A USPS Marketing Mail postage class indicia indicating bulk-rate, presorted, non-First-Class delivery.
Definition
PRSRT STD ("Presort Standard") is the indicia text printed on USPS Marketing Mail pieces that have been presorted by ZIP code before being handed to USPS. Presorting reduces USPS's processing work, so it earns a postage discount. PRSRT STD is the most common indicia text on bulk promotional mail.
Why it matters
When recipients see "PRSRT STD" on a piece, they know it's bulk promotional mail rather than First-Class personal correspondence. Some businesses prefer First-Class indicia (which feels more like personal mail) for recall and customer-facing campaigns, even though it costs more — the perception of "junk mail" can lower response rates.
Example
A regional HVAC chain mails 25,000 prospect postcards using PRSRT STD to take advantage of bulk discounts (saving roughly $5,000 in postage versus First-Class). For their existing-customer recall campaigns of 1,000 cards, they switch to First-Class indicia to feel more personal — the small extra cost is justified by higher response rates.
Related terms
- USPS Marketing Mail — USPS's bulk mail class for promotional content — lower postage, longer delivery times, ...
- Postage Permit Indicia — A printed marking on a mail piece that authorizes prepaid postage in place of a physica...
- USPS First-Class Mail — The USPS's premium mail class — fastest delivery, address forwarding, and free return o...
- Direct Mail — Promotional or transactional mail sent through the postal service to a targeted list of...
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