When the tool won't cooperate

"I hit the daily limit"

Retail allows 5,000 pieces per day per ZIP Code. Two things to check:

• An old order is counting against you. USPS says a "Pay at Post Office" order you never dropped off can still count toward that ZIP Code's limit. Cancel it in Order History.
• The area really is bigger than 5,000. Split it into two orders on different days, or send the extra through a BMEU, which has no daily cap.

"I only want half of this route"

You can't. Retail adds routes whole. Either mail the whole route or leave it out and pick a smaller neighbor.

"The order is over 5,000 pieces"

A Retail order tops out at 5,000 pieces, unless a single route on its own has more than 5,000 delivery points. Break it into separate orders.

"It's asking for a permit"

The tool treats an account with a USPS Marketing Mail permit attached as a BMEU account. BMEU orders are paid by permit and handled through the BMEU that holds it. For a normal Retail mailing, use an account without a permit attached, or choose Retail Entry when you continue.

"I need a refund"

For a Retail order paid online, request it from the order in Order History. A BMEU refund goes through the BMEU tied to the permit you used.

"The tool isn't working for my ZIP Code"

USPS's advice is to fill out PS Form 3587 by hand and take it to the Post Office with your mailing.

"My piece failed the size check"

The tool has a Mailpiece Size Checker. A piece must be at least 0.007 inches thick, which USPS says is about three sheets of copy paper, and no more than 3.3 ounces. It also has to clear the EDDM size minimums: longer than 10.5 inches, or taller than 6.125 inches, or thicker than 0.25 inches. Ask your printer about a larger size or heavier stock.