Related QSGs
201c, Courtesy Reply Mail (CRM)
604e, Meter Reply Mail (MRM)
Overview
Business Reply Mail (BRM) service enables a permit holder to receive First-Class Mail and Priority Mail back from customers and pay postage and a per piece fee for only the pieces returned. BRM cards, envelopes, self-mailers, flats, cartons, and labels may be distributed by a BRM permit holder in any quantity for return to any Post Office in the United States and its territories and possessions, including military Post Offices overseas. The BRM permit holder guarantees payment of the applicable fees and First-Class Mail or Priority Mail postage plus a per piece charge for pieces returned by the USPS (see payment options below).
When designing a BRM mailpiece or label, mailers must consult with their local Post Office. The piece must conform to a specific format to qualify as BRM, including a unique ZIP+4 Code, or equivalent Intelligent Mail or POSTNET barcodes assigned by the USPS. Proofs for regular BRM should be approved by the USPS before printing. Proofs for Qualified Business Reply Mail (QBRM) must be approved by the USPS and must bear an Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb). On page two is a layout example for a BRM envelope. For reusable envelopes using BRM with two-way indicia, see 601.6.5.4 for requirements.
BRM pieces distributed in automation mailings are required to meet automation compatibility standards. BRM templates are available on the Postal Explorer Web site at pe.usps.com by selecting “Mailpiece Design” in the left frame.
Payment Options (505.1.0)
For a complete listing of Business Reply Mail prices and fees, see Notice 123–Price List.
Basic BRM—Except for BRM parcel (only) permits, an annual permit fee is required.
Per piece charge in addition to the Retail First-Class Mail (metered for letters) or Priority Mail postage. Paid through an advance deposit account or by cash/check on delivery.
Best suited for BRM customers with fewer than 934 returned BRM pieces expected annually.
High-Volume BRM—Except for BRM parcel (only) permits, an annual permit fee is required, plus a BRM annual account maintenance fee at each Post Office where a permit holder holds an advance deposit account.
Per piece charge in addition to the Retail First-Class Mail (metered for letters) or Priority Mail postage. Paid through an advance deposit account.
Best suited for BRM customers with approximately 934 or more returned BRM pieces expected annually.
Basic Qualified Business Reply Mail (QBRM)—Annual account maintenance fee is required.
Per piece charge in addition to QBRM First-Class Mail postage. Paid through an advance deposit account.
Used only on barcoded automation-compatible cards and letter-size mail weighing up to 2 ounces if design is approved for QBRM by USPS before distribution (505.1.3). A unique ZIP+4 code is assigned by the USPS for each price category of QBRM to be returned (one for card-price pieces, one for letter-size pieces weighing 1 ounce or less, and one for letter-size pieces weighing over 1 ounce up to and including 2 ounces).
Best suited if QBRM customers return volume is approximately 616 letters or more, or 593 cards or more, expected annually.
High-Volume QBRM—Annual account maintenance fee, and a separate quarterly fee is required. Mailers can pay quarterly fee for any consecutive 3-calendar-month period.
Per piece charge in addition to QBRM First-Class Mail postage. Paid through an advanced deposit account.
Best suited if QBRM customer’s return volume is approximately 41,819 pieces or more quarterly or 167,276 pieces or more annually.
Other Post Offices
A BRM permit holder can allow its authorized representatives or agents to use that permit number to distribute and receive BRM at any Post Office. The original permit holder must supply the representative with a letter authorizing the use of the BRM permit and if applicable, a copy of the USPS receipt showing the annual fee payment for that permit. See 505.1.7 for additional requirements.
Official Mail
Authorized users of official mail may distribute BRM, subject to 703.7.0 and 505.1.0.
