Business Mail vs Advertising Mail – What’s right for me?
Business Mail
Business Mail covers letters that are informative or operational. You’re sending them because you need to, rather than to promote anything.
Examples:
- Appointment reminders
- Statements or invoices
- Council or regulatory notices
- Service updates
- Any other letter that gives people information they need
Because these letters don’t qualify for promotional discounts, their postage costs more.
Simple example
A dentist writes to 3,000 patients to remind them about their annual check-ups. The letter might sound friendly, but its purpose is operational, so it goes as Business Mail.
Advertising Mail
Advertising Mail covers promotional letters. Your letter will usually qualify if it’s designed to sell something, generate enquiries, invite people to an event or prompt a response.
Examples:
• Sales letters
• Event invitations
• Offers for new customers
• Lead generation campaigns
These letters are eligible for Royal Mail’s marketing discounts, which makes them cheaper to send.
Simple example
A landscaper posts 5,000 letters offering 10% off spring garden work. The letter promotes a service and asks people to respond, so it goes as Advertising Mail.
Why the price difference matters
An informational letter has to go as Business Mail, while a promotional letter can go as Advertising Mail and cost you less. That’s why two letters that look alike can have different postage rates. Royal Mail sets the category based on the content, so the extra cost isn’t something we’ve added.
Business Mail
Purpose: Informational or operational
Examples: Appointments, statements and invoices, service updates, council notices
Postage cost: Higher
Why: Not eligible for marketing discounts
Advertising Mail
Purpose: Promotional or sales-driven
Examples: Special offers, lead generation campaigns, event invitations, customer acquisition mailings
Postage cost: Lower
Why: Eligible for Royal Mail’s marketing discounts
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