Un enveloped direct mail pieces prepared for automation rate mailings must be secured (tabbed ) to prevent an open edge from jamming high-speed processing equipment. Construction of the direct mail piece plays an important role in determining automation compatibility. Standards for tabbing are based on basis weight of paper stock used and the location of the folded or bound edge. As an alternative to tabs or wafer seals, the open edge of the length of the direct mail piece may be continuously glued or spot glued. Continuous glue or spot glue is permissible with single sheet self mailers and cards
Sticky wafer tabs are used to hold open ended mailers closed. If you are sending a self mailer and want to get the cheapest rate and fastest delivery allowed by the post office, then you must tab. Now here is the good news: the cost to tab an open ended mailer is only 1 cent each tab. Your savings from the post office for doing this is approximately 5 cents per piece. You net 3 cents per piece (or 4 if you graphic designer sets up the mailer correctly) and get your tabbing for free…
We can tab self mailers at about 20,000 pieces per hour.
Tabs come in any color (special order), white or clear.
The cost is about 1 cent per tab.
Check out our Direct Mail Prices page for more info.