Home
Printing
Copying
Bulk Mail
Tips
Sending Files
Contact Us
Avoid 2 Costly Self-Mailer Mistakes
USPS rules require bi-fold and tri-fold self mailers to be tabbed to qualify for the
lowest postage rates. 1 tab is allowed if the weight of the paper is 28/70 (28#
bond/ledger = 70# offset) or more and the fold is below the address (open
edge above the address). A lower weight or a fold above the address (open
edge below the address) requires 2 tabs.

Mistake 1 is to save a little money on paper (20/50 copier paper or 24/60) that
results in additional tabbing cost or higher postage.

Mistake 2 is to design a piece with the address in the wrong place. Folks often
put the address on the bottom panel of a self-mailer or newsletter. The folded
piece then has the fold above the address and the open edge below. USPS
rules then require 2 tabs along the bottom edge to seal the piece or else, you
pay higher postage. The same thing can occur if the address is on the middle
panel of a tri-fold and the piece is folded with the open edge down.

A better approach is to put the address panel at the top of both bi-fold and
tri-fold pieces. The open edge is automatically up and the bottom 1/2 to 2/3 of
the sheet is available for your message. It is often better than splitting up a
tri-fold into message at the top, address in the middle, message at the bottom.
Use 28/70 weight paper for the overall savings, better feel and higher opacity
for two sided printing.


Copy Wrights