Postal Services

There are a number of product which can be used for sending direct and administrative mail. On this pages we will explain the most used products and give examples of what type of mail you can send. We also make clear to you how to compare this with your local rates.

Direct Entry

Direct entry are rates based on the local mail tariffs for European countries. Mailing into a foreign country and using the local mail options can be a difficult exercise. You have to apply all rules and regulations which can time consuming. Postal operators have agreements in which these rules and regulations have been simplified. From a rates perspective direct entry is always cheaper then using international rates.

What are the requirements?

• The minimum number of items is 1.000 mail pieces.
• You can either use a local postal mark and return address or the postal mark and return address of the country of the provider we use.
• A simple sort and bundling of the mail pieces can be required depending on the country of destination.

For what kind of mail can direct entry be used? Normally direct entry is used for direct mail, there are however countries how have special direct entry rates for administrative mail as well.

International Direct Mail (IDM)

IDM is a product specially developed for direct mail shots for most European countries. This product requires a different postal mark. Normally IDM is used for countries where we don’t have a direct entry product or if the requirements  are to complicated to use direct entry.

What are the requirements?

• The minimum number of items is 500 mail pieces.
• Special postal mark and return address of the provider we use.
• No sorting.

Alternative distribution

Besides the use of local providers, a number of European countries have developed alternative distribution networks. These networks have a range from 30 to 100% coverage.

We only use networks with a 100 % coverage or networks who can guarantee a 100% distribution using either their own network or the local network for the part they cannot service.

An excellent example of a country with alternative networks is The Netherlands where we have three alternative networks with a 100 % coverage.

Main reason to use them is price. The quality depends on what your requirements are. We have experience with all of them and can advise you which one is best to use.