Guides · By the Liberty Press bindery and mail teams

Polybagging, tip-ons and magnets: finishing that lifts response

Finishing is where a printed piece gets noticed. Polybags, tip-on cards and tip-on magnets turn a magazine or catalog into something that carries an offer, a reply device or a keepsake. Here is how each one works and how to plan for it.

Polybagging

Polybagging seals a magazine or catalog in a clear plastic wrap, often with inserts such as a renewal notice, sample or second publication. Publishers use it to keep loose inserts together, protect covers in the mail and deliver bundled pieces as one addressed item.

• Good for: subscriber magazines with inserts, catalog plus offer packs, sample delivery
• Plan for: insert sizes and weights, addressing on the bag or the cover, and USPS wrapper standards

Tip-on cards

A tip-on is a card or small piece glued to a page or cover with a removable adhesive. Readers peel it off to use it: a reply card, coupon, gift card carrier or event pass.

• Good for: renewals, offers, response tracking
• Plan for: placement, adhesive type and whether the tip-on changes the piece’s postal weight or thickness

Tip-on magnets

A tip-on magnet attaches a branded magnet to the cover or an inside page. Readers keep it on the refrigerator or a file cabinet, so the advertiser’s name stays in sight long after the issue is recycled.

• Good for: local service advertisers, directories, schedules and reminders
• Plan for: magnet size and weight, and protecting the magnet in the mailstream

Postal points to check

Polybags, attachments and added weight can change mail prices and machinability. Before you commit, confirm the finished piece with your printer’s mail team and the current USPS Domestic Mail Manual. If you mail Periodicals, see our Periodicals mailing guide.

Lead times

• Order magnets and cards early, since they often come from outside suppliers.
• Agree on placement and sample approval before the press run.
• Build finishing time into the mail date, especially with PUR binding, which needs curing time.

How Liberty Press can help

Liberty Press handles addressing, polybagging, shrink-wrapping, tip-on cards and magnets, foil stamping and embossing in-house, then mails through our USPS detached mail unit. See bindery and finishing or call 801-853-5353.