You’ve mailed 2500 pieces at the discounted bulk mail rate, saving over $300 in postage compared to first class postage. Then you’re busted, because one solo address on your list is out of date! The postman has now discovered that your list hasn’t been run though the official NCOA (list cleanup) process.

It’s like running a red light, and then having your picture show up in the mailbox. The amount of your fine: 7 cents per piece, or a total of $175 in this case. Yes, that’s right. You pay for every address on the list, even the good addresses.

Friends, there’s no traffic school at the Post Office.

Standard class mail is becoming an increasingly unattractive option, unless you’re well equipped to navigate the postal system. And with all postage rates going up soon, we’re all well advised to get things right, before getting things in the mail.