There are three ways you can pay for your bulk mailing:
We recommend using a permit imprint.
A permit imprint is printed right on the mail piece. The imprint is identical for all pieces, so when your pieces are printed you handle the postage at the same time.
To use a permit imprint, you pay a one-time fee and create an advance deposit account with the post office. You must have sufficient money in the account when you drop your mailing at the post office. You add money to your account by going to the post office and paying with cash, check or money order. Finally, you must use the permit at least once every 24 months or it becomes invalid.
The postal service allows company imprints, which gives you the opportunity for a little free branding because you print your company name in place of the city, state and permit number. There are a few special regulations for company permit imprints (for example, keep records on file for a year). If you would like more information, please refer to page 14 of Publication 49.
If you already have a postage meter for your business, you can use it for your bulk mail. You must lease a meter from a registered dealer and have the postal service load the meter with postage. You need to submit a postage meter license application in addition to the mailing permit application. You can link to both forms from our postal forms section.
Precancelled stamps make your mail piece look more like first class mail. However, they double your preparation time. Buying envelopes from the USPS with precancelled stamps is an additional step that is not worth the time.
There is no additional charge to use precancelled stamps and you use the same application form that you use to apply for your bulk mail permit.
When you prepare your mailing with precancelled stamps, the stamp is less than the correct postage amount and you pay the additional amount when you drop your mailing at the postoffice, either by a meter strip attached to the back of the postage statement or through an advance deposit account.