Resources
Kevrich Direct Marketing takes customers service as a top priority and while the staff are always available to respond to a call or an email to answer question, we realize that sometimes you would rather look things up yourself. So we’ve created this resource page with some of the USPS valuable website links, and answers to frequently asked questions. If you don’t see what you are looking for here or have a suggestion for other useful information we should add – please don’t hesitate to send us an email or call us at 763-843-1937.
FAQs
Q: How should I send my data to Kevrich Direct Marketing?
A: We can accept files from a wide variety of media including: email attachments, 3.5 diskette, CD ROM, zip disks.
Our preferred file formats are Excel, Access, tab delimited, comma delimited or other text-based ASCII files. We do have the ability to accept many other file types, please contact us to see if your format is compatible.
Q: How should I send my mailing (First Class vs. Standard Class)?
A: There are two factors to consider in answering this question; time and cost. In almost all cases First Class will cost you more but it will be delivered faster. A rule of thumb would be to assume 1-3 days for First Class mail delivery nationwide while the time frame for Standard Class mail can range from 3-5 days locally and up to 3 weeks to the far reaches of the country. Please call our office for more help in comparing both cost and time.
Q: Would you like to see a proof of my design before I print my mail piece?
A: Our answer is an emphatic YES. Part of our job is to act as a consultant to you in controlling costs and optimizing compatibility with the USPS. We cannot do this if we are not included before printing is commenced. We are your partner and we have lots of good, free advice. Please ask us.
Q: What is an aspect ratio?
A: The aspect ratio determines if a mail piece qualifies for automation (barcode) rates. The ratio is the length (the direction parallel to the address) divided by height and must be between 1.3 and 2.5 to be automation compatible.
Q: What is the minimum thickness a mail piece can be to qualify for automation rates?
A: The minimum thickness for a postcard (3.5” x 5” up to 4.25” x 6”) is 0.007 inch thick. The minimum thickness for a letter (more than 4.25” high or 6” long, or both) is 0.009 inch thick. For more information on automation compatibility, please see Designing Letters and Cards for Automated Processing at www.usps.gov.
Q: How many tabs do I need on my self-mailer?
A: The standard rule is that if your self-mailer opens at the top (when looking at the address side) then it will need one tab, if your self-mailer opens at the bottom then it will need two tabs. There may be other requirements depending on your specific self-mailer, please call either us or self-mailer Design (Minneapolis USPS) at 612-349-4747 for more information.
If you have any other questions, please contact us or the Minneapolis USPS:
For mail piece design questions, contact Patti White at 612-349-4945
For mailing requirement questions, contact Jayme Kelly at 612-349-4747
Please use this website http://dbcalc.usps.gov/ieframe.htm for postage calculation.