How is postage paid on a bulk mailing?
- Permit imprint (indicia): a printed indicia in the upper-right corner in place of a stamp, with postage paid from a permit account at mailing. Standard for bulk mailings.
- Meter: postage printed by a postage meter.
- Precanceled stamps: allowed for some bulk mailings.
- Stamps: for retail and small mailings.
See DMM 604.
Do I need my own mailing permit?
Bulk presort, automation, and Marketing Mail prices require a mailing permit and payment through a USPS account. Customers do not need their own permit: Plavidian mails under its permit on the customer's behalf, so most customers never obtain one. Permit imprint mailings have their own minimum quantity (see How many pieces do I need for presort pricing). See DMM 604 and 243.
Indicia content
A permit imprint indicia states the class, that postage is paid, and the permit holder. EDDM Retail uses a specific indicia including the ECRWSS marking (see Address and indicia). Plavidian applies the correct indicia for the class and permit. See DMM 604.
Postage statements
Every bulk mailing is accompanied by a signed postage statement (for example PS Form 3600 for First-Class, 3602 for Marketing Mail, 3587 for EDDM Retail) that declares the class, prices claimed, and piece counts. Plavidian completes these as part of the job. Final postage is confirmed at USPS acceptance.