Does a Business Reply Envelope cost more than Courtesy Reply?

Yes. BRE requires a USPS permit and higher postage, but you only pay when mail is returned. CRE requires no permit and shifts postage to the customer.

Which gets higher response rates?

Business Reply Envelopes usually get higher response rates since recipients don’t need to buy a stamp.

Can both be customized with branding?

Yes. Both BRE and CRE can be printed with logos, return addresses, and brand messaging.

Do I need USPS approval for both?

BRE must follow strict USPS design standards, while CRE has more flexibility but should still follow USPS addressing rules.

Which is better for nonprofits?

Nonprofits often use BRE for higher response, but CRE is cost-effective if donors are motivated to respond.

BRE vs CRE

Business Reply Envelopes vs Courtesy Reply Envelopes: Which One Do You Need?

When you want customers to reply quickly, including a return envelope is essential. But should you choose a Business Reply Envelope (BRE) or a Courtesy Reply Envelope (CRE)? The difference comes down to who pays for postage, whether you need a USPS permit, and how you expect customers to respond. Let’s compare both so you can select the right option for your mailing campaign.

Should you use Business Reply Envelopes (BRE) or Courtesy Reply Envelopes (CRE)? Learn the differences in cost, permits, postage, and best uses, so you can choose the right envelope option for you.

Comparison Table

Feature	Business Reply Envelopes	Courtesy Reply Envelopes
Postage Paid By	Sender (business)	Recipient (customer)
USPS Permit	Required	Not required
Cost Control	Pay only when returned; higher per-piece rate	No per-piece postage; recipient applies stamp
Ease for Customer	No stamp needed; higher response	Stamp required; slightly lower response
Best Uses	Donations, orders, legal/medical, payments	Invoices, surveys, renewals, RSVPs
Design Rules	Strict USPS layout with barcode/FIM	Flexible formatting

Which Do You Need?

Choose Business Reply Envelopes (BRE):
If you want to maximize response rates, or you’re mailing to a large, broad audience (where asking them to use their own postage could reduce replies).
Common for donation appeals, subscription renewals, utility payments, and legal/medical responses.

Choose Courtesy Reply Envelopes (CRE):
If you’re mailing to an engaged audience that’s already motivated to respond, or you want to avoid permit and per-piece postage costs.
Common for billing invoices, member renewals, event RSVPs, and nonprofit donations where supporters don’t mind affixing a stamp.

👉 Rule of Thumb:

Use BRE when you can’t risk losing replies due to postage.

Use CRE when cost control is most important and the audience is likely to respond anyway.

FAQs

Does a BRE cost more than a CRE?: Yes. BRE requires a permit and higher postage, but you only pay when mail is returned.
Which gets higher response rates?: BRE usually performs better since no stamp is required from the recipient.
Can I print branding on both?: Yes. Both types can be customized with logos, return addresses, and design elements.
Do both require USPS approval?: BRE must follow strict USPS standards. CRE is more flexible but still must follow addressing rules.
Which should nonprofits choose?: BRE if response is critical, CRE if cost savings are a priority and donors are engaged.

Order Reply Envelopes

Whether you need Business Reply Envelopes or Courtesy Reply Envelopes, Easy Envelopes can help you design and print compliant, professional reply mail. Easy Envelopes will make it easy and do all of the work for you. Call 612.867.2121 or email doug@easyenvelopes.com to get expert advice, samples, and quotes.