Definition

Noun: - Large-scale commercial mailing: Mail consisting of a large number of identical items (such as circulars, catalogs, or advertisements) sent to many individual addresses. This type of mail is sent at a special, lower postage rate than first-class mail because it is presorted and paid for as a single batch or lot.

Usage

• As a subject or object: The term is used to refer to the category of mail itself or a specific instance of such a mailing.
  • The company uses bulk mail to distribute its new catalog.
  • We received a lot of bulk mail this week, mostly flyers and coupons.
• With prepositions: Commonly used with prepositions like "by," "in," or "as."
  • The announcement was sent by bulk mail.
  • These letters are processed as bulk mail.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "Bulk mail rate": Refers to the specific, discounted postage rate applied to qualifying bulk mailings.
  • To qualify for the bulk mail rate, you must meet minimum quantity and presorting requirements.
• "Bulk mail permit": An authorization from a postal service that allows an entity to send mail at bulk rates.
  • Our business had to apply for a bulk mail permit.

Variants and Related Words

• Junk mail (noun): A common, informal, and often derogatory synonym for unwanted advertising mail sent in bulk. While all junk mail may be sent via bulk mail, not all bulk mail is considered junk (e.g., a non-profit newsletter).
• Direct mail (noun): A marketing term for advertisements and other communications sent directly to potential customers through the mail, often using bulk mail services.
• Bulk mailing (noun): The act or process of sending out bulk mail.
  • The bulk mailing was scheduled for early November.

Synonyms

• Mass mailing
• Advertising mail
• Circulars (when referring specifically to the items being mailed)

Related Phrases

• Third-class mail (historical): In the U.S., this was the former postal rate classification for bulk mail; now often called "Marketing Mail" or "Standard Mail."
• Presorted mail: Mail that has been sorted by the sender according to postal regulations, a requirement for bulk mail rates.

Noun

1. mail consisting of large numbers of identical items (circulars or advertisements) sent to individual addresses at less than 1st-class rates and paid for in one lot