Ancillary Service Endorsements
Sometimes, no matter how good your address is, the USPS still can't deliver your mail. For instance, your customer may have moved or the building may be vacant. By using special addressing services called "ancillary service endorsements," you can give the United States Postal Service specific instructions for how to handle your mail if it is undeliverable as addressed. Depending on the purpose of your mailing, you may want those pieces forwarded to customers who have moved, or you may want a corrected address returned to you.
Overview
Ancillary service endorsements are used by mailers to request an addressee's new address and to provide the USPS with instructions on how to handle undeliverable-as-addressed pieces. The endorsements consist of one keyword: "Address," "Return," "Change," or "Forwarding," followed by the two words "Service Requested." The endorsements are the same for all classes of mail, but the treatment and cost differ by class of mail. Use of an ancillary service endorsement on a mailpiece obligates the mailer to pay any applicable charges for forwarding, return, and separate address notification charges.
Guidelines for determining which endorsement, if any, to use
If you are "renting" a mailing list for one time use, then choose no endorsement or "Forwarding Service Requested". It wouldn't make sense to pay return postage or an address correction fee to maintain a list you don't own. If you build and maintain your own list of clients or prospects, it makes sense to keep your addresses up to date and you should use an endorsement which will notify you of address changes.
Placement of the Endorsement
The endorsement must be placed in one of these four positions (see image above):
- Directly below the return address.
- Directly above the delivery address area (which includes the delivery address block and any related nonaddress elements such as a barcode, keyline, or optional endorsement line).
- Directly to the left of the postage area and below or to the left of any postage marking.
- Directly below the postage area and below any postage marking.
Other Requirements
An endorsement must be printed in no smaller than 8-point type, and it must stand out clearly against its background. Brilliant-colored envelopes and reverse printing are not permitted. There must be a 1/4-inch clear space around all sides of the endorsement.
First-Class
"Forwarding Service Requested" or no endorsement
Forwarded at no charge up to 12 months. Months 13-18 mailpiece returned with new address; no charge. After month 18, or if undeliverable, mailpiece is returned with reason for non-delivery; no charge.
"Address Service Requested"
Forwarded at no charge up to 12 months; a separate notice of new address is provided and a correction fee charged. Months 13-18 the mailpiece is returned with new address; no charge. After month 18, or if undeliverable, mailpiece is returned with reason for non-delivery; no charge.
"Return Service Requested"
Mailpiece returned with new address or reason for non-delivery; no charge.
"Change Service Requested"
Mailpiece disposed of by USPS. Separate notice of new address or reason for non-delivery provided; address correction fee charged.
Standard Mail
No Endorsement
Mailpiece disposed of by USPS.
"Forwarding Service Requested"
Forwarded at no charge up to 12 months. Months 13-18 the mailpiece is returned with new address; Standard mail weighted fee charged. After month 18, or if undeliverable, mailpiece is returned with reason for non-delivery; Standard Mail weighted fee charged. No address correction fee charged.
"Address Service Requested"
Forwarded at no charge up to 12 months; separate notice of new address is provided and correction fee charged. Months 13-18 the mailpiece is returned with new address; Standard mail weighted fee charged (no correction fee). After month 18, or if undeliverable, mailpiece is returned with reason for non-delivery; Standard Mail weighted fee charged (no correction fee charged).
"Return Service Requested"
Mailpiece returned with new address or reason for non-delivery; Standard Mail single-piece rate charged (no correction fee charged)
"Change Service Requested"
Mailpiece disposed of by USPS. Separate notice of new address or reason for non-delivery provided; address correction fee charged.