We used bulk rate for our newsletter for about a year.  However, we found
that in order to ensure that it got it into the hands of our members at
least a week and a half before the first of the month it had to get in the
mail system by the second week in the preceding month.  The problem with
bulk seems to be that the individual postperson determines when bulk is
delivered.  If he/she has a lot of mail today it might be tomorrow or
several days before that bilk mail gets out to the public.  We have now gone
to first class and we have happy members.  However, the cost is horrendous.
So for next year we are going to be mailing our calendar of events out in an
oversized postcard (cheaper to print & mail) that can be clipped to a magnet
on the refrigerator.  Details about each program will be on our website.  In
addition, we are collecting our members' e-mail addresses and will be
sending out reminders about events, etc.

Anne E. Hartmann
Executive Director
Maine Discovery Museum
74 Main St.
Bangor, ME 04401

For more information about the Maine Discovery Museum and its programs,
please click here:
              www.mainediscoverymuseum.org

Phone:  (207) 262-7200
Fax:  (207) 947-6281

  -----Original Message-----
  From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of jmuseum
  Sent: Wednesday, October 09, 2002 3:23 PM
  To: [log in to unmask]
  Subject: bulk rate postage


  Our museum is considering obtaining a bulk rate permit for our newsletter.
I am interested in knowing the pros and cons from other small museums other
than the savings in rates.

  Jean Dean
  Jim Gatchell Museum


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