MAINTAINING THE POSTAL BUDGET?

Its hard to believe that it has been nearly 13 months since the USPS introduced Shape Based Pricing into the Postal Rate structure.   Many of us never believed it would happen.   Alas it has, and some of us are bearing a much larger postal budget it because of it.  Others made the changes and modifications needed to keep the cost of postage inline.  Where are you in your company?  

To take advantage of the rate structure the USPS has given us remember, letter size flows better and  is faster and cheaper.  How do we get to letter size?  Keep your piece under 6 1/8 x 11 1/2 .   Also make certain it is flexible and less than ¼” in thickness.   Maybe its time to start stocking a nice “LETTERHEAD” style 6 x 9 or even 6 x 9 ½ for those fat envelopes.  Also remember, if it doesn’t have to ship flat FOLD IT.  Over the years many of us got used to mailing 4-8 sheets flat in a 9x12 envelope.  It was quick easy and looked good AND the postage was the same as folding it and placing in a letter envelope.  
today however, placing those same sheets in a “flat sized” envelope is a $0.41 premium.  Is it really worth it? 

This chart shows the difference in the three sizes of mail.  As you can see, Letter mail is substantially cheaper.  Contact your envelope supplier see if they can help provide envelopes that will keep your costs down. Also use this as an opportunity to reevaluate all of your mailing issues.  The USPS has told us they will be increasing the Rates EVERY MAY.  They will give us 90 Days notice and the rates will always be at or below the Consumer Price Index. So, be ready, plan ahead.