Lists Faq

Please contact your salesperson directly for specific information regarding the purchase of a mailing list. If you are a first-time client, please contact Rudy Rodriguez.

Data Processing Faq

Q: How should I submit my data (mailing list)?
A: As with printing, there is more than one acceptable way of submitting your data.
    1. Data files may me emailed (please be sure larger files are zipped). *
    2. Files on CD are also acceptable.
    3. Large / multiple files may be posted to our FTP site. *

Prior to being submitted however, please be sure all files are in a standard format (Excel, Access, ASCII, fixed-field, etc.) and that it is correctly delimited with a file layout provided.
*If you choose to transmit your file electronically, please specify so when requesting a quote.

Q: What is done during the data processing operation?
A: The input file is converted to our working format. It is then address standardized. This process checks for invalid / undeliverable records and corrects them where possible. The standardized file is then CASS (Coding Accuracy Support System) certified – which is required by the U.S.P.S. Once the file has been CASS certified, it is then run through a postal presort program. With large files, or at customer request, an analysis as to whether the output file will qualify for Destination Entry at Bulk Mail Centers (BMCs) or Sectional Centers (SCFs) is also performed. When the presort process is complete, the output file is generated and postal reports and labels are produced. Postage is also determined from these reports and will be forwarded to you at that time. NOTE: Media in which the output file is to be generated must be specified at time of quote request (Inkjet, labels, laser).

Q: What is the turnaround time for data processing?
A: Normally, one – three working days depending on the size of the output file and media of output file. Data processing and printing are mutually exclusive processes, and may be run simultaneously with regard to turnaround time.

Printing Faq

Q: How should I present my artwork?
A: Artwork can be accepted in a number of ways.
    1. Composed film, indicating all colors and breaks.
    2. Camera ready art, calling out all colors / breaks and separations.
    3. Artwork may be presented electronically also (CD or email, industry formatted). If this is the case, this must be established at the time a quote is requested.

Q: What is the largest sheet size I can print?
A: The maximum sheet size Mail-Pac’s presses will accommodate is 17” x 22”

Q: How many colors can I print?
A: Mail-Pac can print any combination of five colors – i.e. four colors front, one color back, two colors, three colors back, etc.

Q: If I am planning a laser application, is there anything I should be aware of?
A: If a letter, order form, etc. is going to be laser addressed / personalized, it must be printed using laser compatible, wax free inks.

Q: How much time should I allow for the printing of my job?
A: In general, turnaround for standard offset printing is two – five working days depending on the size of the run. A signed proof must me received prior printing except in the case of an exact re-print.
Data processing and printing are mutually exclusive processes, and may be run simultaneously with regard to turnaround time.

Lettershop Faq

Q: What steps do I need to take prior to my job being produced?
A: There are several important steps that must be followed prior to your job being put into production.
    1. A signed proposal or purchase order must be received. For new customers, Mail-Pac’s Master Service Agreement must be completed and returned. This agreement includes credit references. Please allow enough time for them to be verified.
    2. All components of the job must be received before it can be put into production. Specifically, any part of the job that Mail-Pac is not producing.

Q: What actually takes place prior to my job being turned over to the Postal Service?
A: There are multiple processes a job may have to undertake prior to completion.
    1. If the mailing is strictly a direct-address application (cards, magazines, etc.), there is only the addressing process to be performed. However: Unless specifically directed by the customer, the addressing process does not begin until a signed address proof has been received.
    2. If the mailing consists of a folded self-mailer, seals must be affixed prior to addressing. The number and type of seals is determined by the address orientation of the mail piece. A simple explanation for this: If the opening is at the top as you look at the address, one seal is required, if the opening is at the bottom, two seals are required. This applies only to letter-size mail, not multi paginated. For an in-depth explanation, please refer to the U.S,P, S. Domestic Mail Manuel (DMM), which can be accessed on our Resources page.

Q: Is Mail-Pac able to fold my material to finished size?
A: Yes, Mail-Pac’s equipment will accommodate anything from a simple letter-fold to an eight-page brochure. When folding is required., it is generally performed prior to inserting and can be done at the same time as the address vehicle is being addressed. Style and orientation (letter-fold/ copy in, Z-fold / copy out, etc.) of fold must be specified at time of quote request.

Q: I want to mail a post card. What is the minimum or maximum size I can mail and still receive the Postcard Rate with regard to postage?
A: The minimum size is 3-1/2” x 5-1/2”. The maximum size is 4-1/4” x 6”.

Q: What is the minimum paper stock requirement?
A: The stock must be a minimum of .07 in thickness.

Q: If I want to mail a larger card, how large can I go and still mail at the Letter Rate?
A: The maximum dimensions for Letter-Size mail is 6-1/8” in height x 11-1/2” in length.

Q: What are paper stock requirements for a Letter-Size card?
A: The stock must be a minimum of .09 in order to qualify for Automation.

Q: What if I want to mail a card larger than 6-1/8” x 11-1/2 inches?
A: A card, or any other mail piece that exceeds those dimensions becomes a “Flat”: and as such, is subject to different postage rates than Letters.

Q: How is postage paid or affixed to the mailing pieces?
A: There are three basic ways in which postage is paid.
    1. Permit indicia*.
    2. Precancelled stamps
    3. Meter imprint.

*Mail-Pac will extend the use of its permit indicia upon request.

Q: Do I have to pay the postage prior to my job, or will I be invoiced for it along with the labor?
A: Postage must always be prepaid.

Q: How soon prior to my mail being deposited must the postage be submitted?
A: Postage must be received no later than one business day (24 hours) prior to the mail being verified.

Q: Are there any specific guidelines I should follow regarding stock when considering inkjet addressing?
A: Avoid stocks with an extremely high gloss or coatings. It is always a good idea to provide a sample of the stock you are considering for testing purposes.

Q: What is the largest size envelope that can be inserted automatically?
A: Mail-Pac’s equipment can accommodate envelopes up to 9” x 12”.

Q: What is the maximum amount of inserts that can be enclosed in one pass?
A: Up to twelve inserts can be enclosed in a single pass. On inserting jobs, order and orientation of inserts must be specified.

Q: Are there any specific types of envelopes that may present a problem when being inserted?
A: It is recommended that standard business envelopes be used. Invitation style envelopes present problems because of their deep / wide flaps. An envelope flap should be no more than 2-1/4 inches deep in order to run comfortably on the inserters.

Q: How much clearance is needed between the insert(s) and the outside dimensions of the envelope? A: It is recommended that 1/4” be allowed on either side of all inserts.

Q: What is the turnaround time for lettershop operations?
A: Normal turnaround is three to five working days depending on quantity and number of processes required. Specific turnaround will be noted when a job is quoted.

Mail Distribution Faq

Q: What is meant by Distribution?
A: Precisely what it implies. Mail-Pac – through its transportation network – can move your product or verified mail to any point within the continental United States.

Q: What if I am looking for distribution outside of the United States?
A: Mail-Pac is aligned with international carriers and customs brokers. Once the specifics are established, Transportation to destinations outside the U.S. can be arranged.

Q: What id the benefit of having my verified mail transported to a Bulk Mail Center of Sectional Center and how does that work?
A: The U.S.P.S. offers an incentive in the form of discounted postage* when the verified mail is transported to the accepting Post Office by the mailer. In addition to saving postage, transportation and delivery time is decreased by bypassing local Postal Facilities. In order to take advantage of this, the mail must be in-plant verified at Mail-Pac prior to being dispatched to destination BMEUs. As Mail-Pac is a Detached Mail Unit of the U.S.P.S., there is no problem in doing this.

*See our “Resources” page in order to determine the amount pf gross postage savings may be had.

Fulfillment Faq

Q: What exactly is Fulfillment?
A: The term Fulfillment covers a wide variety of processing. For example, Mail-Pac provides literature fulfillment for several clients by way of warehousing various books and applications, and sending them out in bulk on a daily basis per orders received from the client(s). We also provide product fulfillment, custom packaging, and poster rolling and drop shipping. Additionally, Mail-Pac offers secure storage for all products.