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Statement FAQs

There are three standard billing statement formats: One-Panel, Two-Panel and Three-Panel.
For a single-panel insert, the standard size is 3.5" X 6" and is printed on 60# paper. Lighter paper weight can not be used for statements due to the sensitivity of inserting equipment.
For full-bleed, single-panel pieces, artwork should bleed over each edge by 1/8-inch for trimming (3.75" X 6.25"). Live image area is 3.25" X 5.75".
For non-bleed, single-panel pieces, artwork image area should be 3" X 5.5". We require a 1/4-inch trim allowance on all non-bleed artwork.
All artwork and print quotes, unless otherwise indicated, are 4 over 4 process color (CMYK). This means that two-sided artwork should be submitted.
The average 3.5" X 6" single-panel insert on 60# coated stock weighs .05 oz.
A two-panel insert can be either of two paper stocks. For gloss paper, two-panel inserts should be 7" X 6" flat, folded down to a 3.5" X 6" finished size. Gloss stock for two-panel inserts is generally 50#. For two-panel inserts on high-bulk stock, where a detachable BRC card is used, paper weight should be 70#.
For full-bleed pieces, artwork should bleed over each edge by 1/8-inch for trimming (7.25" X 6.25"). Live image area is 6.75" X 5.75". There is one fold in the two-panel piece. Client-provided artwork should come accompanied by proofs and instructions for the printer indicating inside versus outside the fold.
For a non-bleed ad, artwork image area should be 6.5" X 5.5". We require a 1/4-inch trim allowance on all non-bleed artwork. There is one fold in the two-panel piece. Client-provided artwork should come accompanied by proofs and instructions for the printer indicating inside versus outside the fold.
The average 3.5" X 6" (finished size) two-panel insert on 50# coated stock weighs .08 oz.
Three-panel inserts are generally printed on 45# gloss stock. Flat size is 10.5" X 6" folded to a finished size of 3.5" X 6" in a "C" fold. "Z" folds are not allowed in billing statements.
For full-bleed, three-panel pieces, artwork should bleed over each edge by 1/8-inch for trimming (10.75" X 6.25"). Live image area is 10.25" X 5.75". There are two folds in the three-panel piece. Client-provided artwork should come accompanied by proofs and instructions for the printer indicating inside versus outside the fold.
For non-bleed, three-panel pieces, artwork image area should be 10" X 5.5". We require a 1/4-inch trim allowance on all non-bleed artwork. There are two folds in the three-panel piece. Client-provided artwork should come accompanied by proofs and instructions for the printer indicating inside versus outside the fold.
The average 3.5" X 6" (finished size) three-panel insert on 45# coated stock weighs .10 oz.
Yes. In fact, self-mailers work well in the statement channel. Keep in mind this means abiding by return postal regulations. Existing creative may need to be reformatted. If your three-panel piece is a self-mailer, it may also require a glue strip.
All creative submitted for printing in the final version can be submitted as a PDF, but if any changes are required, Echo Media can not change a PDF. For this reason, we recommend that you send final artwork in Mac/Quark format - we use version 6, but any version can be accommodated.
Supplying Echo Media with the source artwork also allows us to execute any black plate versioning or add any customization required by the files, such as disclaimers, and tracking codes.
Four weeks is the ideal print lead time for this channel. This allows two weeks to prepare and proof and two weeks to print and deliver.
While each statement has different requirements, a safe estimate is 15 days prior to the scheduled mail date.
The largest circulation in this channel is in credit card statements, but there are many other billing statements to choose from, as in the following:
  • Delivered via First Class Mail
  • Implied endorsement of the issuer
  • Near 100% opening rate
  • Large roll-out potential
  • Name list mailings
  • Access to credit card information at the time advertising is being viewed by recipients
  • Co-operative advertising channels cost less than solo-mail
  • Defined demographic targets
Collectibles, such as coins, stamps and dolls. Continuity programs, such as book clubs and music clubs. Accessories, including jewelry and personalized items and gifts. Consumer electronics, such as radios, stereos, CD Players, home theater systems and headphones. Subscription offers, including newspapers and magazines.
An average test circulation for statement inserts is 500,000 or full file, whichever is smaller. Smaller files may be willing to allow tests in quantities of 250,000.
90 days is a comfortable lead time for booking statement inserts; although, remnant insert space can be booked as late as one month out, assuming production schedules and delivery deadlines can be met.
Response rates vary based on product offer, price point, creative and timing. The near 100% opening rate should enhance response, but there are no hard and fast rules as to what to expect. Testing different offers is actively encouraged.
Or major credit card files, the answer is no, but there are smaller files that have geographic concentrations. Advertisers wishing to test the statement channel in specific geography may be interested in utility files, long distance statements, cable billing statements and newspaper subscriber billing statements, all of which can be purchased by geography.
There are several options for advertisers, including one-panel, two-panel, three-panel and bangtail advertising. For details on statement insert sizes and specifications, please read Statement Production FAQs.
Bangtails require recipient interaction. There is a need to physically handle the ad in order to mail back the bill, forcing review of the ad content. For a detailed description of how bangtails work and how bangtail orders are executed, click through to the Bangtail FAQs.
Yes. Echo Media can print any format of statement advertising.
The statement owns the names, not the advertiser. Similar to a one-time-only list rental, third-party advertisers can use the name for a one-time opportunity to acquire a sale. With names form statement companies, advertisers can not use the name more than one time regardless of whether or not the person has responded to the offer or purchased the item as a result of the first effort. Statements (mostly credit card issuers) do not allow advertisers to build a list off of the acquired new customer names. A credit card company will usually require third-party advertisers to suppress acquired names off of list rentals or re-marketing efforts once they are acquired by the advertiser. For many direct response companies this is a challenge that can not be overcome. Flags to suppress acquired names need to be maintained in the customer database.
Any re-marketing efforts need to be cleared by the file or issuer prior to distribution to the customer name. No third-party advertising, not belonging to the advertiser, can accompany the outbound initial shipment. This means that, no PIP or RAL information can be inserted along with outbound shipments of product sales generated from a credit card statement.
Echo Media regularly deals with processing, production and shipping specifications for statement inserts with as many as 41 pages. We have expertise in printing and delivery of materials that meet the most strenuous requirements. We verify each order prior to shipment for paper stock, banding, accurate labeling, paletization, stacking criteria, scheduling delivery times and even what direction the pieces are facing within the cartons. Statement insert printing and delivery are our business, and we execute correctly and consistently.