174 Postage Payment Methods

1.0 Postage Payment Methods for Media Mail

1.1 Payment Method

The mailer is responsible for proper postage payment. Subject to the corresponding standards, postage for Media Mail may be paid by any method (see 604) except precanceled stamps. Pieces with postage affixed must bear the correct postage. Identical-weight permit imprint mail also may be mailed under 705, Advanced Preparation and Special Postage Payment Systems. [P700.1.1]

1.2 Affixing Postage—Single‑Piece Rate Mailings

In a postage‑affixed single‑piece mailing, the mailer must affix to each piece a value in adhesive stamps or meter stamps equal to at least the postage required. [P013.1.4]

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2.0 Postage Paid With Permit Imprint

2.1 Advance Deposit Account

A mailer may be authorized to mail material without affixing postage when payment is made at the time of mailing from a permit imprint advance deposit account established with the USPS for that purpose. This payment method may be used for postage and extra service fees and must not be used to pay postage on any mailpiece that is designed for reply purposes. [P040.1.1]

2.2 Minimum Quantity

Permit imprint mailings must contain at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds, except in the case of single‑piece rate mailings submitted under the terms of an approved manifest mailing system agreement with a minimum volume reduction provision. [P040.5.1]

2.3 Postage Statement

A complete postage statement must accompany each mailing paid with permit imprint. [P700.1.2]