Hello Ms. Sweetpea!
Thanks so much for your questions!
IF you are mailing, or plan to mail at discounted (commercial) First-Class Mail prices (i.e., postage less than 42 cents for a 1-ounce letter), or if you mail Standard Mail, then your firm will need to implement a Move Update method to meet the Nov. 23 regulation:
The Move Update Standard is a means of reducing the number of mailpieces ina a mailing that would require forwarding or return by periodic matching of a mailer's address records with customer-filed change of address (COA) orders received and maintained by the Postal Service.
Effective Nov. 23, 2008, Discount First-Class Mail and Standard Mail mailers must demonstrate that they have updated their mailing list using an approved solution within 95 days prior to the date of the mailing.
The USPS-approved options are discussed in detail throughout this Forum.
Per your second question, "how do we qualify for reduced cost postage?", the very first "qualifier" for commercial First-Class Mail prices is that you mail out at least 500 letters or flats or postcards in a mailing. Or, if you were mailing documents that are nonpersonal, such as advertisements or general information, you'd need only 200 pieces (or a min. total of 50#).
If you feel that your company falls into either of those categories, you'll want to meet with a Pitney Bowes consultant. They can describe what the "presorting" process involves, what solutions will enable you to get the lowest postage prices and the best delivery.
Kind regards,
Elizabeth
