Clear envelopes are an exciting and unique way to make your direct mailing stand out. They showcase a stunning print and mail design and grab the recipient’s attention. However, this great direct mail marketing tool is not without additional cost. As we recently learned, clear envelopes are nonmachinable surcharged by the post office. According to postal regulations, all pieces mailing in clear envelopes must be fined additional postage.
The usage of clear envelopes are not directly discussed in the USPS DMM (Domestic Mail Manual), however, there is a section that covers plastic coverings and materials. Section 1.0 Physical Standards for Letters states that any mailpiece is deemed nonmachinable if it is…
b. Is polybagged, polywrapped, enclosed in any plastic material, or has an exterior surface made of a material that is not paper. Windows in envelopes made of paper do not make mailpieces nonmachinable. Attachments allowable under applicable eligibility standards no not make mailpieces nonmachinable.
Please note: This section refers to Letters only. The standards for Flat size mailings are different.
The current nonmachinable surcharge is $0.20 per piece! This can add up quickly and increase a budget significantly. Even so, we still find clients wanting to use clear envelopes for their higher end direct mail campaigns. The benefit of using clear envelopes for printing and mailing does in some cases justify the additional cost. Our customers have reported increased response rates and an overall successful outcome. In fact, here at The Mailworks we sent our 2010 holiday cards in clear envelopes and received many compliments.