You may be used to seeing a postage mark on the upper right corner of the postcards you receive from mail. The same mark can be placed on your company’s brochure printing, should you opt to distribute them instead of postcards.

This is a common element in direct mail marketing, and it’s called a Permit Imprint. It simply means that the postage was prepaid by the company that sent you the cards. Postage fees are for the mailing service, and the values vary according to the specs of your package such as weight, distance and rate of delivery, among others. Although there are other postage options like the popular and traditional use of postage stamps, a more modern means especially appropriate and convenient for corporate settings are permit imprints.

Indicia, as it is sometimes called, is available for those who avail a mailing permit. According to USPS, an annual fee is needed to create a centralized postage payment account. This entitles you to print indicia on mail pieces, which in your case are brochures.

Brochure Printing Contents

Your USPS indicia must contain the following:

• Rate mark – whether Standard Mail (formerly referred to as Bulk Mail) or First-Class Mail
• US Postage Paid – Just include this phrase
• City and state where the permit is held
• Permit number – Must state “Permit No.” before indicating the digits

To apply for a Permit Imprint, fill up and submit Form 3615, and pay the fee (which is separate from the annual fee) at the Post Office.

Right there

Leave a section of your brochure for the address and indicia. If you’re using a tri-fold or z-fold, place the mailing information on the outer panel, and make sure that they won’t be covered by the fold overlaps after brochure printing and finishings. Remember to place Imprint on the upper right corner.