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Mailing Options and Postage Rates Australia

Australia Post is one of the most reputed postal organizations in the world and you should be aware of the postage rates Australia. Understanding these rates can help you choose the right service to mail your letters and parcels properly. 

In late 2019, Australia Post decided to increase the cost of postage stamps in Australia. Later, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced that they have no objections regarding the increase. This was the first hike in the postage rates of Australia after 2015.  

In this blog, we will discuss the postage rates for different mailing options and how you can avail of bulk discounts.

Australia Post Postage Rates Within Australia

Australia Post delivers postcards, letters, and parcels throughout Australia. It doesn’t matter if you want to send something from Victoria to Tasmania or anywhere else, it can get your mail delivered in the prescribed time.

There are several options for you to mail your postcards and letters. Find below these options along with the letter postage rates Australia:

Regular Letters

You can choose this option if you don’t want to send anything urgently. It takes a little time to send regular letters, but it is the most affordable option for you.

The standard postage rate in Australia for small letters and postcards is only $1.10. The dimensions should not exceed 130 x 240 x 5mm to avail of this rate.

If your letters are larger than these dimensions and weigh up to 125g, the rate doubles to $2.20. The dimensions of any letter or postcard cannot cross 260 x 360 x 20mm, else they are charged as flats.

For letters and postcards weighing between 125g to 250g, the postage is $3.30. The maximum weight limit for large letters is 500g chargeable at $5.50.

Same state deliveries are completed within 2 to 4 business days. It can take up to 3 days to deliver something within metropolitan regions or capital cities, adjacent cities and towns in the same state, or within the same cities and towns.

However, Australia Post takes up to 4 days to deliver mail across country locations, and from metropolitan regions of capital cities to country locations or vice versa.

Interstate deliveries are completed between 3 to 6 business days depending on the place of origin and destination.

Australia Post Xmas postage rates decrease during November and December. Thus, you can mail regular Xmas letters and postcards at cheaper rates during the holidays.

Priority Letters

As the name suggests, priority letters are sorted and delivered on a priority basis by Australia Post. The letter postage rates for such mail are not too expensive, and anyone can avail of them easily.

For sending priority letters, you need to purchase priority labels and stick them next to your stamps. A booklet of 5 priority labels is available for $2.50 making the cost of 1 priority label only 50c.

This way, the Australia Post postage rates A4 envelopes for priority letters are as follows:

• Small letters and postcards cost $1.10 + 50c
• Letters weighing up to 125g cost $2.20 + 50c
• Letters weighing up to 250 g cost $3.30 + 50c
• Letter weighing up to 500g cost $5.50 + 50c

Please refer to the dimensions mentioned in the above section for reference.

Adding a 50c label to speed up the delivery process is a great deal for you. Same state deliveries take as less as 1 to 2 business days, whereas interstate deliveries take up to 4 business days.

Express Post Letters

Express Post helps you get your letters delivered the next business day. You can also avail of Australia Post tracking for all Express Post items. Hence, it is one of the fastest and most efficient ways of mailing letters within Australia.

Next business day deliveries are available for mailing between all capital cities (except Darwin) and some major towns. If your destination is not mentioned in the list of delivery locations, it may not be possible to deliver your mail the next day. But, Australia Post still treats it on a priority basis and completes the delivery as soon as possible.

To send Express Post letters, you should first buy Express Post prepaid envelopes. Enclose your letters in these envelopes and post them in a nearby yellow Express Post box. You can also take them to a local Express Post outlet.

How much is the standard postage in Australia for Express Post letters? Small DL envelopes with window face cost $7.35. Their maximum size is 110 x 220mm.

Medium-sized C5 envelopes are available for $7.65 and do not measure more than 162 x 229mm. If you want to send large letters, buy B4 envelopes for $9.05 whose maximum size is 250 x 353mm.

The Australia Post bulk postage rates for Express Post prepaid envelopes are:

• $71.70 for small packs of DL envelopes. Larger packs that have more than 10 envelopes cost $69.85. 
• $74.60 for medium-sized C5 envelope packs. Larger packs cost $72.70.
• $88.25 for small packs of B4 envelopes. Larger packs cost $86. 

As you can see the bulk postage rates in Australia Post are always lower than the standard rates.

Registered Post Letters

Registered Post offers several features like proof of posting, bulk discounts, signature on delivery, and online tracking.

Like Express Post, you need to buy Registered Post prepaid envelopes to send letters via this option. The price of these prepaid envelopes includes the postage and Registered Post fee.

There are two types of Registered Post prepaid envelopes depending on the maximum thickness and size, and they are:

• 130 x 240mm size that can enclose small DL envelopes: Their maximum weight and thickness are 250g and 5mm respectively. The price per envelope is $5.40. You can purchase packs of 10 such envelopes for $52.65. If you purchase in bulk, the rates decrease to $48.60.
• 353 x 250mm size to enclose B4 envelopes: Their weight cannot exceed 500g and the maximum thickness limit is 20mm. The rate per envelope is $7.20 and you can purchase packs of 10 for $70.20. However, you can avail of the bulk rate of $64.80 if you buy larger packs.

You also have the option to purchase Registered Post labels. The rates for these labels do not include the postage.

The cost of every Registered Post label is $4.30. If you buy a box containing 50 prepaid Registered Post labels, it will cost you only $180.

For better security, you can avail of the below optional extras for a fee:

• Delivery confirmation: $2.95 (the recipient’s signature is returned to you)
• Person-to-person delivery: $6.30 (your letter is only delivered to the addressee)
• Extra insurance coverage: The first $100 of coverage is available for free. You can pay additional postage insurance rates for every $100 worth of coverage up to $5,000.

You can use the Registered Post option along with either regular letters or Priority letters.

Domestic Letters With Tracking

Do you want to track your regular and priority letters? If yes, this option is perfect for you.

Buy prepaid envelopes for domestic letters with tracking. Australia Post charges a little extra above the Australia Post standard postage rates to give you the tracking facility.

• Small envelopes cost $3.05 and you can buy a pack of 10 for $30.00.
• Medium-sized envelopes are available for only $5.10 per envelope. Buy packs of 10 for $48.50 per pack.
• Large envelopes cost $6.15 and you can buy a pack for $58.40.

If you want to send your letter on priority, add the 50c priority labels to the above envelopes.

Sending Parcels Within Australia

How much is postage in Australia for sending parcels? Broadly speaking, there are two options for you to send parcels within Australia. Find below these options along with their rates:

Parcel Post

The Parcel Post option is ideal if you want to send parcels worth up to $100. The delivery speed depends on your destination but takes at least 2 business days. 

It is a very cost-effective option to send parcels within Australia and also offers other benefits like:

• Tracking.
• Up to $100 compensation in case of certain losses.
• Carbon neutral parcel delivery.
• Optional Signature on Delivery.

Express Post

As discussed earlier, Express Post helps you deliver mail on the next working day. It covers about 80% of all Australian addresses. Find the other benefits below:

• Tracking.
• Free $100 insurance coverage.
• Carbon neutral parcel delivery.
• Convenient lodgement- You can lodge your Express Post parcels at a nearby post office or a yellow street post box. Australia Post also offers parcel pickups for Express Post packages. You can schedule such pickups according to post office timings and your convenience. 
• Optional extra cover and Signature on Delivery.

The Parcel Post rates Australia are mentioned in the flat rates postage section below. Please note that you can only send parcels weighing up to 5kg under these options.

Flat Rate Postage

What are Australia Post parcel postage rates? To understand how Australia Post charges for sending parcels, you should know their “If It Packs, It Post” scheme.

This program is mainly introduced for parcels, which are also known as flats. It helps you send parcels weighing up to 5kg all across Australia at national flat rates. 

They have four options under If It Packs, It Posts- small, medium, large, and extra-large. If your parcel fits in either of these ranges, you can mail it under as flats. 

• Mail weighing up to 500g comes in small packages.
• Anything weighing between 500g and 1kg comes under medium.
• Mail weighing between 1kg and 3kg needs large packaging.
• Extra-large packaging is used for mail weighing from 3kg to 5kg. 

The main motive of this program is to let you know the Australia Post postage rates for parcels upfront. Your parcel should fit in one of their packaging and satchels. 

This way, the postage is calculated based on your packaging size, and not the destination or weight of the parcel. 

You can choose from a range of Australia Post tough bags, padded mailers, tubes, and boxes. Apart from these, you can also use Parcel Post and Express Post satchels or the new Express Post Parcel Boxes. 

Simply select your mailing speed and packaging to know your postage. Australia Post has also now launched tiered national flat rates to send parcels with your own packaging (BYO packaging). 

For anything weighing over 5kg, the postal costs are based on distance and weight. Use the Australia postage calculator to know the exact rates. 

Small Packaging

One parcel that fits in small packaging costs $9.30 and $12.3 respectively for Parcel Post and Express Post. Please note that these rates do not include the packaging cost. 

Find below small parcel postage rates and packaging options:

• Small mailing tubes come in a pack of 50 and cost $75.50 per pack. Their dimensions are 60 x 420mm. 
• Flat rate small satchels come in a pack of 10 and cost $2.50 per pack. 
• You can buy the small padded mailers at $86.40 for a pack of 100. 
• Elsewise, you can opt for small recycled padded bags that also come in a pack of 100 and cost $86.80.
• Small parcel boxes are a very ideal option to send parcels measuring 220 x 160 x 70mm. You can buy a pack of 20 for $26.17. 
• If you are looking for something sturdier, go for small tough bags that come in a pack of 100 and cost $54.90.

Find some more options from the small packaging range (all rates are inclusive of postage): 

• The Express Post Platinum small satchel comes in a pack of 10 for $172.60.
• Express Post small satchels cost $122.35 per pack. 
• Parcel Post small satchels cost you much less as they cost only $93.10 per pack. 

As these options are prepaid, you don’t need any stamps or any other form of postage to mail your parcels. 

Small things like clocks and chocolates can fit perfectly in small packaging.

Medium Packaging

If your parcels are a little bigger to fit in small packaging, you can use medium packaging. It costs a little more but provides added security to your mail. 

The Parcel Post rates in Australia are much more affordable than Express Post rates. It costs you only $12.70 to send medium-sized parcels via Parcel Post, whereas the rate increases to $16.20 for Express Post. These rates are not inclusive of packaging costs. 

Find the packaging options below:

• Medium-sized mailing tubes cost you $55.25 for a pack of 25.
• Flat rate medium satchels are your cheapest option as they cost only $2.50 for 10 satchels. 
• Medium tough bags cost $61 per pack. 
• The Australia Post postage rates for medium padded mailers cost $99.20 per 100 mailers. 
• Medium rigid mailers come in a pack of 40 and are worth $96.72. 
• 20 medium parcel boxes cost $33.48.
• 100 recycled padded bags cost $105.
• Medium-sized prepaid satchels used to send parcels via Parcel Post cost you $126.25 for 10 pieces. If you wish to send them via Express Post, the cost rises to $160.40 per pack. 

Medium packaging is best used for things like soft toys, utensils, and cosmetic boxes. 

Large Packaging

Large parcels cost $15.95 for sending via Parcel Post and $19.95 for Express Post. 

Learn about the packaging options below:

• There are quite many options to send parcels using large packaging. The cheapest option is flat-rate large satchels that cost $3.50 for a pack of 10. 
• Mailing tubes cost $72.16 for a pack of 16.
• Padded mailers cost $82.20 per pack.
• Large parcel boxes are worth $36.20 per pack. 
• 50 large recycled padded bags cost $73.45.
• Tough bags cost $84.24 per pack. 
• Wine boxes (single) come in a pack of 10 and cost $30.77 per pack. 
• Wine boxes (twin) are almost double the size and cost $43.87 per pack. 
• BX24 large parcel boxes cost $34 per pack. 

There are three prepaid options namely Express Post Large Satchel, Express Post Platinum Large Satchel, and Parcel Post Large Satchel. The rates are $197.95, $234.50, and $158.95 respectively for packs of 10. 

Extra Large Packaging

Want to send something that is extra-large in size, like boots or a game box? Try this option. 

The rates for sending parcels in extra-large packaging are $19.20 for Parcel Post and $26.20 for Express Post plus packaging. 

The packaging options are:

• There are very limited options for extra-large packaging. 
• Flat rate extra large satchels are available for $4.50 per pack.
• Parcel boxes are worth $45.43 per pack and tough bags cost $75.95 per pack.

For postage-inclusive options, see below:

• Express Post Extra Large Satchels: $259.85 per pack. 
• Parcel Post Extra Large Satchels: $191.60 per pack. 

If you want to buy packaging materials in low volumes, head to your nearest post office. For bulk purchases, it is advisable to visit the Australia Post website. There are many discounts on Australia Post bulk parcel rates, so make sure to enquire about them. 

Cost of Postage Australia for Mailing Internationally

Now that we know the domestic postage rates in Australia, let us move ahead to international shipments.

Economy

If speed is not a problem for you, select Australia Post’s International Economy option. It is ideal for items worth up to $100. But, you can always buy additional coverage by paying extra.

There are two options within Economy namely Economy Air and Economy Sea. Naturally, Economy Air is faster and more expensive than Economy Sea.

The maximum weight limit is 500g and 2kg for letters and parcels respectively. Hence, the Economy Air option is best for lightweight mail.

Australia Post international parcel postage rates start at $8.90. The postage for sending letters is relatively cheaper and starts at $2.50.

You can pay a little extra and avail of the Signature on Delivery service.

If your letters and parcels are heavier, select the Economy Sea option. This way, you are able to ship letters up to 2kg and parcels up to 20kg. The rates start at $51.95.

Standard

This option is for those people and companies that want to track their mail. Again, choose this service only when you don’t need to mail something urgently.

You get coverage of up to $100 with this option which you can increase by paying more. For important mail, add the Signature on Delivery option for an added fee.

The weight limit to send mail via the International Standard option is 20kg.

You can lodge your mail items at a post office or a red street post box. The rates start at $15.20. You can either use Australia Post’s standard packaging or BYO packaging.

Express

For speed and free tracking, choose Australia Post’s International Express service. You also need not pay anything extra for availing of the Signature on Delivery option. 

It is the best choice for sending urgent letters and parcels. You can send letters weighing up to 500g and parcels weighing up to 2kg.

Prices start at $28.50 for mailing letters and documents and $30.20 for mailing parcels. 

For packaging, you can use your own packaging materials or buy the same from a post office. If you are sending something to China, the UK, or New Zealand, buy satchels online as you may not get the same at a post office. 

• Postage rates from Australia to New Zealand start at $30.20 and goes up to $50.60 depending on the weight. 
• For mailing to the Asia Pacific, the rates range between $33.90 and $72.
• The Australia post international postage rates for sending mail to the US and Canada are between $36 and $77.70.
• Australia to UK postage rates ranges from $41.40 to $83.10.
• The Australian international postage rates for mailing to the rest of the world are between $46.80 and $99.45.

Courier

This is the fastest international mailing option offered by Australia Post. It is available at over 230 post offices across Australia. There is free tracking and Signature on Delivery included. But, you need to buy additional coverage for items worth over $100. 

You can use the International Courier option to mail letters up to 500g and parcels up to 500g. The current postage rates in Australia for this option start at $90.20 and range up to $159.45 depending on the country of destination. 

Australia Post Address Guidelines

Australia Post’s letter sorting technology is designed to read your mailing addresses electronically. So, you should write them in legible handwriting and in the correct format. 

Refer to this image to get a better understanding of where to write the mailing address. 

The postal address should only be written inside the address zone. It should contain three lines wherein the recipient’s name is written on the top line. 

Write the street address on the second last line. You can also write the locked bag or PO Box number if applicable. 

The last line should always have the city name, state abbreviation, and postcode. Print this line in capital letters without any underlining or punctuation. 

Write the country name on the next line for sending international mail.

Find below some more important tips regarding addressing:

• Always write the correct postcodes.
• Never stagger or indent address lines.
• Avoid underlining anything.
• Print using dark ink. Avoid using yellow, orange, or red ink. The preferable way is to use black ink on white paper. 
• Write the return address on the top so that your mail is returned back to you in case of failed delivery. 

Below is an example of an Australian address for your reference:

Kaleb Tonkin

10/12 Western Terrace

SOUTHPORT QLD 4215

PostGrid can help you standardize and validate your mailing addresses to ensure deliverability. 

Conclusion

Australia Post postage rates change from time to time. So, it is important to stay updated at all times. PostGrid can help you print and mail your items at affordable prices. Also, it can take care of the design and printing process. 

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Print Your Own Cheques to Save Costs and Increase Efficiency

A lot of people still buy their cheques from banks. But, printing your own cheques is much more advantageous. It is very cost-effective and fast. Also, you can customise your cheques according to your needs.

These cheques are also called Specially or Privately Printed Cheques. Companies can place their name on the top of their cheques. These things improve their branding and marketing effectiveness.

It is common for people to think – “Is printing cheques at home legal?”

The answer is yes, but you have to do it right.

Design and print your own cheques, but take care of the specifications as authorised by your bank. 

There are several other requirements like printing on security paper stock and using a MICR printer for it. Keep reading below to know how to print your own cheques and the required equipment.

What Equipment Do You Need To Print Your Own Cheques?

You cannot print cheques at home or office if you don’t have all the needed equipment. So, check for the following aspects beforehand to do everything efficiently:

Cheque Printing Software

Cheque writing and printing software can help you draft your cheques in the right way. Such software programs have in-built templates that are authorised by your bank to create cheques in seconds.

If you possess the necessary designing skills, you can also draft cheques using Word. But, it is time-consuming and can lead to errors. Hence, it is advisable to use a software program to increase efficiency.

Also, it is quite inexpensive, and you can save further by printing cheques in large volumes and spreading costs. You don’t need any technical expertise to use this software. It is pretty self-explanatory and you can get used to it quickly.

Cheque Paper Stock

How to print my own cheques on regular paper?

A lot of people ask this question, and you can print cheques on regular paper, but it is likely that your clients won’t accept it. Banks and other financial institutions recommend using cheque stock paper as they come with several security features.

This paper stock has watermarks, security warnings, and micro prints meant to prevent cheque fraud. It is more expensive than regular paper but worth the price.

Buy cheque paper stock from online retailers or your nearby office supply stores. It is compatible with most cheque writing software, so you can get started without any worries.

Printer

Can you print your own cheques using your office printer? You can do so as long as the printer is compatible with magnetic ink.

If you don’t have a cheque printer, you can buy pre-printed cheques from retailers. Then, you can fill in the details by hand whenever needed.

Or use the services of a cheque printing company like PostGrid. We can offer cheque printing and mailing both at reasonable rates. Also, you won’t have to buy anything including the printer, paper stock, and ink.

MICR Font

As we know that all cheques have a MICR number on the bottom. This number has the bank’s routing number along with your account and cheque number. It helps the machines in banks read your cheque information and record the same.

The MICR line can only be printed using the MICR font. You can download this font online to print your own cheque register for free.

Magnetic Ink

Magnetic ink works in combination with the MICR font. It allows cheque scanners to read the MICR line even with any ink markings on top of it.

It is a special type of ink and you need to purchase it for your printer before you print your own business cheques.

Steps to Print Your Own Cheques

Now that you know what equipment and material are needed, let’s get into the steps on how to print cheques:

1. Buy a Cheque Writing Software

Your first step is to buy and install cheque writing software. Though you may think that you can create your own cheque using Word, it is not advisable. The trial-and-error methods can be extremely time-consuming and hectic.

2. Buy Cheque Paper Stock and MICR Ink Cartridges

As discussed above, you need cheque paper and MICR ink to print your cheques. So, make sure to buy them before you start printing.

3. Download and Install the MICR Font

Check whether your computer supports the MICR font. If yes, you can download the font online and start using it with the cheque writing software. Otherwise, you can use any other device that supports the font.

4. Enter Your Bank’s Name and Routing Code

The next step is to create a new cheque and start filling in all the details. Start with your bank’s name, branch name, and address. Make sure you have the right address to avoid any issues in the future.

You can always use a cheque printed by your bank for reference. It helps you make sure that all the parts are in the right spots on your cheque.

The next thing to enter is the routing code. Refer to your old cheques to see where the routing code should be placed.

5. Place the MICR Line

The MICR line is always placed below the signature line. But, don’t place it right at the bottom as there is a warning band on all four sides where you shouldn’t print anything.

6. Add Your Personal Details

You need to add your company name on the top of the cheque followed by your ACN (Australian Company Number) on the next line.

7. Add the Date Line

The date field should be placed towards the top-right part of your cheque. Just write the word “Date:” and place a line in front of it. Make sure the line is long enough to write a date.

8. Place the Dollar Box

Below the date, add the dollar box to write the cheque amount in numbers. Insert a dollar sign outside the box. Again, make this box wide enough to accommodate the amount.

9. Add the Payee Line

This line is used to write the name of the person you are paying to. Place it on the line below the date field and above the dollar box.

The payee line extends from the left side of the cheque right up to the left border. If you think one line isn’t enough, you can always add a second line.

10. Place the Amount Line

Below the payee line, add the amount line. This is where you can enter your amount in words. Again, you can use two lines if you think one isn’t sufficient.

The words “The Sum of” are written at the starting of the line which extends up to the dollar box.

11. Insert the Signature Field

Lastly, insert the signature field on the bottom right, just above the MICR area. You can place the word “signature” in this field leaving some space on the top for you to sign.

12. Revise and Print

It is important to proofread every single thing on your cheque before printing. Take care that all the fields are placed correctly and that all your bank standards are followed.

After completing all these steps, you have two options when it comes to printing cheques. Either enter the payee name and amount beforehand and then print your cheques or print them without these details. So, you can write your cheques later as required.

Different Approaches Used For Printing Your Own Cheque

After knowing how to print your own cheques for free, you should know about the different approaches you can use. Find them below:

Create, Print, and Mail Cheques All On Your Own

This is the approach where you do everything by yourself. From installing the cheque writing software to taking your cheques to the post office for mailing, you need to do everything.

Outsource the Printing Part

If you don’t have a printer and want to skip buying cheque paper and MICR ink, opt for this option. This way, you can create your own cheques and forward them to a printer.

This approach is much better than the earlier approach, but it has its own drawbacks. You need to still create and mail cheques yourself.

Automate Everything

PostGrid’s cheque print and mail API can help you outsource everything from start to end. You don’t need any software or a printer. PostGrid can create, print, and mail cheques on your behalf.

Benefits of Printing Cheques Yourself

Never Run Out of Cheques

Printing your own cheques enables on-demand printing—you can select when to print, how many to print, and how to print your own cheques. If you have a cheque printing system set up, you will never run out of cheques and can complete urgent payments on time.

Cut Down Overall Costs

You can have complete control over the amount spent every month on purchasing cheques from your bank. High-volume cheque printing helps decrease the costs even further. Basically, the overall cost is spread over all the cheques, and the cost per cheque is very low.

Brand Your Cheques

It is possible to brand your cheques and add several customizations when you print them.

Companies can add their logo and tagline and enable their cheques to perform marketing along with payment completion. Individuals can also customise their cheques using different colours, fonts, background images, and text options.

You just need to take care of your bank’s standards. Businesses can use cheques as marketing collateral; they can even add a pURL for better marketing and tracking responses.

Flexibility

You can either store your own inventory for printing cheques or avoid inventory stocking by simply outsourcing the process. Print any number of cheques you want at any time.

Using Counter Cheques for Emergencies

Banks give out some starter cheques to new account holders so that they can use them in the meanwhile until their cheque book arrives. Counter cheques act the same way, but unlike starter cheques, they are chargeable. So, if you are wondering where to get cheques in case of emergencies, keep reading.

If you need a cheque urgently and don’t want to print them on your own, you have the option to buy counter cheques from your bank. Make sure to call ahead and ask if your branch has them because not all branches are authorized to sell counter cheques.

You will be needed to produce a personal ID for getting counter cheques. The bank tellers print some basic things on these cheques and give them to you on the spot.

Though it sounds convenient, note that these cheques can be quite expensive. Also, some of your clients might refuse to accept these cheques as they look fake or temporary.

So, it is better to wait for your cheques or print your own cheque book to save more costs.

PostGrid’s Cheque Printing and Mailing Solutions

Apart from creating, printing, and mailing cheques, our API helps you in a lot of other ways. It can track your sent cheques in real-time and maintain status reports. You can access these reports from your dashboard without any effort. Also, PostGrid allows you to add several customisations so that you can personalise cheques and use them as marketing collateral as well.

Along with these things, our solutions are quick, safe, and efficient. Being compliant with several data privacy laws, we take care to always maintain a high level of data security and confidentiality.

The post Print Your Own Cheques to Save Costs and Increase Efficiency appeared first on PostGrid.

Via https://www.postgrid.com.au/print-your-own-cheques/

source https://postgridaustralia.weebly.com/blog/print-your-own-cheques-to-save-costs-and-increase-efficiency

Direct Mail Types

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Different Types of Direct Mails and Why You Should be Sending Them

Direct mail is one of the oldest yet effective marketing strategies employed by businesses. Despite being a traditional marketing strategy, direct mail has strived throughout the years. Usually, direct mail campaigns are based on specific geographic areas.

The primary reason businesses continue to use direct mail as a marketing channel is their high response rate. Companies now have access to direct mail automation tools like PostGrid. Such tools enable businesses to get rid of manual processes altogether.

Additionally, direct mail also gives you the ability to choose between numerous types of direct mail that fits your unique needs. You must employ different types of direct mail marketing strategies that appeal to your prospects.

So, businesses must be aware of the different types of direct mail and their advantages. Here, we will discuss some of the most effective types of direct mail pieces businesses use.

7 Most Efficient Types of Direct Mails and Their Advantages

By listing the unique characteristics of the different types of direct mail we hope to help you choose the right one for your business.

1. Classic Package

The most used and popular type of direct mail used in Australia is the classic package. As you might have noticed, the classic package is the one that comes in a standard envelope. Usually, this envelope is enclosed with a letter and a response form.

The response form enclosed in the envelope can be a donation form, membership form, or something else. The classic package can also include additional mailpieces, including flyers and brochures.

It is always best to personalise the mail you send through classic packages. You can use an advanced system such as PostGrid to customise all the elements in the mailer. It includes the envelope, the letter within the same, and even the additional mailpiece.

You must align the different elements of the mailpiece with your target audience and their interests. Doing so will significantly boost the direct mail’s response rate.

2. Newsletter

Newsletters are another type of direct mail that is popular among businesses/organisations. However, it is worth noting that the newsletters are ideal for existing members/customers rather than fresh leads.

The newsletters tend to be more effective on existing customers or members. It is because newsletters inform what’s happening inside your organisation. However, there is no need for a potential lead to take an interest in your organisation’s internal matters.

Newsletters usually tend to be longer. They may contain a variety of information, such as the latest achievement of your company or organisation. Similarly, you can also use newsletters to inform the recipient about new missions or targets you’ve set for your organisation.

As the name suggests, newsletters are better used to convey the latest news important to your organisation or company. However, newsletters tend to be more costly than other mailers. Why? Because of their lengthier nature and related printing expenses.

 Also Read: What Is a Good Direct Mail Response Rate?

3. Self-Mailer

Unlike classic packages that we are well familiar with, the self-mailers do not come in an envelope. Self-mailers are usually preferred by organisations that want to minimise their direct mail cost. It is because self-mailers are relatively inexpensive.

Self-mailers often come in a single piece of large paper. The large piece of paper is then folded down to an envelope size, making it easy to carry and store. In addition, since it does not need an envelope and contains additional mail pieces, you can save a lot of paper and ink.

The minimised use of paper and ink further leads to a lower cost for the self-mailers. Like classic packages, you need to personalise the newsletter to generate a better response from the recipient. Even if the content does not vary, you still need to address the newsletter with the recipient’s name.

You can accomplish this by integrating the advanced direct mail API such as PostGrid with your CRM. It enables you to personalise your newsletters to each recipient easily. You can find and print names by simply using the data available in your CRM.

4. Postcards

Postcards are without question one of the most cost-effective types of direct mail pieces you can use. Although postcards come in different sizes, businesses usually tend to use smaller ones. The main reason businesses choose to use smaller postcards is that they are relatively cheap to print and mail.

Postcards only need a small amount of paper because of their size and lack of envelopes. As the preferable size of the postcards is small, the printing cost for such mailers is low. The smaller size of postcards also makes it easy to store, transport, and mail.

Another reason why postcards are the most popular choice among types of direct mail advertising is their visual appeal. Postcards can use personalised photos and graphics. Doing so can enable you to better connect with the recipients.

Furthermore, the use of concise messaging enables the reader to read the mailer conveniently. As a result, postcards can intrigue new target audiences to take the desired action. Additionally, it also allows your business to keep your existing customers engaged with your brand.

 Also Read: Personalizing Your Automated Postcard Mailing

5. Catalogues

Catalogues are considered one of the best types of direct mail marketing tools. They are especially beneficial for nonprofit organisations. For example, you may use them to get more donations or donors. Similarly, they are also an ideal choice for pitching new products or services to your target audience.

For boosting the response, you may try using print gift catalogues. It can be employed for businesses and nonprofit organisations alike. However, you should ensure that the catalogue conveys the specifics of your organisation, product, or service.

It is worth noting that the printing of catalogues, such as small booklets, can be relatively expensive. This high expense is due to the extra amount of paper required and the initial printing costs.

However, on the bright side, catalogues do allow you to include several images and texts based on your needs. You can use this space for showcasing the details of your products or services. Therefore, catalogues can be the ideal type of direct mail for B2B businesses.

6. Lead Letters

Lead letters are a more traditional form of direct mail. It is less popular as compared to postcards which are used across all industry verticals. But, unlike postcards, lead letters are often considered to be more professional. Hence, it is better suited for B2B businesses.

Lead letters offer a more confidential approach to direct mail marketing. However, you must aim for a highly targeted audience for your lead letters. For example, you can send lead letters to your current customers who appreciate and value the mailer’s finer details.

Due to the highly targeted nature of lead letters, they can be hyper-personalised. Thus, the mailer can fit the requirements of individual customers. Therefore, a well-drafted lead letter will make your direct mail look more sophisticated than ever.

7. Dimensional Mailers

The dimensional mailers can be considered as an upgraded version of brochures and leaflets. They are created specifically for higher level business-to-business contacts. Furthermore, dimensional mailers are ideal for providing a complete overview of your business.

Dimensional mailers allow you to capture the attention of the target audience. After all, getting noticed is half the battle when it comes to marketing. Dimensional mailers use a pop-up or three-dimensional format of mailers.

It means you can use packages such as boxes, tubes, bags, or containers with other shapes for sending your mailer. However, the three-dimensional form of the package also means that it’d be more expensive than regular mail.

That being said, most marketers would consider the extra cost of dimensional mailers money well spent. Why? Because dimensional mailers have a near-perfect open rate. Also, it has the best response rate compared to any other type of direct mail.

Streamline Your Direct Mail Operations With Automation

Regardless of the types of direct mail advertising you use, you still need advanced capabilities like automation. Thankfully, incorporating such features into your direct mail campaigns is easier than you might think.

With robust solutions like PostGrid, you can automate your entire direct mail process. This automation includes personalisation to printing to the delivery of your direct mail. You can even connect your CRM with PostGrid’s system. It will enable easy and streamlined customisation of your mailpieces.

You can use PostGrid’s address verification API to ensure direct mail’s deliverability. The AMAS (Address Matching Approval System) approved system from PostGrid validates the addresses. It is possible by comparing them against Australia Post’s official address database.

Conclusion

Today, there are several types of direct mail marketing that you can use for your unique business. The direct mail strategy you choose must be based on your unique requirements. You must also consider the different types of direct mail and their advantages and disadvantages before you select one.

The different types of direct mail have various characteristic features. Regardless of the types of direct mail advertising, you must always use an advanced direct mail automation tool like PostGrid. Systems like PostGrid can streamline your direct mail process through automation.

Powerful direct mail tools like PostGrid enable you to automate all direct mail manual processes. PostGrid’s AMAS approved API even allows you to validate your address database. Hence, you can streamline your direct mail process and ensure maximum deliverability using a system like PostGrid.

Personalize, print, and deliver different types of direct mail for your business with PostGrid! Ensure the deliverability of your direct mail campaign with PostGrid’s AMAS approved address validation API.

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