Business reply mail uses specially formatted pre-addressed cards or envelopes so recipients can easily respond to a request. The mailer (UVM) supplies the reply piece as an enclosure in a mailing. The recipient may then respond at no cost to them. UVM pays for the number of pieces returned at the applicable rate of postage plus a .02 cent USPS accounting fee. BRM is very effective when a high number of responses are necessary.
BRM pieces must be compatible with USPS design standards. OCR-readable type fonts in the USPS approved size, style and position must be used. A brief guidesheet is available on this website.
Zipcodes for Business Reply Mail fall under three categories based on weight. The nine-digit zipcode you normally use for your building address will not be used on BRM. Each size of BRM uses a different zipcode. This zipcode corresponds with the barcode appropriate for each reply piece as follows:
Envelopes < 1 oz. -- 05401-9931
Envelopes > 1 oz. -- 05401-9930
Postcards -- 05401-9932
Sample are provided for your reference by following the above links. If your current BRM pieces don't look like these, or if you have any questions, contact us at pmc@zoo.uvm.edu or call 6-3142.
