Clarification of Answer by
darrel-ga
on
24 Nov 2002 11:59 PST
Hello--
I have more information for you.
As I found in my initial clarification, the answer to this question
depends on how the checks are printed. If the checks are printed via a
computer that prints the background of the checks, along with the
amounts, then the mailing may be mailed as Standard Mail.
If the checks are blank checks that you fill out (whether with a
computer, pen, typewriter, or etc.), the checks must be sent via
first-class mail.
I found several links that refer to this method of direct marketing. I
searched the following search terms: "Domestic Mail Manual" "personal
correspondence" "standard mail" contents checks
In the initial clarification, you may read the link to the DMM, as it
pertains to direct marketing. It states that you may have specific
information related specifically to the individual addressee and still
have the larger group of mailings considered Standard Mail.
I found several points of confirmation that this is true. First, the
following I found on the Adams State University web site, regarding
this school's guidelines for Standard Mail,"
"Standard Mail
Basic Standards
Standard Mail consists of mailable matter that is: ...
An incidental First-Class attachment or enclosure may be a bill for
the product or publication, a statement of account for past products
or publications, or a personal message or greeting included with a
product, publication, or parcel.
Standard Mail includes matter formerly classified as third-class
mail....
Circulars, including printed letters that, according to internal
evidence, are sent in identical terms to more than one person are
Standard Mail. A circular does not lose its character as such if a
date and the individual names of the addressee and sender are written
(handwritten or typewritten) on the circular or written corrections of
typographical errors are made on the circular.
Printed matter weighing less than 16 ounces may be sent as Standard
Mail. For this standard, printed matter means paper on which words,
letters, characters, figures, or images (or any combination of them),
not having the character of a bill or statement of account or of
actual or personal correspondence, are reproduced by any process other
than handwriting or typewriting."
You may read this directly at
http://www.adams.edu/res_services/mail_room/guide2.htm#standard
Second, I found that UNLV has similar standards for First-Class Mail.
This states the checks, if they're blank checks and filled out, need
to be mailed first-class. Again, if the checks are printed (background
and all) by a computer, they may be considered Standard Mail.
"UNLV Mailroom Standards
First class is any mailable matter. The following materials are
considered
first class matter and must carry postage at first class or priority
mail rates.
1. Matter wholly or partially handwritten or typewritten (including
identical
copies prepared by an automatic typewriter), originals or carbons,
invoices (except when accompanying the matter to which they relate),
postal cards, and post cards.
2. Matter sealed and closed against postal inspection.
3. Bills and statements of accounts, regardless of method of
preparation or
quantity of identical pieces mailed, except authorized enclosures in
or
attachments to second, third, or fourth class mail.
4. Price lists with written-in figures changing items or prices.
5. Any Business Reply mail (unless enclosed in bulk mail)
6. Blank printed forms filled out in writing, including cancelled or
uncancelled checks.
7. The product of a computer may or may not be first class matter. It
depends on the content."
The link to this information is
http://www.unlv.edu/pubs_repro/subdocs/mail.pdf
Third, the University of Michigan states that Standard Mail may
include direct mail and printed matter, "Standard Mail (A) -Standard
Mail matter that weighs less than 16 ounces. It comprises the
subclasses of Regular Standard Mail, Nonprofit Standard Mail, Enhanced
Carrier Route Standard Mail, and Nonprofit Enhanced Carrier Route
Standard Mail. These subclasses include circulars, printed matter,
pamphlets, catalogs, newsletters, direct mail, and merchandise.
Standard Mail (A) may be sent at presorted rates and at automation
rates."
The link to this information is
www.mailservice.bf.umich.edu/pdf/PostalDefinitions.pdf
To further confirm this information I gathered some recent mail I
received from a long-distance telephone company. The mailing included
a check specifically made out to me. It was mailed via standard mail.
The check was printed on a computer. It was obviously not a blank
check that was simply filled out.
I have spoken with a local public information officer with my local
post office this afternoon. I've asked him to look into this, as well.
darrel-ga
