Print Post Basics

Print Post BasicsBusiness Letter Services

Introduction

Print Post is an Australia Post service for the delivery of approved periodical publications to addresses within Australia.

In this module

This module introduces you to Print Post and provides an overview of Australia Post’s requirements for Print Post preparation, sorting and lodgement.

Learning outcomesBy completing this module, you will be able to:• list the features and benefits of Print Post• identify Australia Post’s requirements for Print Post• locate current pricing information for Print Post

Print Post at a glance What is Print Post?

Print Post is an Australia Post service for the delivery of approved periodical publications to addresses within Australia.

Print Post is used by small associations for the delivery of newsletters and special interest publications, through to organisations that distribute large circulation magazines, newspapers and catalogues. A wide range of customers use the service because it is an economical choice for sending approved publications to their target market.

Print Post at a glance Why use Print Post?With Print Post, you can:• lodge bulk mailings of 100 or more articles1 (publications must be issued a minimum of twice per annum)

• maximise the space available for creative artwork• choose to include special offers with your publications• have undeliverable articles returned• access lower prices for their articles.

In addition, the Print Post service also:• has access to private box addresses• has access to the Redirection service• allows a postage meter to be used as a payment method• provides a national delivery service• has delivery with daily normal mail by the same professional delivery officers.

1 The minimum volume is 50 articles when lodging at the Office of Delivery. In all other circumstances 100 articles are required.

Print Post at a glance

More information

More detailed information is available in the Print Post Fact Sheet and Print Post service guide.

Prices for Print Post can be found in the Print Post service guide, the Post Charges Guide (MS11) and the Australia Post website (auspost.com.au).

These guides are also available at any Australia Post outlet.

Print Post basics Print Post requirements

Overview

To qualify for Print Post prices, customers need to meet Australia Post’s Print Post requirements in the following areas:

• size and weight category, and type

• barcodes and correct addressing

• sorting

• minimum volumes

• applications

Each requirement is covered on the following slides.

Print Post basics

Print Post requirements

Size and weight category

Print Post is only available for Small and Large letter categories.

All articles in a Print Post lodgement must be the same size and weight category.

† Oblong: deviating from a square by being elongated in one direction. The length must be atleast 1.2 times the width.The dimensions of articles are determined by measuring the height, length and width of the article. Excess plastic wrapping is not included when measuring plastic wrapped Print Post articles.

Print Post basics Print Post requirementsTypePrint Post articles can be enveloped or plastic wrapped. The address can be pre-printed onto a flysheet inside the plastic wrapping. Additionally, Print Post articles have some specific requirements, including:• be approved by Australia Post for carriage by Print Post, and issued with a Print Post Publication Number• consist of printed matter• be a continuing periodical with a fixed title• be issued at least twice per year• NOT be of itself, or contain, a letter, carriage of which is reserved to Australia Post by the Australian Postal Corporation Act 1989.

Each copy of a particular issue must be identical, except for permitted personalisation and that copies to be delivered to different states or regions may have different advertising content.Supplements may be included with copies of an issue including samples of goods as long as the above conditions apply and the publication is not being used as a means of delivering goods on a commercial or regular basis.

If you choose to do so, you may personalise Print Post publications. “Personalisation” under the conditions of Print Post will allow publishers to print addressee details within the publication as many times as they wish. The personalisation must be an integral part of the approved publication, and may be printed on the covers, or inside the publication.The permitted data that may be reprinted throughout the publication is:• title, name, position, organisation of the addressee• elements of the address (delivery detail information) including locality, state abbreviation or postcode.

Supplements may be included with copies of an issue, including samples of goods, as long as the following conditions apply:• Supplements must be capable of standing alone and being completely understood andappreciated by the intended recipient, whether or not they contain addressee details• Supplements must be wholly impersonal and must not contain communicationtargeted to the addressee based on criteria which is specific to that particular person• Supplements must be expressed in general language and in an impersonal tone that:- does not link its content in any way to the particular situation of the addressee,- does not contain a communication to the addressee as a particular person, and- does not contain a signature, or individual signatory details.

Print Post basics

You need to pay particular attention to addressing. Articles do not need to be barcoded, however you are encouraged to apply barcodes. The benefit for you is that correctly barcoded articles are not subject to the following Correct Addressing conditions.

There is a surcharge of 5¢ for articles that do not have a barcode and are not correctly addressed when sorted to Residue and CBD Sort Divisions.

Articles need the addressed side to be printed with:

1. the Postage Paid Imprint (unless a postage meter is used)

2. the company name and return address

3. the publication title (optional)

4. the Print Post Imprint with publication number

5. a barcode (optional), and a delivery address that observes correct addressing conditions.

Print Post requirementsBarcodes and correct addressing

Sort Divisions are explained in further detail later in this module

Print Post basics

Print Post requirements

Barcodes and Correct addressing

The complete delivery address (and barcode if present) must be positioned in the barcode and delivery address zone of the article.

Correct addressing conditions ensure the Australia Post delivery system can recognise and interpret the delivery address.

Delivery Address:

1

2

43

The address lines (excluding barcode placement) must be left justified.Second Last Line – must contain the number and name of the street or thoroughfare or PO Box or bag number.

Bottom Line – must contain, in the following order, the locality, the state or territory abbreviation and finally the postcode. This line is to be printed in CAPITALS with no punctuation, and no underlining. Leave 1 or 2 spaces only between place name, state or territory abbreviation and the postcode. Any application for variations or additions to this format should be submitted and approved prior to lodgement.

Additional address information such as a business or person’s name, must be placed above the last two lines of the address and not below, alongside or within these lines.

Barcode (optional)

5

Print Post basics

In order to access the Print Post service, envelopes or address flysheets for both large and small articles must follow the requirements for Clear Zones.

Clear Zones are areas on the article where no address or barcode information is permitted.

The clear zones for a small Print Post article are displayed:

Print Post requirementsAdding logos, advertising and other printing

1. Barcode and delivery address clear zones are areas on the article that must not contain either the 4-State barcode or the delivery address.2. The barcode clear zone must be kept clear of all printing

Print Post basicsPrint Post requirements

Barcodes and Correct addressing

Adding logos, advertising and other printing

Creative design/advertising may be located anywhere on the article. However a clear zone of at least 10mm must be observed to the left, right and bottom of the last line of the address.


SortingYou have the choice to sort their articles into four categories. The deeper the level of sort performed, the more economical Print Post pricing becomes.

All Print Post articles need to be sorted and presented with the correct label either as bundles or in Australia Post letter trays. Both trays and labels can be supplied by Australia Post.

The four Print Post sort categories are:

Sort category Description

Residue Articles not sorted to the Print Post Sort Plan

Metro/Country Articles in separate trays according to the Print Post Sort Plan of postcode ranges which can be found at www.auspost.com.au/sortplans

Local Sort Division Articles for delivery to the postcodes served by the mail centre where they are lodged

Office of Delivery Articles for delivery by the Delivery Office where they are lodged


Sort

“Local Sort” and Metro/Country” sort divisions must prepared in the following categories:

Small Postcode Direct (SPD)

A bundle of articles that are all addressed to a single postcode or to a single CBD Sort Division1. Minimum quantities apply depending on article size and weight.

Large Postcode Direct (LPD):

A tray of articles that are all addressed to a single postcode or to a single CBD Sort Division1. Minimum quantities apply depending on article size and weight.

1. CBD Sort division:

A designated range of postcodes - there are 6: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Hobart.


Minimum volumes

The minimum volume is 50 articles when lodging at the Office of Delivery. In all other circumstances 100 articles are required.

Delivery times

Print Post is delivered Monday to Friday with Letters and other mail.

Print Post items take 1 to 7 days to be delivered depending on the delivery address.

Print Post basicsAir carriage

You can choose to pay an air carriage premium and receive the same delivery standard as letters by ordinary post, based on a 12 noon lodgement.

Air carriage is available under special arrangements or agreements. For further information contact either your Australia Post Account Manager, or the contacts detailed in the front cover of the Print Post service guide.


Application

You need to apply to use the Print Post service by completing a Print Post Application Form which is submitted along with a sample of your publication, to your Post Office, or to the Print Post coordinator in your state. ( as listed in the Print Post service guide)

Approval is free and you will be given a Print Post Publication Number and your nominated lodgement point confirmed.


Lodgement

You need to provide the correct documentation when lodging Print Post articles, as follows:

• Print Post Mailing Statement

• For larger mailings (over 5,000), a Print Post Supporting Document (Manifest) detailing the number of articles in each sort category in each sort division

Print Post basicsOther considerations

How can I be sure an article is acceptable?

Australia Post staff inspect each lodgement to ensure that it satisfies correct addressing conditions.

If you are concerned that your articles may not satisfy all service requirements you can request a preliminary test prior to lodgement.

Contact your Australia Post Account Manager, or the Print Post Coordinator as detailed in the front cover of the Print Post service guide.


Cost

Prices for Print Post are available in the Print Post service guide, the Post Charges Guide (MS11) and the Australia Post website (auspost.com.au). Print Post items are charged according to four sort levels, depending on the customer’s processing capabilities.

A surcharge (of 5¢ per article in addition to the published prices) applies to Residue Articles, and articles to CBD Sort Divisions, which do not meet the Correct Addressing conditions.

Australia Post provides a variety of payment options. For details, please discuss with your lodgement point or Account Manager, or call 13 11 18, or the contacts detailed on the inside front cover of this booklet.

Articles attract Same State prices when lodged within the same state as the delivery address (as defined in the Print Post Sort Plan). For charging purposes, the ACT is considered to be part of NSW, and South Australia does not include Northern Territory.

Note: If you want to pay using an Australia Post charge account you will need to lodge your Print Post items at the office at which you hold the account. Otherwise you will need to arrange with your account manager or Australia Post credit management for your account to be made available at the selected lodgement office.

Returned mail / undeliverable articles: Each undeliverable article is returned to the nominated return address on the article by ordinary post. The cost of return postage is assessed at the ordinary post price.

Print Post basicsSummary

The key points covered were:• A Print Post article must not be a letter or contain a letter• The minimum amount of articles needed to access the Print Post service is 100, unless lodging 50 articles at the Office of Delivery• The publication needs to be a continuing periodical with a fixed title, published at least twice a year • Only Small and Large envelope categories are eligible• Customers are required to apply for Print Post by completing a Print Post Application Form. Approval is free and customers will be given a Print Post Publication number and their nominated lodgement point confirmed.• Pricing is based on size and weight, level of sort and number of articles, and destination• Sort categories are Office of Delivery, Residue, Metro/Country - Same and Other State, Local Sort Division, Small Postcode Direct, Large Postcode Direct, and CBD.• Mandatory addressing conditions apply to Residue and CBD Sort• Complete a mailing statement for each Print Post lodgement• Prices can be located in the Postal Charges Guide (MS11)

You now need to complete a short assessment to check your understanding of the information covered in this module. This assessment consists of 10 multiple-choice questions and should take you approximately 10 minutes to complete. To pass the assessment, you need to answer at least eight of these questions correctly.Attempt this assessment as many times as you need to. If you do not pass, it is recommended that you review this module again.

Assessment

a. Yes

b. No, a Print Post article must not be a letter or contain a letter.

Assessment

1

Correct answer = BA Print Post article must not be a letter or contain a letter.

Can I include a letter with my Print Post approved publication?

a. Yes

b. No, to be eligible the magazine must be published at least twice a year and be a continuing periodical with a fixed title.

Assessment

2

Correct answer = BTo be eligible the magazine must be published at least twice a year and be a continuing periodical with a fixed title

I am the Secretary of a Car Club. Our magazine is produced annually and sent to all members. Can I send the magazine via Print Post

a. Small and Small Plus

b. Small and Medium

c. Large

d. Small and Large

Assessment

3

Correct answer = DSmall and Large

What size envelope categories are eligible for Print Post

a. Select my own 8 digit number and send a copy of my publication to Australia Post

b. You do not need a Print Post number to lodge Print Post

c. I must apply to Australia Post for a Print Post number using the application form and submit with a sample of my publication

Assessment

4

Correct answer = CI must apply to Australia Post for a Print Post number using the application form and submit with a sample of my publication

How do I get my Print Post number?

a. Size of article

b. Number of articles

c. Weight of article

d. Level of sort performed

e. Destination

f. All of the above

Assessment

5

Correct answer = FAll of the above. Print Post pricing is based on size and weight, level of sort , number of articles, and destination

What is Print Post Pricing based on?

a. 20 small articles

b. 300 large articles

c. 25 large articles weighing up to 250g

d. 100 articles unless lodging 50 articles at the Office of Delivery

e. 300 articles sorted to a Large Postcode Direct.

Assessment

6

Correct answer = DThe minimum amount of articles needed to access the Print Post service is 100 articles unless lodging 50 articles at the Office of Delivery.

What is the minimum amount of articles I need to access the Print Post service?

a. Bottom right hand corner

b. Top left hand corner

c. Located within the Print Post imprint

Assessment

7

Correct answer = BIt is preferred that the company name is printed in the top left hand corner.

Where is the preferred place for the company name and return address on a Print Post article?

a. Residue

b. Country/Metro

c. Office of delivery

d. Local sort division

Assessment

8

Correct answer = AResidue is the only option that requires no sorting in this case.

Bob doesn’t want to do any sorting of his Print Post lodgement of 800 addresses all over Queensland. What pricing table should he use?

a. It is preferred that the return address is printed in the top left hand corner

b. The publication title and issue needs to be printed on the article

c. The Print Post approved wording with the publication number needs to be printed on the article

d. The Print Post imprint needs to be printed on the article

e. The surface mail indicator needs to be printed on the article

f. The Postage Paid imprint needs to be printed on the article (unless a postage meter is used)

Assessment

9

Correct answer = EThe surface mail indicator is not one of the mandatory correct addressing conditions of Print Post.

Correct Addressing conditions apply to articles in a Residue or CBD Sort lodgement. From the answers below select the condition that does not apply.

a. Always

b. When there are more than 5,000 articles in the lodgement.

c. When there are more than 10,000 articles in the lodgement.

Assessment

10

Correct answer = BA Print Post manifest needs to accompany the mailing statement when the lodgement contains 5,000 articles or more.

True of false?

When should a Print Post manifest accompany the mailing statement at lodgement?

Documents

Print Post Basics