The basic rules
- Minimum: 200 pieces or 50 pounds per mailing.
- Identical contents: every piece must match a piece sent to at least one other address. Names and addresses can vary, and personalization is allowed only when it's directly part of the advertising.
- No bills or personal correspondence. Those have to go First-Class.
- No delivery guarantee. USPS may defer Marketing Mail and doesn't promise delivery within a set time.
- Payment: usually a permit imprint, plus a $390 annual mailing fee.
Prices (letters, 3.5 oz or less)
| Sort level | Price | With DSCF entry |
|---|---|---|
| Saturation | $0.255 | $0.234 |
| High Density Plus | $0.286 | $0.265 |
| High Density | $0.389 | $0.368 |
| Automation 5-digit | $0.395 | $0.374 |
| Automation 3-digit/SCF | $0.435 | $0.414 |
| Automation mixed | $0.467 | – |
| Nonautomation machinable 3-digit | $0.436 | $0.415 |
| Nonautomation machinable mixed | $0.473 | – |
Commercial USPS Marketing Mail letters, 3.5 oz or less. Notice 123, effective October 4, 2026.
Letters pay one price per piece up to 3.5 ounces. The cheapest column, saturation, is mail for every or nearly every address on a carrier route, in delivery order. Automation prices need barcoded, machinable letters.
Prices (flats, 4 oz or less)
| Sort level | Price | At DDU |
|---|---|---|
| Saturation | $0.308 | $0.258 |
| EDDM (BMEU) | $0.309 | $0.259 |
| High Density Plus | $0.373 | $0.323 |
| High Density | $0.404 | $0.354 |
| Basic carrier route | $0.504 | $0.454 |
| Automation 5-digit | $0.783 | – |
| Automation 3-digit/SCF | $1.021 | – |
| Automation mixed | $1.260 | – |
Commercial USPS Marketing Mail flats, 4 oz or less. Over 4 oz adds a per-pound price.
Flats over 4 ounces pay a piece price plus a price per pound of the mailing.
Marketing Mail or First-Class?
| Marketing Mail | First-Class presort | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 200 pieces or 50 lb | 500 pieces |
| Cheapest letter | $0.255 (saturation) | $0.621 (automation 5-digit) |
| Delivery time | Not guaranteed, may be deferred | Faster |
| Can carry bills or personal info | No | Yes |
| Annual fee | $390 | $390 |
What is USPS Marketing Mail?
The USPS bulk mail class for advertising, formerly called Standard Mail. It needs at least 200 pieces or 50 pounds and costs less than First-Class Mail.
How long does Marketing Mail take?
USPS doesn't guarantee a delivery time. Marketing Mail can be deferred behind other mail.
Can I send Marketing Mail without a permit?
Bulk Marketing Mail needs a postage method such as a permit imprint, meter or precanceled stamps, plus the annual mailing fee. EDDM Retail is the exception that needs no permit.