Postage and Printing Tips

Postage Saving Tips

• Use the most cost effective shpping method - USPS Priority Mail instead of Express, First -class instead of priority Mail or Media Mail instead of First-class.
  
  
• Use the smallest package or envelope that is praqcxtical for your mail piece. whenever possible, fold your outgoing mail and use a #10 business envelope rather than a large, flat style.
  
  
• If you currently use Business Reply (return postage included) envelopes, consider using Courtesy Reply (return postage not inluded) envelopes instead.
  
  
• If Express is needed, use the lowest lovel of service available to accomplish your delivery objective (Two-day instead of overnight, afternoon instead of morning, etc.).
  
  
• Only reuest a signature on Express when absolutely needed. There are now charges for signatures at residential and some business addresses.
  
  
• Use post-cards for short messages or announcements. This costs 1/3 less than using an envelope.
  
  
• Fax critical infomation if possible when short on time rather than sending via Express.
  
  
• If you purchase 9 x 12 or 10 x 13 envelopes, order plain white or manila, not the ones with the green "First-class" logo.
  
  
• To avoid potential damage to the envelopes & contents, use ony 'peel-n-seal' or self-stick large envelopes, not the clasp type. There is a handling charge assessed by the US Postal Serivce on clasp-style envelopes when used for mailing purposes.
  
  
• Screen your mailing for unnecessary names, duplicates and incomplete addresses.
  
  
• Use "Certified" instead of "Registered" mail whenever possible. It costs less and still provides a receipt and notice of delivery to the sender.
  
  
• Do not over-insure. The post office and shippers will pay only the actual value of an item, not the declared value.
  
  
• Use regular business envelopes for off-campus mailings only. Intra-campus envelopes should be used only for campus mail.
  
  
• Request Library and Media rate whenever posisible. Savings can be as much as 50% off the cost of First class mail but it is slower.
  
  

Copying and Printing Tips

• Copy Center copies / prints cost about 1/2 of what it costs for the same black and white or color work on small office machines. Consider using them when making more than 25 copies or prints.
  
  
• Use color only when necessary.
  
  
• Request two-sided copying & printing whenever possible.
  
  
• Produce only the quantity of documents needed.