How does postal indicia work

A printed indicia replaces the need for a stamp or postage meter imprint, making mass mailings easier and more affordable. An indica box is printed directly onto the mailer, which also provides space for your customer number and the postal product category. While an indicia is convenient and easy to implement, there are a few design specifications. Troi Mailing Services helps you meet all of the requirements for Canada Post indicias. Although there are special guidelines to follow, we can assist with templates that allow your designers to understand what areas must be left clear for postage purposes.

Since an indicia must reference a postal account as well, we can also help you save time and paperwork by using our indicia and mailing on your behalf. Some of the more important requirements for indicia design are:. There is no need to run your mail pieces through a meter, or to buy and manually affix stamps to your mail pieces.

Troi can inkjet or press print a static postal indicia for convenience and cost effectiveness. In , Canada Post revisited the customized postal indicia so that marketers could introduce eye-catching designs that complement the overall appearance of a direct mail package. It is another unique element that can help represent your brand and improve brand awareness.

A customized indicia allows you to add an image to create a more streamlined look, instead of sticking to the standard transactional indicia look. This new feature allows you to get creative with how you use direct mail marketing ; different designs could even inform a specific program type or category. When you bring your mailing to the Post Office the total postage is deducted from your account.

It's like having a checking account at the Post Office. The key to permit imprint is identical weight pieces. Generally, all of your mailpieces must weigh exactly the same. Because you don't have postage affixed, the Postal Service has to verify the number of pieces in your mailing.

We do this by weighing individual pieces and your entire mailing to check the number of pieces and calculate the postage you owe. Permit imprint is simple and convenient - you save time because you're not affixing postage to each piece. You print the permit imprint when you print the rest of your mailpiece. The post office has specific rules for the types of mail it can be used on, what an indicia says, and where it is placed on the mail piece. We will look at these below. Permit imprint indicia must read in the same direction as the delivery address on the mailpiece.

The indicia must not encroach on reserved space e. To the right of the address on an insert appearing through a window envelope. For more information on mailing panel specifications visit the mailing section link of our website. This fee is separate from application fees and postage. You will need to contact your local post office for current fees.

Before you send your mailing you must give the USPS the money for postage. Once you have a permit the USPS sets up an account for you to place the money into. Once your mailing is mailed the postage money is withdrawn from that account. Include the following:. The font used on your indicia must be 4point or larger.

There is no requirement for the font, it must be readable so avoid script fonts. Note: If you have questions about the content or placement of your permit imprint, contact your local mailpiece design analyst at your business mail entry unit. Connecting the Dots. Printing news, views, tricks and tips brought to you by the folks at Printing Partners.

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