How many mailings per year: On average, how many pieces per mailing: In general, will each piece weigh: 1 oz. 2 oz. Will you pay postage by permit imprint? Yes No Full Rate First-Class Mail Presorted First-Class Mail Standard Mail Basic Rate Postage per piece $ $ $ pieces x postage per piece = Total postage pieces Annual mailing fee None $ $ Permit imprint application fee (one time only) None $ $ Total Annual Postage and Fees $ $ $ Time spent to obtain mailing permit? None Trip to the post office to apply for a mailing permit(permission to mail) and get free postal supplies Trip to the post office to apply for a mailing permit(permission to mail) and obtain free postal supplies Extra time to sort mail by ZIP Codes? None Yes Yes Extra trips to the post office to drop off mail? None trips to the post office to deposit your mail trips to the post office to deposit your mail

Based on this analysis, if saving money on postage is your priority, you should consider taking advantage of the lower Standard Mail postage rates. And, if you mail within your local area, there are even cheaper rates available than the Standard Mail basic rate listed in this chart! Remember that lower postage rates mean that you're doing more work up front to prepare your mail. If you want First-Class Mail service—faster delivery time, free forwarding and return of mailpieces—then consider using single-piece (full rate) First-Class Mail postage. It’s a little more expensive, but there’s no extra time spent preparing your mail. It's possible to get lower postage rates AND save time by using a presort bureau or letter shop to prepare your mail. See Helping You Mail for more information.

This analysis only factors in the costs of mailing—postage and fees. Some mailers use graphic designers, printers, and letter shops, which saves some time but adds to the total cost of the mailing.