Book shipments - the economical alternative for dispatching books

Our customers' e-commerce demands are constantly evolving. Deutsche Post has therefore decided to simplify its product portfolio and in future to offer only high-demand products.

Effective 01/01/2013, the little used Büchersendung Standard (standard books) and Büchersendung Kompakt (compact books) products will be discontinued and transferred to the remaining product portfolio. Alternatively, the (basic) letter products such Standardbrief (standard letter) can be used. Büchersendung Groß (large books) and Büchersendung Maxi ('maxi'-sized books) will remain.

Effective 01/01/2013, greatly simplified content criteria will apply to books:

• Items can be prepared using, for example, photocopiers, laser printers, computer printers.
• Factual information can be inserted loose or attached to items or their packaging. Such information/supplements can be, for example:
  • The invoice or delivery note for the contents of the item.
  • A payment form, also pre-printed, with the invoice amount.
  • A return reply envelope or return label.
  • A lending slip.
  • Printed documents, for example, brochures, cards with general and interchangeable texts (e.g., 'with best wishes for a good year') or general printed texts. These printed documents may not, however, be the main dispatch item.
  • Brief information describing the content, for example: internal label, location and date of dispatch as well as sender details and signature.
• Books may contain advertising and a dedication, if the following criteria are met:
  • The advertising in or on the main dispatch item must be limited to the outer and inner sides of the envelope and to a maximum of four consecutive pages at the beginning and end of the item.
  • The dedication may consist of a short phrase, such as 'in loving memory, the author', to which brief quotes may also be added. This dedication can also be on a loosely attached sheet or card.
  • Catalogues, flyers and other advertising may be included with the main dispatch item.

Addressed written communications (letters) are still not permitted, e.g.:

• Individual letter texts of all kinds, whether handwritten or printed.
• Texts with salutation (e.g., 'Dear customer').
• Texts with a politeness formula (e.g., 'Yours sincerely').
• Personal messages (e.g., 'rest to follow').