What is the Difference Between Standard Mail and Marketing Mail?

Ken Perez
Mar 21
2 min read

If you’ve ever planned a direct mail campaign, you may have come across the terms “Standard Mail®” and “Marketing Mail®.” While both are used interchangeably, there are slight differences in how they are referenced and utilized. Understanding these differences can help businesses optimize their mailing strategies and reduce costs.

Standard Mail® vs. Marketing Mail®: A Quick Comparison

Feature	Standard Mail®	Marketing Mail®
Purpose	Used for bulk mailing of promotional materials	Primarily used for marketing and advertising campaigns
Cost	More affordable than First-Class Mail®	Identical to Standard Mail® pricing
Delivery Time	2-9 business days	2-9 business days
Tracking	Not included by default	Not included by default
Nonprofit Discount	Available for qualified organizations	Available for qualified organizations

Understanding Standard Mail®

Standard Mail® is used by USPS for bulk mailing. This category includes any promotional, informational, or advertising material mailed in large quantities at reduced rates. It is ideal for businesses that do not require urgent delivery.

When to Use Standard Mail®:

Sending mass marketing materials such as catalogs, flyers, and postcards.
Non-urgent deliveries where cost savings are prioritized.
Nonprofit organizations looking to leverage discounted rates.

Understanding Marketing Mail®

Marketing Mail® is the modern branding term that USPS now prefers over Standard Mail®. This change helps businesses better associate the service with advertising and marketing purposes. Functionally, there is no difference between the two services; the name change was primarily for branding purposes.

When to Use Marketing Mail®:

Businesses running promotional campaigns.
Organizations sending newsletters, sales offers, or announcements.
Companies aiming to increase brand awareness via mail.

Key Differences in Usage

While the services are technically the same, the distinction mainly affects branding and business applications.

Businesses targeting advertising efforts may prefer the term “Marketing Mail®.”
Nonprofits and organizations using bulk mailing for non-promotional content may still refer to it as Standard Mail®.

Choosing the Right Mail Type for Your Business

If your primary goal is cost-effective bulk mailing for promotional purposes, either term applies. However, ensuring that your campaign aligns with USPS guidelines can help maximize efficiency and reduce mailing costs.

Conclusion

While Standard Mail® and Marketing Mail® are functionally the same, the distinction lies in branding and marketing terminology. Businesses should choose the term that aligns best with their campaign goals while leveraging the cost benefits of bulk mailing. Understanding these nuances can help businesses and organizations make the most of USPS bulk mailing services for their customer outreach initiatives.