Getting the most from your post

Since 2006 UK mail is no longer costed on weight and class of service alone. Royal Mail's rule changes meant that the length, width and thickness of your mailing pieces together with their weight and service now determines the price. SOLO's team is well trained in all the rules and restrictions and is well placed to advise customers on how their mail should be sent to make the most of the changes.

For example: with just one fold in your document you could save up to 30% on First Class rates. Your A4 letter sent out unfolded in a C4 envelope is classed as a 'large letter'. If you fold your A4 letter to fit a DL or a C5 envelope you could significantly reduce your postage costs since Royal Mail now class this mail as a 'letter'.

SOLO can also advise on how to take advantage of the changes in weight restrictions and show you how to make your Direct Mail work harder for you.

What are the differences between 'letters', 'large letters' and 'packets'?

'Letters' include most letters, postcards, greetings cards, bills, statements and some brochures and catalogues. 'Letters' are A5 or less in size, half a sheet of standard A4 paper, 5mm in thickness and 0 -100g in weight.

'Large Letters' include most brochures, catalogues, company reports, magazines, CDs and DVDs. 'Large letters' must not exceed 353mm x 250mm in size (slightly larger than standard A4 paper) and 25mm in thickness. 'Large letters' may contain unfolded sheets of standard A4 paper.

'Packets' include VHS cassettes, some books, magazines and catalogues, parts and samples, foodstuffs, prints and posters in cylindrical packaging. 'Packets' are any item longer than 353mm or wider than 250mm or thicker than 25mm or heavier than 750g. The maximum weight allowed for Second Class items has increased from the old 750g limit to 1kg.

Downstream Access Suppliers (DSAs)

Since the de-regulation of the postal market SOLO has forged strong links with alternative mail carriers like UKMail and DHL. We now have contracts running with the major tried and tested suppliers in the marketplace and can offer our clients impartial advice on which carrier is the most cost effective for their individual requirements. We have proprietary software which will determine the best overall solution taking into account cost and service level. We have reguilar collections by the major players and sort mail to the exacting requirements of each. Each bag or tray of pre-sorted mail carries a barcode which is scanned through every part of the mail network. The chain is only complete when a signature is collected for every sealed bag handed over to the local Royal Mail sorting office. These services allow SOLO's customers to more efficiently plan for their mailings. Day-definite services guarantee when your customers will receive correspondence. In cases for less time sensitive items, S|OLO also offer cost-reduced unsorted mailings which can be less expensive than Royal Mail's standard second class tarif.

Ask a SOLO representative to review your current operation and to advise on the most cost effective way for you to make sure you get the most of your Direct Mail.