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Pre-Print Preflight
Direct Mail Checklist Before You Print and Mail
Catching a mistake before printing costs nothing. Catching it after is expensive. Use this checklist before approving any direct mail campaign.
Why Review Before You Print?
Direct mail campaigns involve USPS compliance requirements, mailing list accuracy, and artwork specifications that are easy to miss under a deadline. A wrong phone number, an address block in the wrong position, or an expired QR code can kill your campaign's response before the first piece reaches a mailbox.
This checklist covers the seven areas we review before approving any campaign for production. Use it as a final walkthrough before submitting files and approving your proof.
Artwork Checklist
- File is 300 DPI at final print size
- Color mode is CMYK (not RGB)
- Bleed is 0.125" on all sides beyond the trim edge
- Safe zone keeps text and logos 0.125" inside the trim line
- All fonts are embedded or outlined
- Spell-check complete — phone numbers, URLs, and addresses verified
- File is submitted as PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 for press accuracy
Mailing List Checklist
- List is CASS-certified (addresses validated against USPS database)
- NCOA update completed (removes moved/undeliverable addresses)
- Duplicates removed — no household receives more than one piece
- Suppression list applied (opt-outs, existing customers if excluded)
- List count matches your expected print quantity
- Delivery format confirmed (CSV with correct column headers for variable addressing)
USPS Mailing Area Checklist
- Return address is present in the upper-left address area
- Recipient address block is positioned in the lower-right area
- Indicia or permit imprint is in the upper-right position
- Address clear zone is maintained (no graphics in the barcode area)
- For EDDM: EDDM Retail indicia is formatted correctly
- Mail piece dimensions comply with USPS flat or card size requirements
- Mail piece weight is within your postage class allowance
Offer and CTA Checklist
- One clear, specific offer is stated (not vague — '20% off' not 'great savings')
- Offer has an expiration date or urgency element
- Call to action is specific: call, scan, visit, redeem — not just 'learn more'
- Phone number is correct and has been called to verify it works
- Website URL is correct and the landing page is live
- Offer matches what the landing page or phone script delivers
QR Code and Tracking Checklist
- QR code is at least 1"×1" at print size
- QR code scans correctly — tested on iOS and Android
- Destination URL includes a UTM tracking parameter
- QR code is on a light background with adequate quiet zone border
- Promo code or unique phone number is set up for tracking if used
- Informed Delivery campaign is created in USPS if applicable
Timeline Checklist
- Target in-home delivery date is confirmed with Catdi Printing
- Design and content are finalized 1 week before needed print date
- File submission deadline is on your calendar
- Proof review time (24–48 hours) is built into the schedule
- Rush surcharge budget is accounted for if timeline is tight
- Follow-up campaign or second drop date is planned if applicable
Final Proof Checklist
- Review the digital proof at 100% zoom — check all small text
- Verify your phone number reads exactly as dialed
- Verify your web address is correct — test it in a browser
- Check that your logo and brand colors are correct
- Confirm the offer details match your sales team's talking points
- Approve or note revision requests — don't let the proof sit unanswered
Ready to Submit Your Campaign?
Once you've worked through this checklist, send us your files and we'll handle the rest — printing, addressing, processing, and USPS delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct mail has USPS compliance requirements that can cause your campaign to be rejected or reprinted if missed — indicia placement, address block position, mail piece dimensions, and barcode clear zones. A checklist ensures you catch these issues before paying for printing and postage.
We accept PDF (preferred), AI, PSD, EPS, and high-resolution PNG/JPG files. All files should be 300 DPI at print size with 0.125" bleed on all sides. CMYK color mode is required for accurate color reproduction on press.
The address block must be placed in the lower right portion of the mail piece, with a clear zone above and below the address for USPS barcoding equipment. The exact requirements vary by mail class. Catdi Printing provides templates with proper address placement for all standard mail formats.
For EDDM, no permit is required. For Standard Class (Marketing Mail) and First Class presort, you need a USPS permit imprint or indicia. Catdi Printing can print your pieces with our permit number — you don't need your own account.
QR codes should be at least 1 inch × 1 inch in print size and placed on a white or light background. Test the QR code scan before approving files. Use a URL shortener or tracking UTM parameter in the destination URL so you can measure scans as campaign conversions.
Plan 1–2 business days for proof review in your campaign timeline. Approve or request revisions promptly — your production slot is typically held for 24–48 hours after proofing. Longer review delays can push your in-home date.
NCOA (National Change of Address) is a USPS process that updates your mailing list with new addresses for people who have moved in the last 18 months. Running NCOA before printing prevents wasted print and postage dollars on pieces that won't reach anyone at the original address.
Related Direct Mail Services
Direct Mail ServicesPrinting, processing & mailing
Variable AddressingRecipient data & personalization
Data ProcessingCASS, NCOA & deduplication
Informed DeliveryAdd digital touchpoints
Send a FileSubmit your artwork
Get a QuoteStart your campaign
Direct Mail HubFull-service campaigns
EDDM ServicesRoute-based saturation mail
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