A postal indicia offers a number of advantages over traditional forms of postage
A postal indicia is also known as a post permit imprint. Typically, if you’re mailing something in bulk, USPS allows you an option of using postal indicia instead of a live postage stamp or a meter mark. In order to use a postal indicia, you need to apply for a permit account where you are going to enter your mail for verification. This postal permit imprint will let the post office know who is responsible for the payment of postage by the city of origin and the permit number shown on the indicia. It will also tell the post office if the mailing is first-class, standard or nonprofit.
To open a permit account, the USPS charges $225, and the account can be renewed yearly for $125. However, you need to have a separate permit for first-class and standard mail. In order to keep your permit account active, you need to use it at least once every two years. You cannot use a postal permit imprint to mail a single piece of mail. You need to mail at least 500 pieces if it’s a first-class mailing or 200 pieces if it’s a standard mailing. When using a mailing service, it is typical for that service to allow you to use their permit number or postal permit imprint as the mailing agent.
A company indicia (second example of each pair above), substitutes your company name in place of the permit number, city and state. To use a company postal indicia, you must own permits in two or more post offices, and be authorized by those post offices to use a company indicia. And when using a company postal indicia, you must place your return address in the upper left hand corner of the address block.
Learn more about mailing for non-profits
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