Nobody likes to fail. But when it comes to direct-mail efforts, lessons that arise from stunning failures often can lead to stunning success

By Margaret Battistelli Gardner

Important Fundraising Lesson Learned: When in doubt regarding the “legality” of your mail-piece design, be sure to reference the Domestic Mail Manual, which is the USPS guidebook and available online at http://pe.usps.gov, or contact your local USPS business Mailpiece Design Analyst. To find the closest Design Analyst to you, contact the USPS National Customer Support Center at 800.238.3150. That entity will review your mail-piece design at no cost and provide feedback on any concerns within just a day or two.