FAQ

Direct Mail is one of the oldest and most effective means of reaching a specific demographic. In many instances, it is a less expensive means of reaching your customer and can be targeted with your message on your time schedule within your budget.

Personalization, also known as Variable Messaging or Customization, is a method of printing portions of the direct mail offer in such a way that it is unique to each recipient. By speaking directly to each recipient by name and addressing their specific needs, you can increase the response to your mailer. Make the most of direct mails ability to deliver a mass audience message in a way that feels personal and confidential.

First Class mail is more expensive than standard, but usually has a faster delivery. A presorted first class letter weighing over 2 ounces requires additional postage. Standard mail, if prepared to meet automation specifications, can be mailed for about half the cost of first class. Standard letters can weigh up to 3 oz without increasing postage. While delivery is not as fast as first class, in most cases, depending on destination it is still efficient.

Postcards up to 4.25” x 6” with a thickness of .007 require $0.32 stamp with discounts for Presorted First Class available for quantities of 500 or more. There is no Postcard Rate for standard class. A standard mail piece that is larger than 4.25 x 6 is considered a letter.

The Coding Accuracy Support System examines each address in your mailing list for proper formatting to standardize spelling, abbreviations, addresses and adds +4 Zip to improve the accuracy of delivery. At Comstock Marketing Services all database(s) are CASS certified; and processed through delivery point verification. We NCOA update every mailing even though it is only required every 95 days. We are able to return undeliverable addresses for your review and/or correction.

Presorting is defined as preparing your mailing so that it is sorted to the lowest level available for the type of mailing whether First Class, Standard or Non-Profit. In automating your mailing, a barcode is applied in the address area to assist in processing at the Post Office. Discounts off regular postage rates are applied to Presorted and Automated mailings. Comstock Marketing’s direct mail services uses the latest software technology to maximize any postage discounts for which your mailing may qualify.

Yes. We work with a number of list brokers/compilers and can assist you in researching and acquiring the list that is best suited to reach your target. It is important that you have a clear picture of your client. We can assist you in developing a strategy to identify your best prospects.

The USPS has transitioned from paper forms to electronic documentation.  Mailing details are uploaded to the USPS before a job is delivered to the USPS. This electronic documentation contains details such as how a job is sorted, how many pieces, trays and pallets will be brought as well as who is the mail owner and who is the mailing agent.  When the mailing is delivered to the USPS it must have a scannable confirmation page that corresponds to the electronic documentation previously uploaded.  As a full service mailing agent Comstock Marketing Services has quality control procedures in place to ensure all of the physical mail matches the electronic documentation so there will be no acceptance issues at the Post Office.

Depending on your volume, your mail could be processed and out in as little as two days. With printing and mailing our turnaround time is usually a 3 to 5 business days. More complex jobs could take a little longer.

We take jobs from 1,000 pieces all the way up to 250,000 pieces with no problems. Jobs that are larger than that should probably be broken up between several mailing companies.

Yes, we do all kinds of different manual work. Sometimes referred to as “kitting” or “assembly” work, these projects can’t be done by an automated machine.