Freepost

In one use of freepost, a business sends bulk mail to potential customers, the bulk mail including envelopes or postcards that potential customers can return to the business by freepost.

In another use, magazines include subscription cards that potential subscribers can return by freepost.

For example, UK's NHS worker's RFID access cards can be returned by freepost if lost & found.

Specially printed envelopes are used, with the permit holder's address, the words "Reply Paid" with an authorization number.

The stamp is replaced by three vertical black stripes and a postal bar code.

[1] The delivery address is printed on the top left hand corner of the envelope.

To coordinate service with the United States, Canada Post uses the same terminology and the same standards as the USPS (as explained below), with the exception of the use of Canadian Postal codes.

A mailer wishing to receive mail by freepost must obtain a business reply permit and design the envelopes, postcards, or labels according to the standards specified by the USPS, including the use of an appropriate FIM B or C code.

The envelope or postcard also includes space for the business reply permit number.

Where the stamp would be affixed normally on the envelope, a box with the words "Porto zahlt Empfänger" ("postage paid by recipient") or "Bitte frankieren, falls Marke zur Hand" ("please place a stamp if one is at hand") is printed.

"Use this card to order - it requires no postage" c. 1949
Business Reply Mail
Post Card for ordering a trial packet, where the fee for the post card delivery is paid by the recipient
Example of an International Business Reply Service envelope that would be accepted by the United States Postal Service for free delivery to addresses outside the USA [ 3 ]