
- Your Delivery Point Barcode (this can be above the address block or in the bottom right corner)
- FIM Marks - vertical marks next to the postage area.
Why, you ask?
Because if you are sending out a mass mailing with the expectation that many will be returned to you, then the post office wants those pieces to also be automated (meaning they contain the delivery point barcode). This allows the post office to send it through their automated equipment without having to manually apply the barcode. This benefits YOU because your mail will be delivered to you faster by utilizing the post office's automatic sorting machines.
If your return envelope does not contain this delivery point barcode and FIM marks, you will pay approximately 5 cents more per piece on the outgoing mail.
Not sure how to get the barcode and FIM marks? Rescigno's Mailing Solutions would be happy to work with you or your designer to get you a sample of the proper format for your return envelopes. Contact Us Today!
Technical Specs for the FIM Marks:
The FIM bars must be 5/8 inch (±1/8 inch) high and 1/32 inch (±0.008 inch) wide and positioned as follows:
- The right edge of the rightmost bar of the FIM must be 2 inches (±1/8 inch) from the right edge of the piece.
- The tops of the FIM bars must be no lower than 1/8 inch from the top edge of the piece. The tops of the bars may extend over the top edge of the piece to the back (flap) of the piece if at least a 1/2-inch bar height is maintained on the address side.
- The bottoms of the FIM bars must touch the bottom boundary of the FIM clear zone or be no more than 1/8 inch above or below this boundary.
For more information, please see the USPS DMM, Section 708.9.0
