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Winning at the Postage Game
On Monday, May 14, the U.S. Postal Service will implement rate changes that could hit small-business owners where it hurts. If your business involves sending out large quantities of packages, you'll probably feel the impact more than other businesses as packages are experiencing the greatest increases. But if you're creative with your mailers and master the new shape-based pricing system, you may be able to cut costs and actually come out ahead.
In March, USPS approved an increase in the price of a first-class stamp from 39 cents to 41 cents to cover operational expenses. Rates were raised just last year, but that increase was required by Congress to fund an escrow account. The implementation of new rates for periodicals, such as newspapers and magazines, has been delayed until July 15 to give the publishing industry time to update computer software and adjust to the complex rate structure.
Here are some examples of postage increases that could affect your business:
| Examples of New Prices for Postage Effective May 14, 2007 | Current | New |
| First-Class Mail Letters, Greeting Cards | $0.39 | $0.41 |
| 2-Ounce Mailer Wedding Invitation | $0.63 | $0.58 |
| Postcard | $0.24 | $0.26 |
| Priority Mail Flat Rate Envolope Flat Rate Box 12-Pound (Chicago to Los Angeles) | $4.05 $8.10 $19.80 | $4.60 $9.15 ** $24.10 |
| Express Mail Flat Rate Envelope 1-Pound package | $14.40 $18.80 | $16.25 $19.50 |
| Parcel Post 1-Pound package 5-Pound (Chicago to Los Angeles) | $3.95 $9.11 | $4.50 $9.50 |
** Postal Service Governors are requesting reconsideration for the new price of this item. | ||
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