A bulk mailing must have a minimum of 200 pieces. All pieces must be identical in weight, wording, & contents. Each piece must have a printed indicia on the envelope (in place of a stamp or meter print). Bulk mail will be processed as quickly as possible, within three days or less (the actual time will depend on the number and quantities of bulk mailings going out that week). Please use the GVSU "corporate indicia" (see example on next page) be printed on new envelopes, as it will work at the Allendale or Gr. Rapids post office. 

Large bulk mailings (2,000 pieces or more) It is recommended that you contact a commercial mailing house such as Kent Communications, if you have a large bulk mailing to send out. If you use a commercial service to send out a bulk mailing, call Facilities Services (Michelle Holstege) at 1-3845 so we will be able to assign postage costs to the correct account number (FOAP).

Standard A / Bulk mail which is undeliverable is not forwarded or returned by the USPS unless one the following endorsements is used:

• Address Service Requested
• Return Service Requested
• Forwarding Service Requested
• Change Service Requested

There is a fee for each of these services. Refer to the USPS web site DMM section F010 for more details.

Nonprofit vs. Regular Standard A Mail
There are significant savings sending your bulk mailings at the nonprofit rate verses the regular rate. To qualify for the nonprofit rate, the content of the mailing must be aligned with GVSU's primary purpose - education. Three typical subjects that disqualify nonprofit status are travel, insurance, and credit cards. Joint mailings with other nonprofit organizations must be arranged in advance with the Allendale Post Office (895-6444). If you have any questions about your mailing being able to qualify for nonprofit status, please call the post office before sending the mailing out.

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