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Ever since the Internet took over all of our lives, most advertisement takes place online…which means that magazines are slowly going out of style. Other than at airports (remember those?), the grocery store, or the doctor’s office, we don’t see much of them anymore. However, that doesn’t mean the Postal Service still doesn’t circulate its fair share of magazines around the country. In case you’re one of those individuals or businesses sending them out, this guide is all about the cheapest way to send magazines or catalogs via USPS.
Table of Contents
- USPS Marketing Mail is the Cheapest Service for Sending Magazines (in Bulk)
- Envelopes Containing Magazines and Catalogs Also Qualify as “Flats”
- Do NOT Use Media Mail to Ship Magazines!
USPS Marketing Mail is the Cheapest Service for Sending Magazines (in Bulk)
Hands down, the cheapest service for sending magazines or catalogs is USPS Marketing Mail. According to the postage rates sheet on the USPS website, Marketing Mail costs just 19 cents for each mail piece at Commercial Pricing Rates. Considering that the cost of one postage stamp to send a single letter is 55 cents, that’s a pretty steep level of savings. However, Marketing Mail comes with a big “fine print” section that you’ll need to be aware of before you start buying postage.
Pay Attention to the Minimum Quantity
The thing about Marketing Mail is that you can’t exactly use it for sending one or two magazines. You can only access Marketing Mail rates with bulk quantities. In order to qualify for these discounted prices, each mailing must meet a minimum quantity of 200 pieces or 50 pounds of mail. So, that means you’ve got to send out quite a bit of these items in order to lock in those $0.19/mail piece prices…which a lot of small business shippers simply aren’t in a position to do.
Envelopes Containing Magazines and Catalogs Also Qualify as “Flats”
A second alternative to Marketing Mail is good ol’ First-Class Mail service. That’s right…the tried and true way of sending a letter by slapping a stamp on an envelope. Most envelopes containing magazines or catalogs are what USPS classifies as “flats,” which the Postal Service explicitly wants you to send via First-Class Mail.
Since there aren’t any minimum quantities you need to meet to send flats, First-Class Mail service is often the cheapest AND easiest way to send magazines. It’s as simple as sticking a magazine inside of an envelope and slapping a stamp on it for 55 cents (or $1.10 or $1.65, depending on whether the magazine weighs 2 or 3 ounces).
Learn more about how to send “flats” with USPS.
Do NOT Use Media Mail to Send Magazines!
Another important thing to keep in mind is to never use USPS Media Mail service when sending magazines. Media Mail offers some of the best discounts that USPS offers, but USPS is super strict about the kinds of items that qualify for this service. Since magazines often contain some form of advertisements, USPS specifically disqualifies them from Media Mail. If you try, USPS will most likely hand your package back to you. When that happens, you’ll need to pay to send it all over again…and you’ll be out for the cost of that original postage.
Have any questions about sending magazines or catalogs with USPS? Drop us a line in the “Comments” section and we’ll get back to you!
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Laura Caponegro
how much postage for 16 oz. magazine?
Camie
. I was told that ground advantage took over first class shipping. Is this correct for magazines?
Charles Tripp
If Ebay has a contract with the post office that is different the rules published by the post office. How do you know what’s in the contract?
Chris
UJust because you are butthurt, don’t make an inaccurate statement. I suppose you accuse restaurants of microwaving your food too when they don’t even have a microwave? Managers are padding their bonuses. Prices go up for profit. Nitpicking about shipping makes the postal service more profitable. It really is an us vs them mentality. They want to be dishonest and cut into our profits? Then we have to play the game.
anna
Many quality magazines will fit into a flat rate priority envelope… Selling on Ebay or Etsy with their price breaks will keep the cost reasonable, especially if shipping multiples in the same package.. Most cross country First Class packages above 13 ounces are close to $6.. A flat rate envelope is less than $7.50 on Etsy… which is a good deal if shipping 2 or more magazines together.. Using the USPS site anyone now can print a label with commercial rates for First Class (G rate label) … basically it’s the same price as offered by Ebay or Etsy.
Jessica
What is the magazine weighs over a pound?
Darlene
One Magazine…Shipped…Should Not Cost > Than $6. This Is Ludicrous…IMHO!!! Esp. Vintage Magazines. The Advertisements In Vintage Magazines Are No Longer Relevant Ads…DUH!!! Magazines ARE Media Mail. USPS…Stop Being So
Jeremy
I totally agree, I sold 2 magazines on Mercari. 10 bucks plus shipping. After the person gets them it tells me it had a shipping adjustment and I got charged $8.18 to ship 2 magazines! In state! After Mercari took their fees I made 3 cents off the sale.
Cover price on the mags were 12.99 each. How is this right? Also, who makes up media mail rules, cause they make no sense to me at all. Why advertisements arent allowed does anyone have an answer for that? Cause for the life of me I cannot come up.with one. Oh, but DVDs are okay for media mail? I guess the previews for other movies don’t count as advertising, even the movie itself is just one big advertisement in my opinion.
These rules are archaic and are just plain dumb to even exist. I have hundreds of magazines to sell, and I was hoping to make sure people all over that would want them would be able to get them. But I’d rather throw them all out than take the time and effort for 3 cents a listing.
You know I used to be a proponent for the Post Office to stay in business, but I’ve changed my tune since them staying in business means I can’t do business for myself. So I say let them close now. It already takes me 20+ minutes standing in there every time I need to ship something, it takes the better part of a week to go a couple states away, and a third of them never even make it and on top of that you are now charging even more and do so every year too? Anyone want to help me create teleportation in the real world? Might be the only affordable option at this point.
Yvette
A 64-page magazine printed on 80lb paper costs $3+ to mail first class mail. Been doing this for years. And that cost does not include the envelope cost.
Dennis
WOW! Where do you live so I can come and use your post office! The one near me quoted $22 for a special edition D-Day publication much like you described!!
Kathy
What is the most affordable way to send out 4000 8 1/2″ x 11″ calendars?
Leslie
Magazines like Ranger Rick, Nat. Geographic for Kids, and Hoghlights do not contain advertisements. Could they go as media mail?
anna
All of the kid’s magazines you mentioned are “educational materials” and are considered media mail. Media mail allows for subscription self advertising, like the little card for subscriptions stapled into the spine.
Mary
I need to ship magazines. Which kind a shipping can I use ? Media ?
Tom Ciancetta
I want to send a single magazine from ZIP 12303 to 90018. What is the least expensive way to do this?
Lillie Gallagher
Rules such such as the one that states that one or two magazines can’t be sent as media mail because they contain ads and can’t be sent as marketing mail because they don’t comprise bulk mailing is just the kind of government ruling that drives users away from the USPO. Just on principle, will not again use the USPO to send magazine. Even if more expensive, I will use another form of delivery. I think the USPO stinks…. What happened to the rain snow sleet or shine, the USPO delivers mail on time… That is not always the case….
Tom
Hi, I live in the Netherlands and I would like to subscibe to SI. Hower, that is not possible. What are the costs for someone to send me every week or two weeks a SI magazine to the Netherlands?
Thx.
Dayne
This is a fascinating thread. I think on average the post office probably doesn’t care one way or another. For many of us if we couldn’t ship Media Mail we likely wouldn’t ship at all. So magazines, coloring books, cards, or even photos (which is a no-no) are likely not to matter. It’s a poor economy, and every business, even USPS needs every penny they can get. A first-class mail package is a fair price but is limited to weight of less than a pound. I do find it odd though that a 1st class mail package of 15 oz can be less than $6 but the minute it hits a pound it’s required to go Priority Mail and the cost increases by nearly 50%. While I’ve had less than a half-dozen shipping problems in my 29 years of business using USPS, if it were more convenient to use UPS (a second shipping option in my Stamps.com account) I might be likely to use them more often. It’s somewhat more safe and secure, IMHO, and for heavier packages they are competitive with USPS Priority Mail. But going back to the media mail issue, the regulations are outdated; I think the powers that be might want to revamp the Media Mail restrictions, Perhaps rename it “Economy,” add a flat-rate envelope to their postal supplies. But that’s just me on a half-finished cup of coffee. Be blessed everyone.
Kirk
How many magazines are going to weigh 2 or 3 ounces? Mighty thin ones I think!
Laura
Right? My magazine is 10 oz.
Anne
What is the best way to send a vintage complimentary guest book found in hotels? They are heavier than magazines and more like a book.
A Banales
I have about 150 catalogs to ship internationally. What would you recommend as the most economical method to ship them?
Cynthia Kesselring
I need to mail 42 sheets of paper inside a yellow manila envelope 8×10. How many stamps will I need?
Carol
Can I send childrens learning (not hard cover) books mediia mail?
No ads at all..about 10-15 pages . I have 3 or 4.
Kay
I’ve been selling magazines for a while now and I always use Media Mail. Sorry! I put a stiff piece of cardboard inside the envelope so it appears more book-like. When I buy mags on Ebay, they are always sent with media. Never had one returned or not delivered. I think it’s a ridiculous exception.
Satch
Ebay sellers who send magazines via Media Mail not only hurt the Postal Service, but make it more difficult for honest eBay sellers who follow the rules…
Kirk
Agreed!
Joe
If 2 people are selling the same magazines on ebay, 1 has $5 media mail shipping and the other has $13 priority/ups shipping, guess which one is going to get the sale. You may not like the answer but that’s how it works on ebay. I’ve used media mail for years and will continue to do so. Sorry if it hurts your feelings but that’s how things work in the real world
Chris
I agree with you! 🙂 As a vintage magazine seller ,no one is gonna pay high shipping on magazines! Plus the advertisements are outdated and they do qualify for media mail! 🙂
Smith
And people like you are the reason prices keep increasing. You think rules don’t apply to you.
Ebay guy
That’s why those of us that follow procedure can’t compete with those that intentionally snub the rules (that are put. In place for good reason). Thanks for that.
Mary
I subscribe to Smithsonian magazine and would like to share them with my grandson who lives in South Carolina I live in Oregon. If I mail them 2 or 3 at a time in a large envelope what would the per ounce postage be?
Glenda
You would be better off giving your grandson a subscription. I was offered a gift subscription from Smithsonian and was able to add my grandson free.
WAYLON
What about using “bound printed matter” rates for single magazines? I can’t get a clear answer on the USPS website.
Rockwell Sands
Hi Waylon – This is something you’ll need to speak to your Postmaster about, at your local Post Office. I unfortunately don’t have any experience sending bound printed matter. Sorry I can’t help out more here!
Bernie Miller
How can I mail a box containing 15 vintage Christmas catalogs the cheapest Way? They weigh 29.4lbs
Mary Ann
Can I use media mail for vintage magazines? Circa 1970’s and1980’s.
Rockwell Sands
Hi Mary – Unfortunately, USPS won’t accept vintage magazines for Media Mail service. You’re best off sending them regular First-Class Mail in flat envelopes. Sorry for the bad news!
Christy Nesbitt
Yes you can!! 🙂 I sell vintage Magazines and use media mail every week!! If they ask if it contains advertisements ,I say it’s from the 50s! So they say them advertisements don’t count now.:)
Ebay guy
That’s not how it works and is against their own rules, making honest sellers not able to compete. Thanks.
Smith
No. Stop breaking the rules. They even apply to you.
Kirk
They really SHOULD allow old magazines under media mail. The advertisements inside are purely historical.
CJ
Hi. I need to mail 6 Highlights Magazines
Pretty sure these don’t have advertisements. What’s the cheapest way to mail?
Rockwell Sands
Hi CJ – from my experience, even if a magazine doesn’t contain advertisements, USPS doesn’t allow these to be sent via Media Mail. I’d go about sending these the way I wrote in the guide above: stick ’em each in a separate “Flat” envelope and pay for First-Class Mail postage. You can always pay for Certified Mail if you want the ability to track them, as well. Hope this helps!
CJ
Ok so I printed postage… can I just cross out where it says Media and use it on a Flat?
Joe moody
What postage rate would apply to a magazine with 75% advertisement in it, in a poly bag, carrier route saturation mail?
Rockwell Sands
Hi Joe – I’m not sure about saturation mail to be honest, since most of my experience is in shipping small parcels, and not mailing magazines and catalogs with other service than First-Class Mail. In my experience, putting a magazine in a flat envelope and sending it First-Class Mail was always the cheapest and easiest way…it just costs maybe a postage stamp or two. If you throw it in a poly bag, USPS will probably charge you for First Class Package Service, which is a shipping service (not mailing) and run anywhere from $4-5. Sorry I don’t know more!
Ralph Nichols
Can i send magazines with no advertisements through Media Mail? Also most of the newer comic books do not have advertisements. Do they qualify for media mail now?
Gregor
Hi Ralph! Technically, theoretically, and in practice you CAN send comic books, as long as they DO NOT have advertising (watch out for “see or website for more” as that can be construed as an ad).
HOWEVER – another yukky part of Media Mail is USPS has the right, or even duty, to open up the MEDIA MAIL box and check the magazine for advertisements in the comic book. Not saying the USPS inspector just ate a greasy mustard sandwich and is now checking out or reading your customer’s comic book is impossible. Also, nice clean gloved hands looking through a comic may void the MINT condition to your sender. I send mine out by Priority Mail or First Class.. If the customer does not want to pay it, they don’t really want it. Sorry to say, just sad reality
Hannah
I have a few questions and would be endlessly grateful for some assistance. I need to ship 450 catalogs out now, and will ship batches of 250 – 1,500 a few times next year. They weigh 7oz a piece packaged. 1. Is this eligible for marketing mail? 2. What rate should I expect? The online pricing chart is really confusing with categories I do not yet understand. 3. How to I purchase and print postage? Can I do this through stamps.com, or what? The catalogues are already printed so I’d be looking at affixing postage in some method… is this done with my label printer, at the post office, or something else?
Laura
Can I send old issues of auction catalogs (Sothebys – Christies – Bonhams etc) via media mail? And can I send music CDs or movie DVDs media mail? These are items I sell on eBay. Thanks!
John Kiernan
55 cents (or $1.10 or $1.65, depending on whether the magazine weighs 2 or 3 ounces).
WRONG! Additional ounces are not 55c.
Paul Komarek
Our company ships monthly newsletters and/or manuals to about 2,000 recipients. What is the most economical way to mail it? Thank You
Rockwell Sands
Hi Paul – If you’re shipping that many newsletters and manuals, I think you’ll qualify for special Marketing Mail rates! If I were you, I would go into your local Post Office and speak to the postmaster about this to see if it’s possible. Hope this helps.
Dylan
What kind of label is required to ship magazines as marketing mail 0.19? Can I specify which streets or neighborhood I want them distributed?
Rockwell Sands
Hi Dylan – You’ll need to speak to your local Post Office about this, but I believe they provide the labels for you once you enter into specific Marketing Mail agreements. They are small ones that you’ll affix to the cover of your magazines.
Barbara
Do we have to put the magazine in an envelope? Can’t we just put a label on the outside? I need to mail 8,000 12 ounce magazines to homes in one zip code.
Rockwell Sands
Hi Barbara – great question! You technically don’t need to put the magazine in an envelope. You can absolutely affix your postage to the outside of them…but since you’re sending so many of these, I would definitely approach USPS and ask if you can use Marketing Mail. It will save you way more money than any other type of service.
Ivan Esparza
Hi, barbara I was wondering how much you were quoted to send out those 8,000 magazines as I’m looking to mail out 5k, 5 page magazines?
Simmie Boehm
How can I ship my issues (2020 & 2021) of magazines I have read in California to my teenage grandchildren in the East Coast so they can read them this coming summer?
Carl Newman
Can vintage (1940s) magazines be sent via media mail?
Rockwell Sands
Hi Carl – unfortunately those won’t qualify, either. USPS won’t allow any magazines to be sent via Media Mail, whether current or vintage because they all contain advertising (even if whatever they are advertising no longer exists). Sorry!