Postal Service Pushes the Envelope

The Postal Service’s Customized MarketMail (CMM) lets mailers send mailpieces of any shape or design.

Since its launch in 2003, advertisers have mailed images of puppy dogs, doughnuts, drink bottles, race cars and other memorable shapes.

"Customized MarketMailTM (CMM), advertisers can communicate their products and services visually by sending literally-outside-the-box-shaped pieces of mail..." according to Robert Longley, on the About.com website.

According to Direct Marketing magazine, "The Postal Service allows you to mail almost any item that doesn't present a hazard, or isn't impractical. Some items that have gone through the mail include dollar bills with a stamp and address pasted over George Washington's face; a mylar balloon filled with air; plastic bottles with a message inside; empty beer cans; and cinder blocks.

The blocks, by the way, must weigh less than 70 pounds and can be refused if they have sharp or extra rough edges.

To learn more about Customized Market Mail, click here.