|
|
NON-PROFIT
BULK MAIL REQUIREMENTS FOR |
Due to the increased regulations enacted by the U.S. Post Office, the following guidelines must be enforced to mail at the non-profit bulk rate:
1) Each unit should use TLA’s bulk permit number with the Texas Library Association's address as the return address. No other return addresses will be accepted. (see sample 1)
2) In addition to the return address, each unit should state that their individual ldivision, round table, interest group, or committee is a part of the Texas Library Association. (for example: The Texas Association of School Librarians-A Division of the Texas Library Association)
3) Any monetary agreements entered into with an entity other than TLA, should beset up as a contribution to a specific unit, rather than stating that an outside source paid for the printing of the newsletter, brochure, etc...
4) Any product enclosed with or mentioned in the printed piece, must meet one of the following guidelines: (see sample 3)
a)
the product must be a low cost item - the cost to a TLA unit must not exceed
$7.10, even though it may sell to the membership/public for more; or
b) the product must be a gift or contribution to a TLA unit with no expense to
TLA or it's units.
5) Any printed material containing any form of advertisement (the U.S. Post Office defines an advertisement as being anything that "advertises, promotes, offers, or, for a fee or consideration, recommends, describes or announces the availability of any product or service") must follow the steps in sample 3 making sure that the advertisement is substantially related to the purpose of TLA. In addition...
a)
you may not mention TLA's affinity credit card or any other financial
instrument except to say that "a TLA MasterCard is available for qualified
TLA members, please call or write for details";
b) be vague in mentioning TLA's liability insurance program by saying that
"a professional liability insurance program is available to TLA
members"; and
c) in mentioning any type of specific travel arrangements, be sure that the
arrangements are designed for and promoted to TLA members and the travel must
contribute substantially to the purpose of TLA. Advertisements for a specific
travel agency are not allowed, unless they are the exclusive agency handling
the travel arrangements described in the previous sentence.
6) Follow the sorting guidelines set forth in sample 2, be sure to keep the zip codes in order. Send the entire mailing to TLA with a total count of pieces in the mailing, the minimum count being 200 pieces.
Any future mailings, which do not follow these guidelines, will still be mailed but the bulk rate may not apply. Bulk rate runs $.158 per piece for documents less than 3.3 ounces, whereas first class rates are $.34 per piece and this cost is rising. Quite a difference when you add it up! If you have any questions or need assistance, please call or email LauraMixon, 800/580-2852. Thank You!
|
BACK |
Last Modified: 02/17/2001
Copyright © 2000 by the Texas Library Association