Proposed New Rule About Premiums in Marketing Mail

USPS reviewing rule change to limit Marketing Mail content to only paper-based printed matter.

The United States Postal Service recently announced that it is considering amending the Domestic Mail Manual and revising content standards for Marketing Mail.  The proposed change would limit the content of all Marketing Mail to only paper-based/printed matter; no merchandise or goods will be allowed regardless of ‘value’.  The rule would affect all categories and classifications from letter to flat, profit or non-profit, and regardless of level or sortation.

The proposed standard would essentially eliminate the option for mailers to include premiums with their mail piece while using the  Marketing Mail rates.  Nonprofits often include premium items such as notepads, stickers, or medallions in their mail pieces to improve response rates.  Mailers would be forced into other mail classifications such as Priority Mail or Parcel Select in order to continue including the premium items if the rule goes into effect.

The USPS has set a deadline of October 22, 2018 for comments for and against the rule change.

Contact your Account Manager with any questions you may have.