Do You Pass the Droop Test?
Don Landis, VP, Postal Affairs
First of all, I should clarify WHAT the droop test is. I can only imagine what you all thought of when you read the title of this post….
The droop test measures the flexibility of catalogs. If mail pieces are too flexible they will topple over as they travel through the USPS sorters and scanners. Implementing deflections standards, or droop standards, will greatly reduce the amount of direct mail pieces that fall off the machines. Recently, the USPS extended the deadline for the deflections standard implementation from September 8, 2009 to January 4, 2010.
How to test your catalog
Click here to see a brief three minute instructional video. Otherwise, read on!
Place any catalog that is mailed as a flat on the end of a flat surface. Align the longest edge of the catalog perpendicular to the surface edge. If the catalog is square, align the spine perpendicular to the surface edge.
If the catalog is 10″ or longer:
- Extend the catalog 5″ inches from the edge.
- If the catalog droops less than 3″ the catalog is mailable as a flat.
If the catalog is less than 10″
- Extend the catalog half its length off the edge of the surface.
- The catalog must not droop more than 2″ less than the extended length from both ends. Click here to use a calculator to determine the allowable droop for catalogs less than 10″.
You failed the droop test, now what?
Contact us! We have lots of solutions for drooping catalogs. We can work with you to make sure you optimize postage savings and pass the deflection standards … all without changing the style and branding of your catalog!
Here are some additional resources if you would like to learn more about the new deflection regulations:
Click here to view the final USPS ruling on Deflection Allowance.
Click here to contact Susan Pinter, Arandell’s Director of Postal Affairs.
If you don’t like these new regulations say something about it! Contact the American Catalog Mailers Associations, or email the DMM Advisory at dmmadvisory@usps.com.
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