The Simple Difference Everyone Needs To Know
A lot of people think 2nd class is 2nd class. Same stamp, same service, same price.
But Royal Mail doesn’t work that way. There are two completely different postage categories for bulk letters, and the price depends on what you’re saying, not just how you send it.
That’s why some campaigns are cheaper and others cost more.
No tricks. No hidden uplift. Just two different Royal Mail products.
Business Mail
Business Mail is for informative or operational letters.
These are things you send because you have to, not because you’re promoting anything.
Examples:
- Appointment reminders
- Statements or invoices
- Council or regulatory notices
- Service updates
- Anything “here’s something you need to know”
These do not qualify for promotional discounts, so the postage is higher.
Simple example
A dentist sends 3,000 letters reminding patients about annual check ups.
Even though the tone might be friendly, it’s still an operational reminder.
This is Business Mail.
Advertising Mail
Advertising Mail is for promotional letters.
If your aim is to sell something, generate enquiries, invite people to an event or encourage a response, it usually qualifies.
Examples:
- Sales letters
- Event invitations
- New customer offers
- Lead generation campaigns
These get Royal Mail’s marketing discounts, so they are cheaper.
Simple example
A landscaper sends 5,000 letters offering 10 percent off spring garden work.
There’s a clear call to action and it’s promotional.
This is Advertising Mail.
Why the price difference matters
If your letter is informational, it must go through Business Mail.
If it’s promotional, it can go through Advertising Mail and save you money.
This is why two similar looking letters can have different postage rates.
It isn’t us inventing a cost. It’s Royal Mail’s classification based on content.
What’s the real difference?
| Business Mail | Advertising Mail |
| – Purpose: Informational or operational – Examples: – Appointments – Statements / Invoices – Service Updates – Council Notices – Postage Cost: Higher – Why: Does not qualify for marketing discounts | – Purpose: Promotional or Sales Driven – Examples: – Special Offers – Lead Generation Campaigns – Event Invitations – Customer Acquisition Mailings – Postage Cost: Lower – Why: Eligible for Royal Mail Marketing Discounts |
A real-world side by side example
Scenario 1: “Your tax return is due. Please send us your documents.”
Purpose: operational
Postage type: Business Mail
Cost: higher
Why: it’s not marketing
Scenario 2: “We’re offering a free tax planning review if you book in January.”
Purpose: promotional
Postage type: Advertising Mail
Cost: lower
Why: it qualifies for marketing discounts
- Same printer
- Same paper
- Same 2nd class service
Different postage due to content….
How we help you save money
At Selectabase we check every letter before sending to make sure it is placed in the cheapest legal category.
If it can qualify for Advertising Mail, we’ll make sure it does.
If not, we’ll explain exactly why in plain English so you’re never confused by the difference.
For a free quote and marketing material review, please email [email protected]
Look at our popular styles here, but if there is a style you would like that isn’t shown, just ask – We can do anything! – https://www.selectabase.co.uk/reach-your-audience/
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