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Business Mail 101 - Mail Characteristics
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Other Resources

The resources listed below can help you design a mailpiece that will qualify for the best possible prices.

Mailpiece design analysts (MDAs) are postal employees specially trained to answer your questions about mailpiece design. These employees provide advice and issue rulings regarding acceptability for automated prices. MDAs provide technical assistance on mailpiece design to envelope manufacturers, printers, advertising agencies, and graphic designers.

Mailpiece design analysts are available for:
Testing paper and actual mailpiece samples for acceptable thickness, background color, flexibility, rigidity, and barcode print tolerances.
Providing camera-ready artwork for the proper facing identification marks (FIMs) and barcodes for Business Reply Mail, Courtesy Reply Mail, Permit Reply Mail, and Meter Reply Mail.
Reviewing artwork and mailpiece "mock ups" prior to printing.
Reviewing and approving vendor-prepared special service labels and forms.
Analyzing mailpieces for automation compatibility and prices.

Lettershops and presort bureaus frequently have staff members that can help you design a mailpiece.

In addition, be sure to look at these Quick Service Guides:

QSG – 201 Physical Standards for Commercial Letters and Postcards

QSG – 201a Designing Letters and Postcards for Automated Processing

QSG – 301 Physical Standards for Commercial Flats

QSG – 301a Designing Flats for Automated Processing

QSG – 401 Physical Standards for Commercial Parcels

QSG – 401a Designing Parcels for Automated Processing