How to Return Mail to Sender

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How to Return Mail to Sender Using Australia Post's Affordable and Flexible Solutions

Online retailers face several challenges, including shipping orders to their customers on time. But, it is harder to provide return options to customers, a prime feature that they look for while shopping.

It is usually because customers are unaware of how to return to sender Auspost and think twice before ordering anything. Fortunately, Australia Post is an excellent shipping partner and can help you provide your customers with return services.

At PostGrid, we get several enquiries, like how to return mail to sender Australia Post. Contrary to popular belief, it is simple to arrange for mail returns. Also, it does not cost the customer anything to send back most items, primarily if they haven’t opened them yet.

This blog will walk you through the several reasons for returning items customers get in the mail. Also, we will discuss the steps to prepare these pieces for returns—hassle-free and at no cost.

Let’s begin!

How to Return to Sender Australia Post

Below, we discuss the steps to help you send back items effortlessly:

Step 1: Read the Return Policy

It is a must to read the retailer’s return policy before purchasing anything from them. They might or might not allow returns, so enquire about everything beforehand.

Luckily, most businesses that sell online enable their customers to send back items within a specified time. Hence, you can return to the sender Auspost following their instructions.

If the instructions aren’t clear, try checking the retailer’s website. Also, your items must be eligible for returns.

Step 2: Repack and Label

The return policy also states how to return mail to sender Australia using prepaid labels. Alternatively, there might be sections regarding how to download or purchase one.

If the policy states that you need to pay for the return mail, you would need to buy a satchel or prepaid label from the Post Office. You can bag flat-rate postage if your items weigh less than 5 kg to return to sender Auspost. Most companies reimburse postage after the completion of the entire transaction.

Step 3: Drop Off Your Parcel

You can drop off your packages at a local Post Office, Free 24/7 Parcel Locker, or Street Posting Box. Since there are nearly 20,000 Australia Post drop-off locations, you need not worry about how to return to the sender in Australia.

More About the Mail Drop-Off Points In Australia

Below, we talk about the return options available to help you choose the best one to return to sender Auspost:

Post Office

There are about 4,320 Post Offices in Australia! So, there are high chances that you will find one not very far from your residence or office. Most offices have extended hours, allowing you to drop off items after work. The postal workers are very supportive of how to return mail to sender Australia and can guide you further.

Also, you get a receipt of the return to sender Auspost, acting as evidence of posting. However, ensure that your items weigh up to 22 kg and do not exceed 105 cm.

Street Posting Box

Fortunately, thousands of Post Boxes in Australia are available 24 x 7 for free. Please note that return parcels you intend to send via Street Posting Boxes should not weigh more than 7 kg or exceed 35 cm.

Parcel Locker

Another option you should know while learning how to return mail to sender Australia Post is a Parcel Locker. There are 300 Australian locations where you can find Parcel Lockers, including supermarkets, petrol stations, etc.

They are the best choice if you need an email confirmation whenever you return to sender Auspost. But, you can only drop packages weighing up to 16 kg and measuring 50 cm. Like Post Boxes, Parcel Lockers are available for free at all times.

How to Use Parcel Lockers for Mail Returns

Parcel Lockers are a quick and convenient option for dropping off return parcels at any time. They are also safe and easy to use. Here are the steps:

Sign Up For a MyPost Account

Now that you know your options to return to sender Auspost, register for an online MyPost account. It helps you use Parcel Lockers to send your return mail items.

Attach a Label and Drop Off Your Package

As said earlier, you need a prepaid label or satchel to prepare your return mail. Then, you can search a Parcel Locker near you and drop off the items you wish to return to sender Auspost.

Track Your Mail

As soon as you shut the locker’s door, you get an automatic confirmation email with evidence of lodgement. Also, it alerts the postal workers to come and collect your package.

Direct mail services like PostGrid also help you track your mail pieces in real-time. You can monitor your campaign performance and check the analytics by logging into your PostGrid account.

Australia Post collects your mail by the end of the next working day, so it may be a while before your package starts moving. Hence, you can opt to drop items at a Post Office or Posting Box for urgent deliveries as an alternative to how to return mail to sender Australia.

Reasons to Return to Sender Auspost

There are several reasons for customers to send back mail items, including:

Misdelivery by the Post Office to an Incorrect Address

Sometimes, you may get an envelope or package in your mailbox that belongs to a different address. It is known as misdelivery and is a manual mistake by the postal carrier. In such cases, it is helpful to know how to return mail to the sender via Australia Post.

The reason could be a misinterpretation of the address, which is why the Post Office always asks customers to mention their addresses in the correct format. Nevertheless, misdelivery is not your fault, and you can return to sender Auspost effortlessly. Just place the item back in the mailbox or hand it to the carrier the next time they come to your doorstep.

In this case, you need not go anywhere or repack anything to return to sender Auspost. The delivery person will take the mail piece back and do the needful.

Mail Addressed to Old Residents

It happens more often than we would like because many people forget to update their new address with the Post Office. Moreover, they also skip informing senders that their address has changed. Therefore, you may need to return to sender Aupost for a while.

Understanding how to return to sender Australia can help you prevent this situation. All you need to do is mark the item as ‘Return to Sender – Unknown At This Address’ and place it back in the mailbox. Please don’t forget to erect the red flag to tell the delivery person that an outgoing mail piece is waiting for them.

Spam Mail

Another reason you may want to return to sender Aupost is junk mail. Here, the address and addressee are both correct, but you wish to stop getting mail from a specific sender completely.

The best thing to do is to place an ‘Addressed Mail Only’ or ‘No Junk Mail’ sign on your mailbox. It helps the delivery person know that you don’t want advertising mail.

Yet, you must know how to return mail to the sender Australia Post. If you still get spam mail and want to return it, write down ‘Refused’ and place it back in the mailbox.

However, you cannot return to sender Auspost if you have already opened the item. If you tamper with the pieces, you need to repackage them and pay the return postage.

Mail Return Solutions That Companies Can Employ

13% of online shoppers don’t buy from businesses if they aren’t happy with their return policy. Hence, Australia Post offers flexible and affordable return services for your business. You can simplify the process to return to sender Auspost for your customers.

The two primary options include:

• eParcel returns
• Return Paid parcels

eParcel Returns

This mailing option is ideal for domestic and international returns from New Zealand. You can sign up for this service and let your customer return to sender Auspost conveniently if you send more than 2,000 packages yearly.

Here are the prime features of domestic e-parcel Returns:

• Customers may contact you regarding a package return, use a prepaid label, or purchase one to arrange for a mail return
• You can also mention the Australia Post packaging methods for your returns. So, customers have a better idea of how to return mail to sender Australia after packaging it correctly
• Also, select who pays for the return postage. Ensure that you maintain transparency between you and your customers to smoothen the process to return to sender Auspost
• Companies can ask their customers to drop off the items at one of the 20,000 locations across Australia
• Tracking is available for some locations to help you stay updated. The Post Office also sends an email notification to your customers when they scan the items and initiate delivery to return to sender Auspost. This way, you can keep them in the loop and assure them that the return process will be successful
• Choose between Express Post and Parcel Post to allow customers to return to sender Auspost according to your requirements
• eParcel Returns also enables customers to print the return labels at a Post Office if they don’t have a printer. Hence, you can make the job easier for them

International e-Parcel Returns are the same as domestic with a few exceptions, like:

• Only customers in New Zealand can return to sender Auspot because the postal services haven’t included the other countries yet
• Tracking is available for Express Courier International return mail only
• You can choose between Express Courier International and Airmail

Return Paid Parcels

It is an apt option for companies that only need a domestic service to return to sender Auspost. However, it does not have a tracking feature like eParcel Returns and is more cost-effective.

Here are its features:

• You need to provide your unique Return Paid number to customers if they ask- how do I return to sender Australia Post
• Plus, you can only pay for the mail items that Australia Post delivers back to you
• The Post Office charges the costs directly to your Australia Post credit account
• Your customers can drop the return items at any Street Posting Box or Post Office

How Can PostGrid’s Direct Mail Services Help Simplify Your Print and Mail Processes?

PostGrid offers direct mail automation solutions to companies of all sectors, including healthcare, finance, insurance, real estate, retail and eCommerce, etc. Hence, you can return to sender Auspost and ask your customers to do so effectively.

Our services help you send prepaid envelopes and labels with your mail items. Hence, your customers can return to sender Auspost without buying packaging materials and paying for postage themselves.

Some other features that PostGrid offers are:

• Design templates: You can choose from our professionally-built templates and create your items in a few minutes. There is no need to hire a graphic designer or get your staff to draft mail pieces manually
• Print and mail fulfilment: Our direct mail API allows you to print and ship items at all-inclusive rates. Hence, you can send mail or return to sender Auspost without printing labels or affixing stamps on items yourselves
• Tracking: Real-time tracking makes it easy for you and your customers to stay on the same page. Luckily, PostGrid offers mail tracking for all items that keep you informed at all times

Wrapping Up

Today, customers need an efficient way to return to sender Auspost. They tend to check the returns policy before purchasing anything from businesses. Therefore, you need to employ a robust returns system, and Australia Post can help!

Fortunately, the Post Office offers several options to help businesses that they can select according to their budgets and needs.

Also, automated direct mail solutions like PostGrid help you skip learning how to return to sender Australia Post. All you need to do is integrate our API into your system and start mailing items almost instantly.

Moreover, PostGrif offers postal address verification to help you validate and standardise your mailing lists. It allows you to avoid problems like mail returns and lost items.

Do you want to know more about how PostGrid helps you automate your mailing process and smoothen return to sender Auspost? Request a demo now to get started!

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The post How to Return Mail to Sender appeared first on PostGrid.

source https://www.postgrid.com.au/how-to-return-mail-to-sender/

Standard Envelope Sizes Australia

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What Are The Standard Envelope Sizes in Australia, and Why Is It Important?

Postal letters come in all sizes. You probably know or call them by names like small, big, not-so-big envelopes, and so on. And to be honest, there is no need for anyone to learn or even understand the standard envelope sizes just for sending the occasional postcard on Christmas.

But for business communication, the standard envelope size matters. Imagine your company executing a bulk direct mail campaign and finding that you ordered the wrong size envelop. You could end up wasting so much money because of a simple mistake.

We understand the severity of this situation more than anyone because, at PostGrid, we deal with all matters related to postal mail communication. Hence, we will help you understand everything you need to know about standard envelope sizes and how to avoid any unnecessary problems.

What Are The Standard Envelopes Sizes Used in Australia?

You can send different sizes of mailers through a postal service like Australia Post. The size of your business mailer will vary depending on what kind of document or marketing material you want to send.

Australia Post offers different standard envelop sizes you can use for sending your business communication. Unlike what some may think, even the envelopes used for sending postal mail come with precision measurements.

You can’t insert your mail into an envelope if both have the exact dimensions. The standard envelope size ensures precise measurements for the envelopes so you can comfortably fit your mail inside them. In other words, the standards size paper fits perfectly inside the standard envelopes.

Categorising Standard Envelope Sizes Australia

Australia Post methodically classifies the sizes of envelopes you can use for sending your business or personal mail into four categories. You can use these four categories of standard envelopes for your business letters.

• C Series Envelopes
• B Series Envelopes
• DL Envelopes
• Other Sizes

These four categories consist of standard envelope sizes within specific dimensions. It is also worth noting that if an envelope’s dimensions exceed 360 x 260mm, Australia Post can classify it as a parcel. In such cases, you may have to pay additional postage for your mailers.

However, another way of categorising the standard envelope sizes exists. And it is much easier to understand. This categorisation also divides the postal mail envelopes into four groups. Here, the categorisation primarily focuses on size. Following are the four groups to which the Australia Post envelopes fall into.

• Wallet Envelope
• Pocket Envelope
• Booklet Envelope
• Banker Envelope

C Series Envelopes

Unlike what some may assume, Australia Post does not define the dimensions of the C series envelopes.

Then who decides the standard envelope sizes?

The ISO 269 International Standard for paper sizes defines the standard size for C-series envelopes.

So if you see the same standard size for envelopes in any other part of the world, it is not coincidental. The C series envelope size falls between the A and B series. In other words, C series envelopes have the ideal dimensions for holding unfolded standard A-series paper.

Standard Envelope Sizes of C Series Envelopes

When it comes to C series envelopes, there is five distinct Australia Post standard envelope size that businesses use. The following table should provide the details about the C series envelopes and their varying size.

C Series Envelope Size	Length	Width
C3	458mm	324mm
C4	324mm	229mm
C5	229mm	162mm
C6	162mm	114mm
C7	114mm	81mm

As you can see from the table, ISO uses the letter C followed by a numerical value to represent the different envelopes sizes. In addition, you can also observe that the range of the C series envelope is between 114 x 81mm to 458 x 324mm.

What Paper Sizes Can Fit Inside C Series Envelopes?

As mentioned above, you can comfortably place an A size or A-series paper within a C-series envelope. You can use the same envelopes for mailing B series papers. So, the first thing you need to do is to check the size of the print material you want to send.

And if the mail you send uses an A or B series paper, you can use a C-series envelope. You can follow a simple rule of thumb when choosing a C series standard envelope size for your business mailer. It is to use A-series papers with the same number.

For example, a healthcare organisation sending medical collection letters usually use A4 size paper for the note. In this case, the best envelope size the organisation can use is the C4 standard envelope size. Similarly, if your printed material uses A5 paper, you can use a C5-sized envelope.

The aspect ratio of C series envelopes is 1:√2. It means you can fold your printed material once or twice, so it fits perfectly into a smaller envelope.

B Series Envelopes

A series or A-size papers are the ones we commonly use for most applications, including office paperwork. Your business may use the B series envelope when the A series is unsuitable in the situation. The same logic applies to the B series standard envelope sizes.

If you thought that the ISO 216 International Standard also defines the B series standard envelope sizes, you are correct. You could also say that the B series offer intermediate paper sizes that fit perfectly between two consecutive A series papers.

For instance, let’s say you want to send a direct marketing mail to your target audience. But, you find that the A4 paper is too big and the A3 paper is too small. In this case, you can choose the B4 size because it fits perfectly between A4 and A3.

Standard Envelope Sizes of B Series Envelopes

There is five different Australia Post standard envelope size that businesses often use. The following table should give you every detail you need about the different B series envelopes sizes.

B Series Envelope Size	Length	Width
B3	500mm	353mm
B4	353mm	250mm
B5	250mm	176mm
B6	176mm	125mm
B7	125mm	88mm

Similar to what we saw in C series envelopes, ISO uses the letter B followed by a numerical value to represent the different envelopes sizes. You can also see that the B series envelope size range is between 125 x 88mm and 500 x 353mm.

What Paper Sizes Can Fit Inside B Series Envelopes?

The B series envelopes are perfect for your business mailers that use larger quantities of A4 paper. Besides this, the B series standard size for envelopes is also ideal for sending bulk items and larger sheets. It is worth noting that C series envelopes can not fit such bulky items neatly inside them.

Like with A series paper, you can fold a B series paper into half to make it smaller. For example, suppose you fold a B4 paper in half. In that case, the resulting dimension of the form will be equivalent to a B3 paper. Hence, you can use smaller standard envelope sizes for your mailers.

The aspect ratio of B series envelopes is the same as C series envelopes, which is 1:√2. Compared to A-series paper, the B-series paper is not so popular in an office setting. Some common uses of B series paper include printing posters, books, and some unique marketing materials.

DL Envelopes

The simplest way to describe the DL envelopes is that they are the envelopes that can fit DL-size paper inside them. Of course, the DL size paper and envelope are not the same size because otherwise, you can’t fit the document inside the standard size envelope.

Since the DL envelopes are the most common standard envelope size for personal mail, you have probably already come across them. You can even use a print and mail service like PostGrid to print customised envelopes that convey your brand’s identity to the target audience.

Printing your company logo or brand colours is a great way to make your direct mail stand out. Healthcare organisations, including hospitals, use this method to ensure that their patients do not miss crucial test results and other documents.

Apart from the DL standard envelope size, businesses can also use the DLX envelope. A DLX envelope can hold a DL envelope inside it. Hence, you can use the DLX envelope when sending your customers DL reply paid envelopes.

Standard Envelope Sizes Of DL Envelopes

There is five different Australia Post standard envelope size that businesses often use. The following table should give you every detail you need about the different B series envelopes sizes.

DL Envelope Size	Length	Width
DL	220mm	110mm
DLX	235mm	120mm

Similar to what we saw in DL envelopes. The ISO uses the letter DL to denote this paper size. There is no numerical value to represent the different Australian envelope sizes. You can also see that the size range of the DL envelope is between 220 x 110mm to 235 x 120mm.

What Paper Sizes Can Fit Inside DL Envelopes?

As we mentioned above, a DL envelope can comfortably fit a DL paper inside it. So if you plan on using DL size papers for marketing or communication purposes, the DL standard envelope size will suit you fine. However, the DL envelope can also hold other documents.

For example, you can easily send printed A4 sheet marketing materials as long as you fold them twice. Doing so will make your marketing mailer one-third its original size, and it can comfortably fit inside the DL standard envelope size.

In addition, the DL envelopes also come with a press seal closure system which is ideal for sending direct mail.

Other Sizes

Apart from the standard envelope sizes discussed above, there are some other, or additional standard envelope sizes your business can use. The table below shows the dimensional measurements of the other standard envelopes for sending your printed marketing materials.

Other Envelope Size	Length	Width
	350mm	255mm
	405mm	305mm

Wallet Envelopes

The wallet envelopes are generally small in size. Even the most extensive wallet envelope uses a DLX standard envelope size, which is only 120 x 235mm. The envelope sizes that belong to the wallet envelope group are as follows.

Envelope Type	Length	Width
11B	90mm	140mm
C6	114mm	162mm
DL	110mm	220mm
DLE	114mm	225mm
DLX	120mm	235mm

Pocket Envelopes

The pocket envelopes are slightly bigger than wallet envelopes. The standard envelope sizes of pocket envelopes are as follows.

Envelope Type	Length	Width
DL	110mm	220mm
DLX	120mm	235mm
C5	176mm	250mm
C4	229mm	324mm
B4	250mm	353mm

Booklet Envelopes

When it comes to booklet envelopes, the standard size increases even more. The standard envelope sizes you can find in booklet envelopes are as on the table below.

Envelope Type	Length	Width
C5	162mm	229mm
C4	229mm	324mm

Banker Envelopes

The envelope size of this group of envelopes is more diverse. You can find the dimensional details of the banker envelopes in the table below.

Envelope Type	Length	Width
11B	90mm	145mm
C6	114mm	162mm
DL	110mm	220mm
DLE	114mm	225mm
DLX	120mm	235mm

Why Your Business Needs PostGrid's Print & Mail System

Even picking a standard envelope size for your business, direct mail marketing, and communication is more complicated than you might think. Proper envelopes ensure your mailer can race through the Australia Post sorting system.

Hence, using the proper or standard envelope size can help you speed up your delivery of direct mail. PostGrid uses a fully automated print and mail API system that gives you complete control over your direct mail campaigns.

You can even personalise your postal mail envelopes using PostGrid. It allows your recipients to identify your mailer quickly. Business organisations in healthcare, finance, insurance, etc., can use printed envelopes to ensure that their customers don’t miss any critical mail.

Conclusion

Understanding and using the standard envelope sizes for business marketing and communication is challenging. Even a tiny mistake could lead to big problems, especially if you run bulk mail campaigns for your business.

Hence, it is always good to be on the safe side and use an automated solution like PostGrid to take care of your direct mail envelopes. PostGrid’s print and mail solution ensure neat and perfect packing of your direct mail with the appropriate standard envelope size.

If that’s not enough, PostGrid allows you to personalise your direct mail, including branding your mail envelopes. Hence, if you want to ensure a smooth mailing process for your business and not worry about the Australian envelope sizes, you must use an advanced solution like PostGrid.

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source https://www.postgrid.com.au/standard-envelope-sizes/

What Is Postcode

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How Can the Postcodes in Australia Help You Reduce Postage Costs and Boost Customer Satisfaction?

There are nearly 3,333 postcodes in Australia, covering all internal and external states and territories. These postcodes assist Australia Post in determining delivery routes and dropping off items at the correct destinations. But, there is much more to this concept that we will discuss in this blog.

First, you should know that an Australian postal code is the same as a ZIP code in the US. It goes by different names in every country, but its primary objectives remain the same.

They are helpful in the address verification and standardisation processes. With the help of correct postcodes, companies can process orders accurately and drive more sales. They can manage their entire logistics structure efficiently and save costs.

Address verification is gaining massive popularity these days, and businesses can employ it in their systems using postcodes of Australia. They assist in determining the number of orders per state or city—to formulate marketing and other strategies.

However, there are many more use cases of postcodes that this blog will walk you through. Also, we will talk about the significance of address validation for companies.

Let’s get started!

What are the Postcodes In Australia?

Australian postcodes are a string of four numbers that represent specific localities or neighbourhoods. It is a unique geographic identifier and offers high-quality demographic information.

Businesses use Aussie postal code lists for fraud prevention, shipping, information coordination, etc.

Primarily, they help assemble and route mail items within the Australia Post system. Mention them at the end of mailing addresses after writing the state abbreviations.

In 1967, the Postmaster-General’s Department introduced postcode in Australia, and the entire system is under the postal management. You can avail of the whole list of postcodes from the Post Office in the form of booklets. Alternatively, you can order online from Australia Post’s website if you want to store them in digital format.

Often, postcards and envelopes have four square boxes in orange to mention the postcode. They enable the postal workers to sort mail pieces automatically, helping them speed up the delivery process.

History of Postcodes In Australia

The purpose of the introduction of postcodes was to replace the older postal sorting structure, like Melbourne’s numbering system. (e.g., E5, N8) Also, there was a similar organisation in New South Wales’s regional and rural parts.

The introduction of large-volume mechanical mail sorting also took place around the same time as the commencement of the post code Australia system.

75% of mail items were using postcodes by 1968. The Post Office introduced postal preferred-size envelopes or standard envelopes the same year.

The orange-coloured postcode squares came into existence in June 1990 to help the postal services employ Optical Character Recognition (OCR). It assists Australia Post in sorting mail by postcodes more quickly.

Prescribed Mailing Address Format in Australia

The four-digit postcodes of Australia appear at the end of delivery addresses. But, you must ensure that the address is accurate and properly formatted. Australia Post has a standard address format that all individuals and companies should follow, and it is:

• The first line comprises the recipient’s full name
• The name and number. You can also write the locked bag or PO box, if applicable
• The last line has the locality or Post Office name with the territory or state abbreviation. Also, mention the postcodes in Australia on the same line at the end
• Write the country name for sending mail internationally

Here’s an example:

Phoebe Holt

18 Angelo St

NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2060

Most standard-sized envelopes already have the four boxes pre-printed on the bottom for writing the postcode in Australia Sydney.

Please note that you must write the company name on the second line while mailing to a business address. Below are some more tips to help you write your addresses precisely:

• Find the correct postcode using the Australia Post postal code finder
• Use dark inks to print your delivery addresses, like black on white paper. Refrain from using yellow, orange, or red ink
• Don’t underline anything
• Don’t stagger or indent the address lines
• Write your return address on the top left corner of the envelope to help the postal workers send your mailpiece back if the delivery fails

How Do Postcodes Work In Australia?

Now that you know what is a postal code, let us discuss its functioning in-depth. Australian postcodes consist of sorting data, and the Post Office uses them to group mail pieces going to similar locations.

Population

Often, postcodes represent only one geographic area. For instance, 6160 covers the city of Fremantle only. However, it gets complicated because of the postcodes that belong to numerous towns, like 2570. The postal code- 2570 includes 22 suburbs and cities around Camden.

Also, the postcode 3221 in Victoria that belongs to the Geelong Mail Centre includes twenty places with a low population. It indicates that Australia Post does the mail sorting after it reaches Geelong.

Other postcodes include larger populations (e.g., 4350 serving nearly 100,000 addresses in and around Toowoomba). But, there are also many postcodes in Australia, covering urban areas with a small population. Hence, there is no general rule regarding how many places a postcode should cover.

Towns Having Two Postcodes

The postcodes start from 0200, serving the Australian National University, and range up to 9944, covering Cannonvale in Queensland.

Plus, several suburbs and towns have two postcodes—one for PO boxes and the other for door-to-door deliveries. For instance, PO box 99 in Parramatta comes under postcode 2124. But, the same area also has another postal code- 2150 for street delivery.

Large Volume Receivers

Many large government departments, companies, and other crucial institutions that receive bulk mail have their Aussie postal code. These organisations are known as Large Volume Receivers (LVRs).

Here are some examples:

0200- Australian National University.

4029- The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, etc.

However, the Post Office has been discontinuing the LVR system since 2006.

Postcodes of Australia Covering More Than One State

Postcode 2620 includes an area in the Australia Capital Territory (Hume) and a locality in New South Wales (Gundaroo). Also, postcode 0872 serves several localities across Western Australia, Southern Australia, and the Northern Territory.

So, it is common for some postcodes to cover places in different states, even if it complicates the routing process.

The Allocation of the Postcodes In Australia

We hope you now know what is postcode in Australia so far and how they work. Now, we will move on to the allocation of Australian postcodes.

The first two postcode numbers indicate the state or territory, while the other two help locate the address. Here are the postcode ranges of the different states and territories:

State or Territory	Postcodes in Australia
New South Wales	1000 – 1999 (only PO Boxes and LVRs) 2000 – 2599 2619 – 2899 2921 – 2999
Australian Capital Territory	0200 – 0299 (only PO Boxes and LVRs) 2600 – 2618 2900 – 2920
Victoria	3000 – 3999 8000 – 8999 (only PO Boxes and LVRs)
South Australia	5000 – 5799 5800 – 5999 (only PO Boxes and LVRs)
Western Australia	6000 – 6797 6800 – 6999 (only PO Boxes and LVRs)
Tasmania	7000 – 7799 7800 – 7999 (only PO Boxes and LVRs)
Northern Territory	0800 – 0899 0900 – 0999 (only PO Boxes and LVRs)
Queensland	4000 – 4999 9000 – 9999 (only PO Boxes and LVRs)

Popular Use Cases of the Postcodes of Australia

There are several applications of postcodes, certainly more than we know. They form a significant component of several crucial operations for companies, like

Insurance

Often, insurance agencies use the postal code data to determine the premium rates of a house or car. There are considerable variations in the costs, depending on the locality or city. Thus, knowing the postcodes for quoting prices is ordinary.

Also, insurance agents use this data at the time of settling claims. Hence, postcodes are an integral aspect of their day-to-day work.

Transport

The transport system in New South Wales employs postcodes of Australia to allocate specific numbers to bus stops. Usually, the stop numbers consist of five to seven digits—the first four comprise the postcodes, and the remaining represent the stop number.

Metropolitan Street Maps

These maps have all the Australian postcodes grouped according to the suburbs. They help define sales strategies and choose franchise locations.

The companies that manufacture these maps use postal code lists regularly. They enable businesses to have a spatial representation of their target localities.

Federal and State Government Institutions

These organisations publish several statistics now and then by postcodes. Hence, there are several social planning-related activities that postcodes help accomplish.

However, there is an issue with the spatial representation of the postcodes in Australia. The postal services add and remove postcodes all the time for operational purposes, which causes deviations in several plans.

Presort Mail

It is one of the most crucial use cases of postcodes. Most companies use automated direct mail solutions like PostGrid that help validate their mailing lists and presort their items according to the postcodes in Australia.

Shipping and Logistics

It doesn’t matter if you send a transactional mail item to a client in Sydney or conduct a direct mail campaign covering several cities. Postcode data can help you ship your official and marketing mail efficiently and accurately.

Identity Verification

The postcodes of Australia also help in fraud prevention for online transactions. They aid the identity verification programs that help companies avoid data breaches and frauds.

Comparison of the Postcodes Around the World

The Treaty of Bern in 1874 dictated the Universal Postal Union’s launch to enhance global mail exchange. There are hundreds of member countries, and their postcodes are available publicly.

The UPU conducts several seminars, publishes research papers, and creates solutions to promote global eCommerce. You can access their website and search for all the postcodes in Australia. Below are some details of the most popular postcode systems in the world:

ZIP Codes (USA)

At PostGrid, we get many questions, like what is ZIP code. This term may confuse people, but it is the same as postcode. Undoubtedly, the ZIP codes of the USA constitute a well-curated postal code system under the jurisdiction of the USPS.

So, what is the ZIP postal code?

ZIP stands for Zoning Improvement Plan and has several functions, including mail routing, data verification, etc. The primary objective of introducing ZIP codes was to simplify transport across the country.

Robert A. Moon, a postal service employee, created the ZIP-code system decades ago to enhance mail delivery. It works the same way as the postcodes in Australia, with a few minor differences.

Typically, a ZIP postal code is five digits long. But, it is advisable to add the extra four digits that speed up mail sorting and delivery. Nowadays, you can use Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMBs) that have encoded ZIP codes to automate most of the process. It helps you bag additional postal discounts from Australia Post.

The first digit of the ZIP code stands for a group of US states, while the second and third digits represent a Post Office or sectional centre. Then, the last two numbers stand for the delivery area.

Postal Codes (Canada)

Canada got its first postal code structure in Toronto in 1925. Later on, the Post Office divided the city into 14 delivery zones. The postal areas in Ottawa, Quebec, Vancouver, and Winnipeg also started using this system in a few years.

After knowing what is a postcode and ZIP code, you may think that Canadian postal codes are also numeric. But, they are alphanumeric, consisting of six digits. Some of the examples include M4K 1M8, T0A 0A0, M1E 1PS, etc.

Canadian codes use the A1A 1A1 format, wherein the first character is always a letter. The starting three digits state the Forward Sortation Area (FSA), and the remaining three represent Local Delivery Units (LDUs).

You can use an address verification API like PostGrid if you have difficulty finding and verifying postcodes in Australia and abroad. It helps you access validated mailing lists that you can employ for many reasons.

How Does Address Verification Help You Validate Your Postcode Data?

Address validation is the key to getting accurate postcodes and sending mail to deliverable addresses. It helps companies benefit from the use cases of the postcodes of Australia effectively.

Autocomplete

PostGrid’s autocomplete API allows your customers to autofill their delivery address and postal code. Hence, it takes them half the time they need to type the full address. Also, it ensures that the entered information is correct and valid.

You can integrate this API into your shopping app or website and boost its user experience (UX). Also, PostGrid offers address autocomplete with its validation services to help you send mail to the correct addresses.

It is also helpful in adding the missing postcodes of Australia to your mailing lists. Thus, you can update your old databases and put them to good use.

Standardise

As said earlier, following the standard Australia Post address format is crucial. Therefore, companies must mention properly-standardised addresses on their envelopes, packages, and other mail pieces.

PostGrid’s address verification API helps standardise your mailing information and postal code lists. It first parses the addresses to separate the components and employs fuzzy matching. Then, it reformats them to make them mail-ready. Hence, you can guarantee accurate and fast deliveries.

Validate

AMAS stands for Address Matching Approval System and is a certification program for address verification vendors. PostGrid is AMAS-certified and cross-checks your postal code lists against the Australia Post database.

Hence, you can rest assured that we return high-quality data that enhances your overall mailing experience.

Why Should You Always Verify the Postcodes In Australia Before Using Them?

There is more than one advantage of double-checking postcodes beforehand, including

Save Money

You can cut costs considerably by sending mail to the correct postcodes the first time itself. Reshipping, lost mail, returns, etc., can drain your budget and create inefficiencies. But, address verification for the postcodes of Australia can help you prevent such problems and mail accurately.

Also, address verification services like PostGrid help you presort your items by postcodes, allowing you to further lower costs.

Increase Operational Efficiency

It may be a routine for you to pack and mail orders. But, one incorrect postal code can lead to several issues and slowdowns. Hence, you should be prepared by validating your postcodes and maintaining a clean database.

Make Faster Decisions

Having access to an up-to-date postcode list enables you to make prompt decisions.

For example, you can use the postcodes of Australia to target the right neighbourhood if you want to promote your upcoming season sale. Hence, all marketing and planning activities involve the usage of postcodes.

Reduce Mail Returns

Mail returns can increase your workload and lead to wastage. Also, it creates backlogs as you need to reship the old orders again and divert your effort from the new ones.

But, you can skip these scenarios by using PostGrid’s address verification solutions to verify the postcodes of Australia.

Increase Customer Satisfaction

Validating postcodes in Australia and mailing items to the correct delivery addresses can help your mail items arrive at their destinations on time. This practice helps raise customer satisfaction and retention levels.

PostGrid’s Address Verification Services for Postcode Validation

After knowing about the UK ZIP code and postcode, your next step is finding a reliable address verification service. Luckily, we already have a solution to your needs and guarantee positive results. Our 99.99% deliverability rate is a sign of our efficient address validation capabilities. 

Here are some of the best features of our services:

• Geocoding: Geocoding feature helps capture the correct mailing addresses of your customers. Hence, if they provide incorrect details, you have the resources to identify the correct address and modify it accordingly
• Fuzzy matching: It is a significant feature of verifying the postcodes of Australia because there could be some minor mistakes. People tend to make errors, like swapping letters and numbers. Hence, PostGrid performs a fuzzy matching check to validate your addresses better
• Bulk address verification: You can upload your existing mailing lists on our dashboard or integrate our API into your system. Either way, you can verify any number of postal codes as our services are scalable
• International address verification: International postcodes might be hard to find for you. But, you need not worry anymore because PostGrid can validate addresses of 245+ countries. Thus, you can mail to any part of the world and still not worry about incorrect postcodes in Australia

Wrapping Up

Almost every country has a postcode system known by different names. In the US, there are ZIP codes, whereas Canada has a postal code system. They help the Post Office identify locations more closely and deliver your packages at the earliest.

We hope you got the answers to queries, like how many postcodes are in Australia and what they mean. If you need help, you can use PostGrid’s address verification API that verifies every component of your addresses and makes them deliverable.

Also, our industry-best pricing plans make the whole process much more affordable and efficient for your company.

You can sign up here to know more about how PostGrid helps you validate the postcodes of Australia within seconds!

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The post What Is Postcode appeared first on PostGrid.

source https://www.postgrid.com.au/what-is-postcode/