
Business reply mail options can be tailored to fit your specific needs, and it's essential to understand the different types to make informed decisions.
There are two main types of business reply mail: permit reply mail and metered reply mail. Permit reply mail requires a permit to be purchased from the USPS, while metered reply mail uses a postage meter to print the postage.
The cost of business reply mail varies depending on the type and size of the mailpiece. Permit reply mail can be more cost-effective for large mailings, while metered reply mail may be more suitable for smaller mailings.
With the right business reply mail option, you can streamline your mail processes and save time and resources.
Permit Requirements
To get a Business Reply Mail or Qualified Business Reply Mail Permit, you'll need to fill out two forms: PS form 3615 and PS form 6805. These forms can be found on the USPS website.
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You'll need to submit the annual permit fees, if applicable, along with the forms. In some cases, you'll be given an Advance Deposit account at the issuing post office.
You'll be required to produce two personal identifications, with at least one having your photograph on it.
Applying for a BRM permit can be tricky, but you can visit your nearest Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU) for help.
Here's a summary of the required documents and steps:
- PS Form 3615: Get a mailing permit and create an account with the USPS
- PS Form 6805: Get validation and approval required for a BRM permit, and avail a ZIP+4 code
- Annual permit fees (if applicable)
- Two personal identifications (with at least one having a photograph)
Note that you can also open an EPS account to renew permits and manage your Advance Deposit account.
Types of Options
If you're looking to send Business Reply Mail, you have several options to choose from.
There are actually several different options for Business Reply Mail, including Real Pen Addressing Mailer, Post It Note Mailer, and Bulk Mailing Service.
You can select one according to your budget and needs, as there are many different USPS business reply mail types available.
Options

If you're looking to send business reply mail, you have several options to choose from.
There are many different types of business reply mail options available, which can be selected according to your budget and needs.
If you expect to receive more than 961 responses annually, you have a few specialized options to consider. These include Real Pen Addressing Mailer, Post It Note Mailer, Bulk Mailing Service, Political Campaign Mailing, Invoice and Statement Mailing, and Window Check Snap Pack.
Here are some of the options listed out in more detail:
Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your specific needs and requirements.
Utilizing
Utilizing Business Reply Mail can be a cost-effective option for your business. If you're expecting less than 961 responses annually, you can opt for a Basic BRM, which comes with an annual permit fee of $265 and an annual account maintenance fee of $800.
The cost per piece of mail is not specified for the Basic BRM, but it's worth noting that this option is suitable for businesses with low response volumes. In contrast, utilizing Business Reply Mail for higher response volumes requires a different approach.

For businesses that use Business Reply Mail, the mail pieces are delivered to a designated location after USPS processing. The pieces are then recorded and forwarded through Campus Mail.
A monthly accounting fee of $6.00 is billed to the EFS string associated with the unique code, in addition to postage and handling fees.
High Volume Options
If you have many prepaid responses coming in each month, High Volume BRM is your choice. It's ideal for businesses that accept checks via mail for subscriptions or other products, and also a good choice if you expect a high rate of return on things like surveys.
You can get discounts on prepaid postage rates, sign up for an Advanced Deposit Account to prepay postage, and use postage-paid preprinted First-Class and Priority mail materials.
For this service, you'll pay First Class or Priority Mail postage rates for each returned piece, and you'll need to pay an annual account maintenance fee of $860.
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High Volume BRM is available for companies that mail in bulk, with expected responses exceeding 42,981 quarterly.
To qualify, your QBRM mail items must be compatible with the USPS sorting equipment, and follow the size dimensions.
You'll need to avail a unique barcode and ZIP+4 code, and QBRM can only be sent along with First Class Mail items.
An annual account maintenance fee is chargeable to your Advance Deposit account, and you're also entitled to pay a processing fee quarterly.
High-volume QBRM offers the lowest per-piece rates possible, making it a worthwhile option for businesses with high response rates.
Here are some of the specific requirements for High-Volume Qualified Business Reply Mail:
- Expected responses must exceed 42,981 quarterly.
- Mail items must be compatible with USPS sorting equipment and follow size dimensions.
- A unique barcode and ZIP+4 code are required.
- QBRM can only be sent with First Class Mail items.
If the number of responses exceeds 925 pieces, the high-volume option is ideal, as it can help you get discounted rates.
You can send high-volume BRM with First-Class Mail and Priority Mail, and all BRM mail items under high-volume BRM are pre-printed and prepaid.
To begin with, pay the annual permit fee, next up is the annual account maintenance fee, and apart from that, you also need to pay the postage for returned mail.
Design and Layout
The layout of a business reply mail envelope is crucial to ensure it's processed correctly. The Business Reply Mail Legend Box is placed above the address, right in the center of the envelope, and should include the words "BUSINESS REPLY MAIL" in all caps, at least 3/16" in height.
Below the Business Reply Mail Legend Box, you'll need to specify the mail type, permit number, and address of the issuing postal facility, including the city name and state abbreviation. This information is essential to ensure that the envelope is properly tracked and processed.
If you're using a business reply envelope, you can insert your response in the BRM envelope and send it back without paying for postage.
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Guidelines for Layout

The layout of a business reply mail envelope is crucial for ensuring it gets processed correctly.
The Business Reply Mail Legend Box is the first part of the envelope, placed above the address in the center. It must contain the words "BUSINESS REPLY MAIL" in all caps, at least 3/16" in height.
Below these words, you'll need to include the mail type, such as FIRST-CLASS MAIL, and your permit number. You should also mention the address of the issuing postal facility, including the city name and state abbreviation.
Business reply mail envelopes require a specific return address, which should include a code provided by Addressing & Mailing Services. This code allows them to charge the applicable postage back to your department.
Here are the key elements to include in the return address:
- Code provided by Addressing & Mailing Services
- Permit number
- Department's EFS string
Using business reply envelopes that don't meet USPS sizing and formatting standards can result in additional postage charges or revocation of your permit. It's recommended to print envelopes by Printing Services to ensure they meet these requirements.
Get Help for Item Design

The USPS website offers some templates for business reply mail, but they don't design barcodes. You can contact their Mailpiece Design Analysts (MDAs) for help with barcode design and template analysis.
PostGrid provides pre-built professional templates for business reply mail pieces and can assist with printing and mailing direct mail collateral. They can even design your business mail reply envelopes along with your direct mail pieces.
PostGrid excels at handling print and mail processes, making it a great option for marketers who struggle with these tasks. They ensure high-quality printing and accurate delivery of mail items to the right addresses.
Including BRM items with your direct mail collateral simplifies the response process, allowing customers to act promptly on your offers. This can lead to a higher number of responses and a better return on investment (ROI).
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Cards
Business reply mail cards are a simple and effective way to collect responses from recipients. They're a double-sided postcard with a perforation that allows the recipient to fill out one side and return it in the mail without paying postage.

A common size for business reply cards is 8 x 6, which is then perforated and folded in half to be mailed as a 4 x 6 postcard. This design makes it easy for recipients to fill out and return.
Business reply cards can be customized by the sender, who can fill out one side with their message or survey. The other side must include the company address, a business reply barcode, and other BRC requirements.
Benefits and Services
Business reply mail offers several benefits, including better response rates and increased engagements. This is due to the incentive provided for prospects to reply to your direct mail survey or subscription.
With business reply mail, you can simplify the prospect responding process, providing a clear and easy way for them to respond. This can ultimately boost response rates.
One of the advantages of business reply mail services is that they increase the accuracy of delivery, as the addresses are preprinted for responders, removing any mistakes and undeliverable addresses.
Preprinted addresses and pre-attached postage stamps also make it quicker for responders to send back the mailers, resulting in faster response times.
The price of a postage is worth a new lead, making business reply mail a worthwhile investment for businesses looking to generate new leads.
Business reply mail services can be handled efficiently with the help of automated business reply mail, which can help you get the best out of the benefits.
Here are some of the key benefits of business reply mail services:
- Better response rates
- Increased engagements
- Improved brand image
- Added awareness
Business reply mail is great for various industries, including non-profit organizations, insurance agencies, and real estate. It's also suitable for businesses looking for a quick response to their direct mail campaign.
Business reply mail services can provide a range of benefits, including:
- Simplifies the prospect responding process
- Increases the accuracy of delivery
- Quicker response times
- The price of a postage is worth a new lead
By using business reply mail services, you can save time and effort, as well as benefit from the expertise of professionals who can design and process your business reply mail.
Payment and Costs
The cost of sending business reply mail can vary depending on the type and volume of mail you're sending. For basic BRM, the cost per response is $0.83 for letters and flats weighing up to one ounce, and the same cost applies to parcels.
If you're sending in high volume, the costs of business reply mail start at $0.091, which is the lowest BRM cost. You can also use automated reply mail to design acceptable mail items, which can save you money.
To give you a better idea of the costs, here are the rates for different types of business reply mail:
To send business reply mail, you'll need to obtain a permit, which comes with an annual fee. The annual permit fee for a basic BRM permit is $235, while the annual permit fee for a high-volume BRM permit is also $235, but you'll also need to pay an annual account maintenance fee of $710 for every postal facility you use.
Postage Paid Line
When you're sending out business reply mail, it's essential to include a clear statement about who's responsible for paying the postage. Insert a line that says “POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE” under the Business Reply Mail Legend Box.
This statement is crucial to show that it is a BRM item, as mentioned in the guidelines for business reply mail.
Costs
The costs associated with business reply mail can be a bit confusing, but don't worry, I've got you covered.
The cost per response for basic BRM is $0.83 for letters and flats weighing up to one ounce, and the same cost applies to parcels.
To get started with business reply mail, you'll need to obtain a permit, which can cost anywhere from $235 to $265 annually, depending on the type of permit you need.
High-volume BRM permits have the same annual permit fee of $235, but you'll also need to pay an annual account maintenance fee of $710 for each postal facility you use.

If you're sending a high volume of business reply mail, you may want to consider a high-volume QBRM permit, which has a quarterly fee of $2,405 for any three consecutive months, in addition to the annual account maintenance fee of $710.
Here's a breakdown of the costs for each type of permit:
Keep in mind that the cost per response also varies depending on the type of mail and its weight, but the above costs are a good starting point to consider when planning your business reply mail strategy.
Payment Options Available
You can pay your BRM-related fees through various online tools.
To get started, you'll need to create an Enterprise Payment System (EPS) account, previously known as the Centralized Account Processing System (CAPS) account. This account enables you to pay all your postal charges via a single platform.
Having an EPS account offers several benefits, including online management of services and the ability to explore different USPS products and services.
You can create an EPS account at https://gateway.usps.com/.
You can pay your BRM fees through your EPS account using one of three options.
Addressing and Mail
Addressing and Mail is a crucial aspect of Business Reply Mail (BRM) services. You can receive First-Class Mail back from customers, paying postage and handling only on the pieces returned.
The USPS has specific guidelines for BRM pieces. Without a barcode, use FIM B, and with a barcode, use FIM C. The barcode mechanicals from the USPS must not be reduced or enlarged.
The destination address on a BRM piece should only include the 06268 zip code, as it stops at the USPS first for collection of postage and fees. No plus 4 is required. Customers must have a KFS on the BRM piece, which can be placed above the rectangular block called the Business Reply Mail legend or in the top left corner.
Here are the unique plus 4 digits for QBRM pieces: 06268-9927 for 1 ounce or less, 06268-9928 for over 1 ounce and up to 2 ounces, and 06268-9926 for QBRM cards.
Return only the revised heading

Basic Business Reply Mail (BRM) is a cost-effective option for businesses that need to send out occasional surveys or other mail pieces that require a response.
The USPS recommends BRM for businesses that expect 925 or fewer pieces of mail returned each year. This service is ideal for small businesses or those with a low volume of mail.
You can use Basic BRM for postage-paid, preprinted postcards or envelopes for First-Class Mail and Priority Mail. This means you won't need to worry about affixing stamps or paying for postage upfront.
One of the best things about BRM is that you only pay for the responses you receive. This can help you save money and reduce waste.
Here are some key features of Basic BRM:
- Postage-paid, preprinted materials for First-Class Mail and Priority Mail
- Pay only for responses received
Company Details
When including your company's details on an envelope, make sure to follow the USPS address format for better deliverability.
The address should be written in the following format: Permit Holder's Name, Company Name, Street Address, City, State, ZIP Code. For example, DYLAN HOPKINS, STARWAY GALLERY LTD, 52 34TH MANHATTAN ST, NEW YORK CITY, NY 10008-9696.
Related reading: Home Address Format
Leave a distance of at least ⅝” from the bottom edge of the envelope to the address. The permit holder's name should be included in the address.
If your company prefers to print its logo instead of the company name, ensure it's at least ½” tall and doesn't interfere with other envelope features.
Mail is a crucial part of any direct mail campaign, and understanding the basics can make a big difference in its success.
Business Reply Mail (BRM) is a great way to receive mail back from customers, paying postage and handling only on the pieces returned. The current rates are the First Class rate of postage for a card or letter plus a .097 handling fee by the USPS and a .01 fee by UMS.
To use BRM, you'll need to follow specific guidelines, such as using a unique ZIP+4 Code for each type of BRM. This allows the USPS to automate sorting and weighing, so they can charge you appropriately for postage.
The top left corner of any mail piece, including BRM and QBRM, is reserved for use by the customer. This is where you should place at least the KFS and unit number.
If you're planning to send mail to foreign destinations, be sure to enclose IBRS only in mail to foreign destinations, as foreign postal services are under no obligation to return domestic BRM mail pieces.
Here's a quick summary of the different types of BRM:
By understanding the basics of mail and following these guidelines, you can create a successful direct mail campaign that engages your customers and boosts response rates.
Specifications and Guidelines
To use Business Reply envelopes, you'll need to get pre-approval from Addressing & Mailing Services.
Each Business Reply envelope must have a code provided by Addressing & Mailing Services placed in the return address on the envelope.
Using Business Reply envelopes that don't meet USPS sizing and formatting standards can result in additional postage charges.
Business Reply envelopes must be printed by Printing Services to ensure they meet strict formatting requirements.
The code on the envelope allows Addressing & Mailing Services to charge the applicable postage back to your department by associating it with your department's EFS string.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I put on business reply mail?
To use Business Reply Mail, you must include "BUSINESS REPLY MAIL" in capital letters above the address, along with "FIRST-CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO." and the permit number and issuing Post Office details below. This ensures compliance with postal regulations and facilitates efficient mail handling.
How does USPS business reply mail work?
USPS Business Reply Mail allows senders to pay for postage only on returned mail, not the customer. The mailer pays the return postage, making it a cost-effective option for businesses and organizations.
Can business reply mail be tracked?
Yes, business reply mail can be tracked with USPS Informed Visibility, allowing you to monitor its delivery status. Sign up for free tracking to ensure your returned mail reaches you safely.
Can I leave business reply mail in mailbox?
Yes, you can leave business reply mail in the mailbox, as it comes with prepaid postage and a preprinted return address. Simply drop it in the mailbox and let the postal service handle the rest.
Where to drop off business reply mail USPS?
Drop off business reply mail at your local Business Mail Entry Unit or retail Post Office window, depending on your location
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