Tabbing Requirements For Direct Mail

Self-Mailers prepared for automation rate mailings must be tabbed (secured) to prevent an open edge from jamming high-speed processing equipment.

Construction of the mail piece plays an important role in determining automation compatibility. Standards for tabbing are based on basis weight of paper stock used and the location of the folded or bound edge. As an alternative to tabs or wafer seals, the open edge of the length of the mail piece may be continuously glued or spot glued. Tabs are not required on flats but may be necessary or advisable to meet other preparation standards.

Double Postcard

Tabs: 1 (middle)
Folded Edge: Top or Bottom
Sheets: single
Basis Weight: 75 lb.

This graphic shows a double postcard as described in the text.

Folded Self-Mailer

(Invitation Fold)
Tab: Address Label
Folds: Top and Bottom
Sheets: Multiple
Basis Weight: 20 lb.

This graphic shows a folded self-mailer (invitational fold) basis weight 20 pounds as described in the text

Folded Self-Mailer

Tabs: 2 (starts < 1 inch from Edges)
Folded Edge: Top or Bottom
Sheets: Single
Basis Weight: 20 lb.

This graphic shows a folded self-mailer basis weight 20 pounds as described in the text.

Folded Self-Mailer

(Continuous Glue Strip)
Open Edge: Top; Folded Edge: Bottom
Sheets: Single
Basis Weight: 20 lb.

This graphic shows folded self-mailer (continuous glue strip) basis weight 20 pounds as described in the text

Folded Self-Mailer

Tabs: 1 (middle)
Folded Edge: Bottom
Sheets: Multiple
Basis Weight: 24 lb.

This graphic shows a folded self-mailer basis weight 24 pounds as described in the text.

Booklet

Tabs: 2 (starts < 1 inch from edges)
Spine: Bottom
Sheets: Multiple w/ Cover
Basis Weight: 20 lb (Cover)

This graphic shows a booklet basis weight 20 pounds as described in the text.

Folded Self-Mailer

Tabs: 1 (middle)
Folded Edge: Bottom
Sheets: Single
Basis Weight: 28 lb.

This graphic shows a folded self-mailer basis weight 28 pounds as described in the text.

Folded Booklet

Tabs: 2 (start < 1 inch from edges)
Spine: Left
Folded Edge: Bottom
Sheets: Multiple w/ Cover
Basis Weight: 20 lb. (Cover)

This graphic shows a folded booklet basis weight 20 pounds as described in the text.

Folded Self-Mailer

Tabs: 3 (left and open edges)
Folded Edge: Right
Sheets: Single
Basis Weight: 75 lb.

This graphic shows a folded self-mailer basis weight 75 pounds as described in the text.

Folded Booklet

Tabs: 2 (start < 1 inch from edges)
Spine: Bottom
Folded Edge: Bottom
Sheets: Multiple w/ Cover
Basis Weight: 20 lb. (Cover)

This graphic shows a folded booklet basis weight 20 pounds as described in the text.

An 8-1/2 x 11 inch sheet of 20, 24, or 28 pound paper folded once to 8-1/2 x 5-1/2 inches does not meet the minimum thickness of 0.009 inch for an automation-compatible letter.

Booklet

This graphic shows a booklet basis weight 24 pounds as described in the text. Tabs: 2 (start < 1 inch from edges)
Spine: Right (open edge left)
Folded Edge: Right
Sheets: Multiple w/ Cover
Basis Weight: 20 (Cover)