Even if you outsource it, you need to make some up-front decisions. These are some of the preliminary questions you'll need to decide upon before getting your piece printed.

 •  How many pieces are you sending?
 •  What is your target date for shipment?
 •  Do you plan to ship first-class or bulk?
 •  How will the mailing be addressed? (Laser printed envelopes? Labels?)
 •  How will it be packaged? (Business-sized envelopes? Large, padded envelopes?)
 •  Will the mailing be stamped or metered?
 •  Does it have anything that will need to be inserted?
 •  Will the mailing need to be collated? Folded? Stapled?

If it seems confusing, don't worry. Direct marketing services will go through each option and explain what it is, how it will affect your mailing, and the pricing.