Tabbing
What is tabbing?
"Tabbing" is also known as wafer sealing. Tabs are small, round, adhesive stickers placed on your mail to keep it closed while going through the mail stream. Rescigno's Mailing Solutions uses a translucent tab to allow your message to be read. These tabs are also easier for the recipient to open without tearing your piece.
Why are tabs needed?
Tabs are required for letter sized mailers that are folded self-mailers or are multiple pages. The tabs keep the piece closed in the mail so they are not damaged in the mail stream. Tabs are required on letter sized pieces to get the automation discount. As the automation rate is your best postal discount, we highly recommend using the tabs on the mailpiece when required.
Where do I put them:
It is very important to design your piece properly to use the least number of tabs!
We recommend designing your mailpiece with the OPENING at the top. In addition, the thickness, once folded, needs to be at least .009 inches. This mailpiece can be a single folded sheet (as long as it meets the thickness requirement of .009 inches) or several folded sheets. Mailpieces with these specifications will only require one tab at the center of the piece:
<-- spine
Per new postal regulations, the spine or folded edge of the piece needs to be on the RIGHT hand side of the self mailer when you are looking at the address panel.
Another example is a folded booklet. This type of mailer uses cover stock for the outside, with multiple pages of lighter paper stock. This will require 2 tabs at the top:
If you are designing your mailer with a side opening, you will want the spine to be on the RIGHT with the opening on the left. The number of tabs depends on the number of pages and paper stock.
If you have a single sheet folded down and are using 75 lb paper stock (or greater), then you will need 3 tabs:
If you have multiple pages and are using 20 lb cover stock (or heavier), you will require 2 tabs:
Please Note: If you need an envelope or additional insert put into your newsletter / self mailer, additional tabs may be required to keep the piece from falling out.
Flats:
At this time, flats do not require tabs to achieve automation discounts.
Please remember - Rescigno's Mailing Solutions offers complimentary design analysis. We'd be happy to look at your design before you go to print to ensure that it will qualify for the greatest number of postal discounts. Contact Us today!
