Are you a business owner looking for an affordable way to send catalogs, directories, or promotional mailers to your customers? If so, you may want to consider USPS Bound Printed Matter (BPM). This often-overlooked mail class offers highly discounted postage rates for qualifying mailings. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about Bound Printed Matter – from what it is and how to qualify, to pricing, delivery times, and tips for maximizing its effectiveness for your business. Let‘s dive in!
What Exactly Is USPS Bound Printed Matter?
USPS defines Bound Printed Matter as "permanently bound sheets of which at least 90% are printed with advertising, promotional, directory, or editorial matter." In other words, it‘s a mail class designed specifically for permanently bound materials like catalogs, product manuals, annual reports, and directories that are largely composed of printed content as opposed to personal correspondence.
Some key characteristics of Bound Printed Matter include:
- Sheets must be permanently bound with staples, glue, stitching, etc. Loose leaf binders and other temporary bindings are not permitted.
- At least 90% of the content must be printed, not handwritten, typed, or comprised of blank pages
- Maximum weight is 15 lbs per piece
- Maximum size is 108 inches in combined length and distance around thickest part
BPM is available for both large envelopes (flats) and parcels. Discounted rates are available for presorted BPM, with Carrier Route sorted pieces enjoying the lowest prices.
Why Use Bound Printed Matter? Advantages for Businesses
The primary advantage of using Bound Printed Matter is the substantial cost savings. BPM rates are considerably lower than other mail classes like First Class, Priority Mail, or even Media Mail in some cases. This makes it an attractive option for businesses that need to send out large quantities of catalogs, manuals, directories, or promotional mailers on a regular basis.
For example, according to USPS price charts, sending a 2 lb Bound Printed Matter parcel to Zone 5 would cost around $3.78. The same 2 lb parcel sent via Media Mail would cost $4.16, while sending it Priority Mail would cost $10.40 or more! For businesses mailing thousands of pieces, those savings can really add up.
Some other potential advantages of using BPM include:
- Delivery within 2-10 business days in most cases
- Presorted and Carrier Route sorted pieces enjoy even lower rates
- No surcharges for fuel or residential delivery
- Tracking included at no additional charge for most BPM parcels
Of course, there are some limitations and potential downsides to be aware of as well. BPM pieces are not forwarded or returned if undeliverable as addressed, unless you pay an additional fee. Transit times are longer than expedited services like Priority Mail. Your content and binding must meet the eligibility requirements. And you must obtain a special permit from USPS to be able to send mailings at BPM rates.
How to Qualify for and Send Bound Printed Matter
In order to send mailings at Bound Printed Matter rates, you‘ll first need to apply for a BPM permit from USPS. There is a $200 one-time fee to establish a permit imprint account in your business name. You‘ll need to go to your local Post Office to apply.
Once your permit is set up, you can begin prepping your BPM mailings. Some tips and best practices:
- Ensure your content, binding, weight and dimensions meet the BPM eligibility criteria
- Consider having your mailing data presorted by a professional mail service for maximum discounts
- Use Intelligent Mail package barcodes for the best tracking and visibility
- Take your permit imprint BPM pieces to a USPS Business Mail Entry Unit for verification and acceptance
According to a 2020 USPS report, Bound Printed Matter made up about 2.6% of total mail volume that year. That may not sound like much, but it still represents over 1.2 billion BPM pieces sent! Industries that commonly use BPM include e-commerce retailers sending catalogs, non-profits sending donor reports, professional associations distributing member directories, and more.
Pricing and Delivery Times for Bound Printed Matter
USPS Bound Printed Matter rates are separated into three main categories: Carrier Route sorted flats, Presorted flats, and Presorted parcels. Within each category, prices are further determined by weight, dimensions, and the distance traveled (Zones 1-9).
Some example BPM prices, based on January 2023 rates:
- 1 lb Carrier Route sorted flat, Zones 1&2: $1.456
- 1 lb Presorted flat, Zones 1&2: $1.616
- 1 lb Presorted parcel, Zones 1&2: $2.91
- 5 lb Carrier Route sorted flat, Zones 1&2: $2.031
- 5 lb Presorted parcel, Zones 5: $7.11
- 10 lb Presorted parcel, Zone 8: $11.50
As you can see, Carrier Route sorted flats offer the lowest prices, while parcels and pieces traveling to farther zones are progressively more expensive. Even so, these rates are still highly discounted compared to other mail classes.
In terms of delivery times, USPS does not guarantee a specific number of delivery days for BPM. In general, you can expect your Bound Printed Matter pieces to be delivered within 2-10 business days, with most arriving within 2-8 days according to industry sources. If your mailings are extremely time-sensitive, BPM may not be the best choice. But for non-urgent marketing and informational materials, the cost savings typically outweigh the longer transit times for many businesses.
Comparing Bound Printed Matter to Other USPS Services
Where does BPM fit in the larger ecosystem of USPS mailing and shipping services? Let‘s compare it to a few other popular options for businesses:
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Media Mail: Like BPM, Media Mail offers discounted rates for bound materials. However, Media Mail is restricted to qualifying educational materials like books, music, and films. Advertising and promotional content is strictly prohibited in Media Mail. So for business mailings, BPM is usually the better fit.
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First Class Mail: First Class is the USPS mail class designed for standard letters, large envelopes, and lightweight packages weighing up to 15.99 oz. It offers faster delivery times than BPM (1-5 days), but is considerably more expensive, especially for heavier pieces.
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Marketing Mail: Formerly known as Standard Mail, USPS Marketing Mail offers discounted postage rates for bulk mailings of advertisements, flyers, circulars, and some merchandise. Marketing Mail pieces must be under 16 oz and meet a 200 piece or 50 lb minimum quantity. They do not have to be bound like BPM. Rates are typically higher than BPM and delivery times longer (3-10 days).
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Priority Mail: Priority Mail is USPS‘s flagship service for packages up to 70 lbs, offering 1-3 day delivery to most US addresses. It‘s a good choice for businesses sending merchandise or time-sensitive items, but is much pricier than BPM, especially for heavier packages.
So in summary, USPS Bound Printed Matter occupies a unique niche – it‘s one of the most affordable ways to send permanently bound informational and promotional materials weighing up to 15 lbs. If your business sends a high volume of catalogs, directories, manuals, or similar items, and delivery within 2-10 days is acceptable, BPM is definitely worth considering.
Real-World Examples of Businesses Using Bound Printed Matter
To help illustrate the value and real-world applications of Bound Printed Matter, let‘s look at a few examples of businesses and organizations that regularly use this USPS service:
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E-commerce Retailers: Online stores that sell apparel, home goods, outdoor gear, and other consumer products often send seasonal catalogs to their customer base via BPM. For example, clothing retailer J.Crew reportedly sends millions of catalogs per year, many of them via Bound Printed Matter.
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Non-Profit Organizations: Charities, educational institutions, and advocacy groups use BPM to send perfect-bound annual reports, donor updates, and informational booklets to supporters. The discounted postage rates help them save on overhead and allocate more funds to their mission.
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Professional Associations: Many trade groups, alumni associations, and membership organizations send printed member directories via Bound Printed Matter each year. The permanently bound format makes these directories easy to use and preserve.
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Local Businesses: Some local service providers like landscapers, HVAC companies, and home remodelers send product catalogs and "magalogues" (a hybrid magazine/catalog) to prospects in their service area using BPM. The cost savings add up when blanketing entire zip codes or carrier routes.
No matter what type of organization you run, if you have a customer or member base that would benefit from receiving a catalog, manual, directory, or report, and the content is a good fit for the BPM requirements, this service is worth a look. With some smart planning and prep work, Bound Printed Matter could help you boost sales and engagement while keeping mailing costs in check.
The Future of Bound Printed Matter: Trends and Predictions
Like all USPS mail classes, Bound Printed Matter has evolved over the years in response to changing market conditions, postal regulations, and business needs. In recent years, BPM volume has declined somewhat as more companies shift to digital marketing channels. However, many consumers still enjoy and respond well to physical catalogs and direct mail, especially when it comes from brands they know and trust.
Looking ahead, industry experts predict that businesses will continue to use Bound Printed Matter strategically as part of an integrated, multi-channel marketing approach. Some potential developments and trends to watch:
- Increased customization and targeting of BPM pieces based on customer data and preferences
- Integration of QR codes, augmented reality, and other interactive elements into BPM content
- Adoption of eco-friendly papers, inks, and processes for a "greener" BPM experience
- Exploration of alternative packaging and binding methods that still meet BPM requirements
- Expansion of USPS promotions and incentives for businesses that use BPM and other direct mail
Of course, much will depend on the evolving needs of consumers, marketers, and the printing industry as a whole. But one thing seems certain – as long as people continue to enjoy receiving and browsing physical catalogs and direct mail, Bound Printed Matter will remain a valuable tool in the savvy marketer‘s toolkit.
Is Bound Printed Matter Right for Your Business?
We‘ve covered a lot of ground in this ultimate guide to USPS Bound Printed Matter. By now, you should have a solid understanding of what BPM is, how to qualify and prepare BPM mailings, and some of the key advantages and considerations for businesses.
As you can see, while BPM isn‘t the fastest or flashiest mail class, it offers unbeatable value for sending permanently bound marketing and informational materials. If your business regularly mails catalogs, directories, manuals, or similar items, and you can work within the content and preparation requirements, BPM could be a game-changer for your bottom line.
Before you dive in, be sure to carefully review the USPS Bound Printed Matter guidelines, obtain the necessary permits, and explore your presort options to maximize discounts. It‘s also a good idea to start with a small test mailing to verify your content and packaging are compliant and measure results before scaling up.
By following the tips and best practices covered in this guide, you‘ll be well on your way to becoming a master of the Bound Printed Matter universe. Your customers will enjoy receiving your gorgeous catalogs and booklets, and your CFO will give you a hearty handshake for all the money you saved.
So what are you waiting for? Take your direct mail efforts to the next level by exploring USPS Bound Printed Matter for your business today. And be sure to bookmark this guide for future reference as you optimize your BPM strategy in the months and years ahead. Here‘s to your mailing success!
