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DIY droop test

March 30, 2010

New standards for the USPS droop test have us all wondering if our pubs will stand up to the test. Your mail house will tell you for sure, but here’s the basics for a DIY droop test you can do at your desk:

For magazines longer than 10 inches:

Extend the magazine over the edge of your desk by 5 inches. If the pub droops more than 3 inches, you have failed. Stop. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200. Call your mail house.

For magazines shorter than 10 inches:

Extend the magazine over the edge of your desk by half its length. If it droops less than 2 inches, you are good to go. If it droops more than 2 inches, call your mail house.

For more information, download this bulletin from the USPS and find diagrams on page 5.

FINE PRINT: Only your mail house can tell you if you pass the droop test. Ask your mail house if the droop test is right for you. Some publishers have experienced shortness of breath and anxiety while taking the droop test. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking the DIY droop test and talk to your mail house immediately.

Filed under: custom publishing

Tags: design, print publication, production