Every so often, despite your best efforts to maintain accurate addresses, mail may become undeliverable. This can occur because customers relocate or buildings become vacant. The Usps Mail Forwarding Service, part of ancillary service endorsements, offers a solution by providing specific instructions on how to handle mail that cannot be delivered to the original address. Depending on your mailing objectives, you might want mail forwarded to a new address if a customer has moved, or you might prefer to receive a corrected address. Ancillary service endorsements include several options which are indicated by phrases printed on the address side of your mailpiece, such as:
- Address Service Requested
- Return Service Requested
- Change Service Requested
- Forwarding Service Requested
- Electronic Service Requested
The handling of undeliverable mail varies based on the mail class, the endorsement selected, and the recency of the customer’s move. It’s important to note that some of these services come with associated fees.
Quick Service Guide 507 – Ancillary Service Endorsements
First-Class Mail benefits from free forwarding to a new address and free return if ultimately undeliverable. This demonstrates significant value for the postage you pay. By using an ancillary service endorsement, you can customize the handling of your First-Class Mail. In contrast, USPS Marketing Mail without any endorsement that becomes undeliverable is simply disposed of by the Postal Service. This highlights the critical need to keep your address lists accurate and up-to-date.
To make the most of USPS Mail Forwarding Service and other endorsements, it’s essential to understand the specific services provided and any applicable fees before applying an endorsement to your mailpiece. Be particularly aware of the “weighted fee” for USPS Marketing Mail when using “Address Service Requested” or “Forwarding Service Requested.” This fee can significantly increase the original postage cost, often surprising mailers. The most effective strategy to minimize undeliverable or returned mail is to verify the accuracy of your address list before mailing.
