Have you ever had a question and either didn't know where to find the answer or were too afraid to ask? If so, you've come to the right place.
As the name would suggest, this section is a compilation of answers to the questions our clients commonly ask. Here you'll find answers to common questions our clients ask. Just start by following one of the links below.
- How long does it take for you to complete my order?
- What is a "proof"?
- Why do I need to look at a proof if I've already given you everything I need to have done?
- Do I still need to approve a proof if I bring my work in on disk?
- How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
- How can I save money on my mailings?
- Can I do the mailing myself and get the same discount?
- Mailing Type
- Mailing Permit
- Mail Piece Design
- Verify Addresses
- Sorting
- Can my company mail as a Non-Profit?
- Can Church Offset mail my Non-Profit mailing for me?
- What about lines like “Return Service Requested”?
- What are the current Postage rates?
- How long does it take for you to complete my order?
Most orders are completed within 10 working days, however sometimes things need to be hurried along. We will do whatever possible to try and meet your time schedule.
- What is a "proof"?
A proof is a way of ensuring that we have set your type accurately and that everything is positioned according to your requirements. Typically, we will produce a proof which will be sent to you online or printed on paper which can be viewed in our store or delivered to you in person.
On multiple color jobs, we can produce a color proof on our color output device to show how the different colors will appear.
- Why do I need to look at a proof if I've already given you everything I need to have done?
We employ human beings to produce your work and, last time we checked, humans are not perfect. Your approval on the final proof is assurance that you have looked over every aspect of our work and approve it as accurate. It benefits everyone if errors are caught in the proofing process rather than after the job is completed and delivered.
- Do I still need to approve a proof if I bring my work in on disk?
Because sometimes computers see things differently or fonts or photos may not show up as expected. We suggest proofing a job after your files go through our system.
- How do I go about getting an estimate from you?
Well, since you are here, we would suggest you use our online estimate request form. Otherwise, the best way to ensure that we get all the information necessary to do an accurate quote, give us a call and talk with one of our customer service representatives.
- How can I save money on my mailings?
If you are mailing a minimum 200pcs of the same piece the Postal Service offers discounts for bulk mailings because you do some of the work that otherwise would have to be done by the Postal Service (for example, sorting the mail by ZIP Code or transporting the mail to a different postal facility). Everyone benefits from this "work sharing." Mailers make an investment in time and technology, and the Postal Service’s costs are reduced and you pay less postage.
Standard Mail rates are discounted from "single-piece" rates. "Single-piece" means that you pay the full postage rate; when you put a 37-cent stamp on a letter, you're paying the single-piece rate. Many mailers pay single-piece rates even though they are doing large mailings. Why? Because they don’t want to do any extra preparation work—they don’t have the time, or it’s just not cost effective for their business. Church Offset can take that burden away from you. We will help you make smart choices about your own mail to determine if bulk mail rates are right for you.
- Can I do the mailing myself and get the same discount?
Yes you can but there are a few things you will need. Check out the questions below to determine if bulk mail is right for you.
- Mailing Type
First you will need to determine what kind of mailing you will be doing. There are many types of mailings you can do and all have different specifications as to size, Shape, thickness and weight of the piece and You can access USPS form C050 here or contact a Church Offset mailing specialist for our professional advise.
- Mailing Permit
Next you need a mailing permit and pay an annual fee. If you are interested in obtaining your own mailing permit you can follow this link to USPS form 3615 & download the form. However if you choose to mail through Church Offset you can use our permit at no additional charge.
- Mail Piece Design
Next you need to make smart choices about the design, size, shape and weight of your mail piece. The choices you make here can result in significant postage savings. You can follow this link to USPS form 810 on Design for a mail pieces or you can contact Church Offset and let our design team and years of experience assist you.
- Verify Addresses
Then you will need to ensure that your addresses are correct. Church Offset has the latest software and can CASS certify and barcode your mail piece to ensure the lowest possible postage is obtained.
- Sorting
Next you need to sort your mail piece, Fill out the proper USPS forms, Tray, Tag, and deliver to the correct Post Office.
- Can my company mail as a Non-Profit?
If you are a non-profit organization you may be eligible for further reductions in postage. You must fill out USPS form3624 and file with your local Post Office.
- Can Church Offset mail my Non-Profit mailing for me?
Yes we can. You will need to complete USPS Form3623 and return to us. We can then use your existing permit number or you can use ours.
- What about lines like “Return Service Requested”?
These are called “Ancillary Service Endorsements” There are numerous endorsement lines you can use to obtain different results from your mailing. Beware of what endorsement you choose to use as some may end up costing you more postage then expected. You can access USPS form 015 here or contact a Church Offset mailing specialist to help determine if any of these endorsements are right for you.
- What are the current Postage rates?
There is a lot that goes into determining the correct and lowest postage available. Check out our rate sheet and contact Church Offset to help determine what rate fits your project the best.
*** Prices Updated March 2006 ***
