Unaddressed Admail™ Customer Guide

Effective January 14, 2008

Amendment/Revision

Customers should ensure they are using the most current version of the Customer Guide, including all amendments and other applicable documents, which are posted on the Canada Post website. See in particular, www.canadapost.ca/postalservices for key documents.

Significant changes appear in red in the electronic version.

In addition, when there is an amendment or a correction to the document, the version number will be modified as follows:

• an amendment increases the first digit in the version (e.g., version 2.0, 3.0).
• a correction increases the second digit in the version (e.g., version 1.1, 1.2, 1.3).
• the version number restarts at 1.0 every January.

Table of Contents

1

Service Overview

1.1	The Purpose of This Unaddressed Admail Customer Guide

This Customer Guide has been designed to give Customers the detailed information needed to get the most from Canada Post’s Unaddressed Admail service.

This Customer Guide forms part of the Agreement between the Customer and Canada Post. It explains the qualifications and other terms and conditions under which this service is provided.

Customers should ensure they are using the most current version of the Customer Guide and other applicable documents, which are posted on the Canada Post website. See in particular, www.canadapost.ca/postalservices for key documents.

It is the Customer’s obligation to meet all the requirements outlined in the Unaddressed Admail Agreement.

1.2	What is Unaddressed Admail?

1.2.1

A Targeted Direct Mail Service

Unaddressed Admail is one of Canada Post’s targeted direct mail services. It consists of printed matter and product samples that are not addressed to specific delivery addresses in Canada. Items must be unaddressed but may bear wording, such as: “HOUSEHOLDER”, “OCCUPANT”, “RESIDENT”, “BUSINESS OWNER”, “MARKETING MANAGER”, “PURCHASING MANAGER” or “BOXHOLDER” without any further address.

Our Unaddressed Admail service delivers advertising messages to more than 13 million mailboxes served by Canada Post. Unaddressed Admail provides geographic, demographic and lifestyle information to target mailings to neighbourhoods or localities that have the highest potential audience – without a Customer database.

The impact of an Unaddressed Admail item is defined by the four Rs – the item is received, read, recalled and responded to. Unaddressed Admail can help build Customer traffic, develop relationship marketing with groups of Customers, or advertise a special offer. Customers can easily measure the effectiveness of their campaign by including a Business Reply Mail™ card.

Canada Post’s Unaddressed Admail service puts the power of direct mail into the hands of every advertiser. Due to its vast delivery network, Canada Post is able to get the mail received, read, recalled and responded to by more Canadians.

Visit www.canadapost.ca/uasupportdocuments for a list of support documents detailing Unaddressed Admail requirements.

1.2.2

Reaching Your Customers

With Canada Post’s targeting tools, Customers can determine the number of items required to reach their audience (by Forward Sortation Area [FSA] and delivery mode [e.g., Letter Carrier Walk LC0001]) and the postal facility that will be delivering their Unaddressed Admail. These tools include the following:

1.2.2.1

GeoPost™ Plus

Unaddressed Admail service provides unduplicated coverage of both urban and rural markets. Customers who are mailing with Canada Post’s Unaddressed Admail service, can select and target the areas and neighbourhoods of their best prospects based on demographic and geographic information, using Canada Post’s database and Statistics Canada data. As well as a combination of other data sources, such as MapInfo®’s* PSYTE, which includes consumer purchase behaviour, Canada Post offers GeoPost Plus, a targeting service that will help Customers define those areas. If Customers are looking for neighbourhoods of affluent families or young couples or neighbourhoods in which consumers are more likely to purchase expensive cars, for example, then GeoPost Plus can find the areas with concentrations of these target groups. More information can be obtained by contacting a Canada Post Sales Representative.

1.2.2.2

Householder Counts

Information about the delivery areas served by Canada Post’s delivery offices is segmented into the number of houses, apartments, farms and business points of call that help Customers determine the number of items needed for their mailing.

The national database of Householder Counts is available on CD-ROM or by download from a secured Canada Post FTP site on a 12-month subscription basis, which includes monthly updates. Visit www.canadapost.ca/uasupportdocuments for Individual Householder Counts, which are available free of charge.

1.2.2.3

FSA Maps

An FSA (Forward Sortation Area) is the first three characters of a postal code and represents a specific geographic area.

The FSA Maps identify the specific geographic boundaries for every FSA in Canada. This information is invaluable for anyone trying to determine sales territories, plan coverage for a direct mail campaign, or study new locations for a retail store or business. Visit www.canadapost.ca/uasupportdocuments to view FSA Maps online.

1.2.2.4

Letter Carrier Walk Maps

Letter Carrier Walk Maps provide the actual routes, or walks, covered by the Letter Carriers. This is particularly useful for targeting local neighbourhoods. This information can be easily transferred to the Unaddressed Admail Delivery Slip to provide delivery instructions for Canada Post, to ensure items are delivered to the specific target audience. Visit www.canadapost.ca/uasupportdocuments to view the Letter Carrier Walk Maps online.

1.2.3

AdCard™ for Unaddressed Admail

AdCard for Unaddressed Admail is a “one-stop” solution that combines the strengths of Unaddressed Admail and the impact of a high-quality card format.

The “one-stop” solution includes:

• targeting support: geographic/demographic/lifestyle
• choice of card format with creative options
• printing of the card: visual with high impact
• mail preparation
• deposit at a Canada Post facility
• transportation of items to delivery installation(s)
• final delivery via Unaddressed Admail.

Some creative options available for AdCard for Unaddressed Admail are as follows (additional fees apply):

• perforations
• scratch and win
• die cuts
• addition of a fifth colour
• 8 point (0.008) stock coated on 2 sides
• 10 point (0.010) stock coated on 1 side
• plate changes.

Visit www.canadapost.ca/adcard for additional information and details on the applicable terms and conditions about AdCard for Unaddressed Admail.

1.3	Service Standards

1.3.1

Service Standards Overview

Service standards are estimates of how long it will take for the mail to be delivered from the point of deposit to the destination points. Service standards are not guaranteed.

Unaddressed Admail service standards are comprised of two components:

• transportation time, and
• delivery cycle.

The Customer can determine the service standard for their mailing by adding these two components.

Most urban and suburban areas are served by Canada Post Letter Carriers (Letter Carrier routes). Many rural areas or rapidly growing suburban areas are served by rural and suburban mail carriers with somewhat different delivery cycles (Non-Letter Carrier routes). Customers can consult the Householder Count Data at www.canadapost.ca/uasupportdocuments to determine which applies to their mailing.

1.3.2

Transportation Time

Transportation time is the number of business days required to move Unaddressed Admail items from the Canada Post facility where the Customer deposits the items to the Canada Post facility from which the items will be delivered.

If the Customer deposits their mailing at the same facility from where items will be delivered, transportation time does not apply.

Visit www.canadapost.ca/transportationtime for additional information on service standards, including transportation time and delivery cycle.

1.3.3

Delivery Cycle

The delivery cycle reflects the number of business days normally required to complete delivery of properly prepared Unaddressed Admail items. The delivery cycle varies based on the weight and size of the item and the target area. The delivery cycle must be added to the transportation time.

1.3.3.1

Delivery Cycle – Letter Carrier Routes

Mailings must be deposited at the Letter Carrier delivery facility by 11:00 a.m. on the business day prior to the specified delivery cycle start date.

1.3.3.2

Delivery Cycle – Non-Letter Carrier Routes

For Non-Letter Carrier routes, the delivery cycle for Unaddressed Admail items weighing up to 500 g is normally completed the business day following receipt of the items at the office of delivery, or on the date specified on the Unaddressed Admail Delivery Slip, whichever is later.

The delivery cycle for Non-Letter Carrier routes for items weighing more than 500 g and up to 1,000 g, will normally be completed between three (3) and five (5) business days following receipt of the items at the office of delivery. See section 4.2.4 “When to Deposit”.

For additional information on service standards for Unaddressed Admail, including transportation time and delivery cycle, visit the Service Standards chapter of the Canada Postal Guide, under section 3 “Direct Marketing and Transaction Mail – Domestic”.

1.4	Service Features and Options

1.4.1

Features

A feature is provided as part of the basic service.

1.4.1.1

Whom Can I Target?

Customers can target specific geographically defined areas in Canada, either locally or nationally, directing the message to an area as small as a single postal route, and target the message to homes, apartments, farms or businesses, or any combination of the four.

1.4.2

Options

An option is a service enhancement that is not provided automatically as part of the basic service.

1.4.2.1

Return to Sender

Undelivered Unaddressed Admail that bears a specific request for return will be returned to sender at the Regular Parcel Counter prices unless otherwise arranged with Canada Post.

1.4.3

Undeliverable Unaddressed Admail

If, for any reason, the Customer’s Unaddressed Admail items cannot be delivered, the items may be returned to the Customer, by specific request to do so. The cost for this additional service is the applicable Regular Parcel Counter price. Alternatively, undeliverable items will be disposed of or recycled, as determined by Canada Post.

1.5	Consumers’ Choice

Customers can target more effectively by respecting the wishes of consumers who indicate, through a self-produced notice on their mailbox or mail receptacle, that they do not wish to receive unaddressed material. The only exemptions are materials from Elections Canada and Provincial Chief Electoral Officers, House of Commons mailings, municipal electoral mailings and community newspapers. Therefore, the item is received by consumers who want to receive it. Visit our Householder Data, which is available online at
www.canadapost.ca/uasupportdocuments for the breakdown of delivery points with and without these notices.

1.5.1

Community Newspapers

In order to be considered a community newspaper, the item must:

• meet the Unaddressed Admail size and weight specifications
• contain a maximum ratio of 70% advertising, including all enclosures, to 30% news/editorial/community notices content
• be published at least monthly, but not more frequently than three times a week
• serve the community in which it is published through its news and editorial content, and this news and editorial content must be relevant to any other communities to which the paper is distributed as a community newspaper, and
• not be simply a newsletter intended for a special interest group and that consists of a printed sheet or pamphlet containing news or information.

If the enclosures separate during the normal postal handling of the mail after it has been accepted, the enclosures will not be delivered and will be recycled or disposed of in accordance with Canada Post’s applicable policy.

If the content requirement is not met, it may qualify as an Unaddressed Admail item, but will not be exempt from Consumers’ Choice (i.e., the item will not qualify for Total Points of Call).

1.5.2

Where the Items Will be Delivered

Subject to Consumers’ Choice, Unaddressed Admail items are delivered to the consumer’s regular mail location (e.g., to the door, mail receptacle, community mailbox, group mailbox and/or Post Office Box).

1.6	Parliamentary Mailings Using Unaddressed Admail

Parliamentary mailings using Unaddressed Admail may be used by members of the House of Commons to send printed matter to constituents, free of charge, up to four times per calendar year. These mailings must consist of printed matter only. Members of the House of Commons are entitled to Parliamentary Unaddressed Admail beginning on the day that their election to the House is announced in the Canada Gazette and up to ten (10) days after they leave office. All mailings must be mailed in Ottawa through the House of Commons Post Office. Additional mailings, after the first four (4) mailings, are subject to the applicable price. Visit the Canada Post website at www.canadapost.ca/postalservices to obtain prices.

2

Content, Format and Physical Characteristics

To be eligible as Unaddressed Admail, the items mailed must meet the criteria specified for Unaddressed Admail and must be prepared for mailing in such a manner as to prevent loss or damage to any item and permit easy examination of each item.

Items submitted as Unaddressed Admail that do not meet the content, format and physical characteristics specified for Unaddressed Admail and the various mail preparation and other requirements outlined in this Agreement, may not qualify for Unaddressed Admail service and prices.

See section 5 “Criteria for Qualification” in the General Terms and Conditions. Visit the Canada Post website at www.canadapost.ca/customer_guides for more information.

2.1

Content

2.1.1

What is Acceptable as Unaddressed Admail?

Unaddressed Admail consists of printed matter and product samples for delivery that are not addressed to a specific address in Canada. In order to provide maximum flexibility and choice, the Customer’s advertising piece can take on a variety of forms and content, including, but not limited to:

• flyers
• newspapers
• community newspapers (see section 1.5.1 “Community Newspapers”)
• cards
• coupons
• single sheets
• envelopes
• catalogues
• magazines
• brochures
• co-op mailings (see section 2.2.2 “Co-op Mailings”)
• samples, including CDs and DVDs (see section 2.1.2.1 “Samples”)
• inserts and enclosures (see section 2.1.2 “Inserts (Enclosures/Attachments)”).

2.1.2

Inserts (Enclosures/Attachments)

2.1.2.1

Samples

A sealed envelope may contain a single sample or multiple samples at no additional charge. The Customer will be charged at the applicable Unaddressed Admail price based on the overall weight of the item, including the sample(s). Some restrictions apply. For instance, CDs and DVDs are not acceptable in hard jewel cases. However, they can be mailed using soft plastic cases such as DVD movie cases.

Ensure each item, including any sample(s), is mailable and consider the following:

1. If it contains a scented item, it is to be sealed in such a manner that prevents the scent from escaping. Similarly, liquids and powders must be appropriately packaged. However, if it contains a scented item produced using micro-encapsulated scent infused ink/lacquers, it does not need to be sealed provided the scented patch does not exceed 5.08 cm x 5.08 cm (2" x 2") in size and is covered or contained within the mailed item
2. If it contains a common allergen item such as peanuts, sesame seeds, tree nuts (e.g. almonds, walnuts) or eggs, it is to be packaged properly and labelled to minimize the potential for allergic reactions.

Visit the ABCs of Mailing and Non-mailable Matter chapters of the Canada Postal Guide at
www.canadapost.ca/postalguide for more information.

2.1.2.2

Business Reply Mail

When a Business Reply Mail item is included as part of an Unaddressed Admail item, it must be folded inside or inserted in the item to cover the Business Reply Mail design elements, including the indicia, and the specific Business Reply Mail address.

The Business Reply Mail addressing information must be printed on the uncoated (non-glossy, matte) side of the paper stock and must meet all requirements as stated in the Canada Post Agreement for Business Reply Mail.

2.1.2.3

Repositionable Notes

Repositionable notes may be affixed to the outside of an Unaddressed Admail item without additional postage.

To be acceptable the repositionable note must be:

• of a maximum size: 76.2 mm x 76.2 mm (3 in x 3 in)
• applied mechanically, not manually
• applied with a glue strip that must be a minimum of a third of the total width of a repositionable note (e.g., 26 mm wide for a 76 mm label)
• applied on paper-based coverings such as envelopes (they may not be used on plastics or polybags).

2.1.3

What is Unacceptable as Unaddressed Admail?

Magnets cannot be mailed as an Unaddressed Admail item; however, they may be acceptable as inserts. The item, including the magnet, must be reviewed for approval by an authorized Canada Post Representative prior to mailing.

For more information on unacceptable items, see section 2.1.4 “Non-Mailable Matter” or refer to the Canada Post Corporation Act.

2.1.4

Non-Mailable Matter

Generally, non-mailable matter means any mail that:

• is prohibited by law (e.g., illegal, obscene, fraudulent)
• contains sexually explicit material unless it is sent in an opaque envelope with the words "adult material" or similar wording

• is non-mailable due to the fact that it fails to meet certain physical characteristics or marking requirements
• contains products or substances that could:

• cause injury to those handling the mail
• cause damage to postal equipment or other items
• cause entrapment of other items.

Any item bearing a modified postage stamp in contravention of section 52, or bearing a word or mark in contravention of section 58, of the Canada Post Corporation Act is also non-mailable matter.

For further information respecting non-mailable matter restrictions, visit the Canada Postal Guide at www.canadapost.ca/postalguide under Non-mailable Matter.

It is the Customer’s obligation to ensure an item does not constitute non-mailable matter and is otherwise acceptable for mailing.

For information on how non-compliant items will be handled, refer to the General Terms and Conditions component of this Customer Guide.

2.2

Format

2.2.1

No Address on Unaddressed Admail Items

Items must be unaddressed, but may bear wording, such as “HOUSEHOLDER”, “OCCUPANT”, “RESIDENT”, “BUSINESS OWNER”, “MARKETING MANAGER”, “PURCHASING MANAGER” or “BOXHOLDER”, without any further address.

2.2.2

Co-op Mailings

Co-op mailings are two or more items or advertisements from different advertisers printed on a single sheet, card or coupon booklet, or mailed in a sealed bag, wrapper or envelope that prevents separation. When only two companies are sharing distribution costs of the advertisement of their company’s products and services, each company must advertise on a minimum of 25 per cent of the space on the item.

When three or more companies are participating in a co-op mailing, the minimum advertising space requirement no longer applies. However, the Customer mailing the items must be an advertiser and the Customer must be identified on the item (see section 2.2.3 “Customer Identification”). To be an advertiser, the Customer must make a descriptive representation for the purpose of promoting directly the sale of a product or service. Customers cannot simply print their name at the bottom of a single sheet or card and be considered an advertiser.

2.2.3

Customer Identification

Each Unaddressed Admail item must bear the Customer’s name.

In the case of co-op mailings and/or mailings completed on behalf of a group, the name of the Customer (i.e., the owner of the co-op mailing or of the mailing completed on behalf of the group) must be clearly identified on the item, for example: Mailed by “NAME OF CUSTOMER (SENDER)” in order to inform the recipient of who the sender is.

2.2.4

Markings

Customers may only use Canada Post postal indicia, logos, trade-marks or markings if the Customer has obtained the written consent of Canada Post. Any use by the Customer must then be only in strict accordance with the consent granted. Any unauthorized use is an offence under the Canada Post Corporation Act.

Note that an item will be non-mailable matter if, on the outside, it is marked or labelled with any of the following that were not provided or authorized by Canada Post:

• any design likely to be mistaken for a postage stamp, meter impression, service label or any other mark suggesting that postage has been paid
• any label or endorsement implying that it will be given special handling, delivered faster or be provided with any service that has not been purchased by the Customer. (However, Customers may include labels on items that are directed to the addressee as an instruction that is clearly related only to the enclosure and would not otherwise result in the item being non-mailable matter. Examples of acceptable wording include “URGENT”, “RUSH” and “IMPORTANT COMMUNICATION ENCLOSED”.)
• any facsimile of any label, endorsement or marking used by Canada Post that might cause confusion so as to affect its handling, e.g., confusion as to the service the Customer has paid for.

It is the Customer’s obligation to obtain approval for any proposed endorsement or other markings from Canada Post prior to printing.

2.2.4.1

No Postal Indicia

There is no postal indicia for the Unaddressed Admail service. Postal indicia markings are not acceptable on any Unaddressed Admail item with the exception of the Business Reply Mail indicia, providing that the specifications are followed. Any Unaddressed Admail items bearing an indicia marking, except for a Business Reply Mail indicia, will not be accepted as an Unaddressed Admail item. Visit www.canadapost.ca/postalservices for more information regarding postal indicias.

2.3	Physical Characteristics

Items delivered by Canada Post Letter Carriers have different size and weight specifications than those delivered on Non-Letter Carrier delivery modes.

Each Unaddressed Admail item must meet the applicable size and weight requirements as outlined below.

Questions concerning the mailing of items should be directed to a Canada Post Representative.

*	The delivery mode that falls under the specifications of Letter Carrier Routes is simply “LC” (for Letter Carrier).Examples of Measuring Minimum Size Requirements

3

Preparing the Mailing

Proper mail preparation is important to ensure that Unaddressed Admail items are processed and delivered efficiently.

Visit www.canadapost.ca/mailpreparation for more information on mail preparation.

3.1	Minimum Distribution

Distribution information is available through the Householder Count Data. See section 1.2.2.2 “Householder Counts”.

The minimum volume for distribution at a Letter Carrier or Non-Letter Carrier office is:

• the complete distribution of one route
• the comple