Fulfillment services

When it comes to direct mailing there is much to consider and you’ll be at ease in partnership with our team and mail house associates. At Mailpros, we provide almost all services that are related to direct mail marketing.  

Our direct mail and fulfillment services includes:

• ‍Mail list processing (presort, CASS Certify, dedupe and NCOA address update process)
• ‍CASS Certify Mailing Lists
• Inkjet Addressing

• Tabbing: Tabs or wafer seals are required for direct mail letter size self mailers. There are many USPS requirements regarding tabs that can be confusing. The goal should be to design your direct mail piece to use as few tabs as possible so your mailer is easy to open and read. The following link describes various requirements; however, the experience of a direct mail house may better guide you to design more efficiently and cost effectively.

Design is the key not only to abide by USPS regulations but to plan ahead to use as few tabs as possible. Contact us before starting your design and we can help you with a few simple tips.

• ‍Folding: Mail Pros can handle all of your folding needs from letters to self mailers. If the pieces are letters and are to be inserted into an envelope then we generally use a letter fold style instead of a Z fold for ease of machine insertion. Self mailers will be folded according to the design of your mail piece. If the self mailer is thick such as card stock then the piece must be scored at the fold line in order to alleviate tearing of the material at the fold line and produce a clean fold.
• ‍Inserting: Mail Pros can handle all of your inserting needs from a single insert to multiple inserts. The following are a few things to keep in mind when planning a mailing that requires inserting: Envelope flap design is key to being able to machine insert versus hand inserting. Consideration of the size of the pieces to be inserted compared to the envelope size is a must. Inserting one piece behind the next piece is less expensive than nesting your pieces together.

Design is the key in order to keep costs as low as possible. Order your envelopes through us as nobody beats our quality and pricing.

• ‍‍Affix Postage Stamps, Meter Postage or Inkjet Permit: There are several different options when it comes to affixing postage for a direct mailing. You may choose to use a live stamp or a permit imprint for First Class mail and for Standard and Nonprofit mailings. The following are examples of the choices available:

• ‍Mail Merge and Variable Data Printing
• ‍Postcard Printing
• Mail Delivered to the Post Office
• Warehouse Storage

What is a fulfillment service?

A fulfillment service is essentially a third-party company that handles all the logistics related to storing, picking, packing, and shipping orders on behalf of another business. This service is typically provided from a physical location known as a fulfillment center, which is a large warehouse space where goods are stored, managed, and dispatched.

Businesses often turn to fulfillment services for a variety of reasons. For some, it's a matter of convenience. Handling shipping in-house can be a complex and time-consuming process, especially as a business grows. By outsourcing this task to a fulfillment service, businesses can focus more on their core operations, such as product development, marketing, and customer service.

For other businesses, using a fulfillment service is a necessity due to growth. As a business expands, it may outgrow its existing warehousing capabilities to the point where it's no longer able to efficiently or effectively manage and ship orders on its own. In such cases, a fulfillment service can provide the necessary infrastructure and expertise to handle increased order volumes.

How does the fulfillment process work?

The fulfillment process begins when products are received from suppliers and stored in a warehouse. Each product is cataloged and stored in a specific location for easy retrieval. When a customer places an order, the order information is sent to the fulfillment center. The ordered items are then picked from their respective locations in the warehouse, packaged securely, and labeled for shipping. The package is then handed over to a shipping carrier who delivers it to the customer. Throughout this process, inventory levels are constantly updated to reflect the current stock status.

How can a third-party fulfillment service benefit my business?

A third-party fulfillment service can offer numerous benefits. It can save you time and resources by handling all aspects of order fulfillment, allowing you to focus on other areas of your business. It can also provide you with access to advanced technology and expertise in logistics, leading to more efficient operations and reduced errors. Additionally, third-party fulfillment services often have established relationships with shipping carriers, which can result in lower shipping costs. They can also handle returns and exchanges, providing a seamless experience for your customers.

How do you handle inventory management?

Inventory management is handled through a combination of technology and systematic organization. Upon receiving goods from suppliers, each item is cataloged in an inventory management system with details like SKU, quantity, and storage location. The system keeps track of inventory levels in real-time, updating as items are sold and restocked. Regular audits are also conducted to ensure the accuracy of the system. Advanced inventory management systems can also predict future demand and suggest optimal restocking levels.

What is the turnaround time for order processing and delivery?

The turnaround time can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the order, the location of the customer, and the chosen shipping method. However, with an efficient fulfillment process, orders are typically processed within 24 hours of being received. Shipping time will then depend on the distance to the customer's location and the shipping method. Expedited shipping options can deliver packages within 1-2 days, while standard shipping may take 3-7 days.

How do you handle returns and exchanges?

Returns and exchanges are handled through a defined returns management process. When a customer initiates a return or exchange, they are provided with a return shipping label. Once the returned item is received, it is inspected for quality. If the item is in sellable condition, it is restocked. If it's an exchange, the replacement item is shipped to the customer. The inventory management system is updated accordingly. Throughout this process, communication is maintained with the customer to keep them informed of the status of their return or exchange.