On April 10, 2023, the U.S. Postal Service filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) of mailing services price changes to take effect on July 9, 2023. The price change includes a three-cent increase of a First-Class stamped mail piece from 63 cents to 66 cents. If favorably reviewed by the Commission, the proposed increases will raise First-Class Mail prices approximately 5.4%. They are also seeking price changes for additional products including Marketing Mail, Periodicals, Package Services, and Special Services. The USPS stated these price adjustments are needed to offset costs due to the rise in inflation as well as the effects of a previously defective pricing model.
The proposed mailing prices changes include:
First-Class Mail® First-Ounce Prices
Every Door Direct Mail® Prices
USPS Marketing Mail® Product Price Changes
Price Change Percentages
What’s Next
The price changes have been approved by the Governors of the USPS and have been filed with the PRC. The proposed mail rates have been sent to the PRC, who will review the changes before they are scheduled to take effect. The USPS is expected to receive confirmation from the PRC no later than May 25, 2023.
How to Prepare
With the price changes quickly approaching, it is critical for your business to get ahead of the increase. These are some helpful tips to prepare for the change:
- Plan your marketing budget with the new pricing in mind. This will ensure seamless execution of your mailing projects without last minute changes needed.
- Define your target audience in advance. Review your product or service with your campaign goals to identify who is best suited to receive your mail piece. Having a clear idea of your target audience will boost your ROI and prevent unnecessary mailings.
- Utilize active promotions and incentives that are available. The USPS offers several programs for First-Class and Marketing Mailing that can help you save on postage and boost ROI.
- Find a mailing solutions provider to help you with strategy, design, production, and delivery so your mailing needs are all handled in one place.
When mailing through the USPS, getting it right is imperative. A piece folded incorrectly or sized unconventionally can cost you dearly in postage. That’s where the experts at Prisma can help. Our in-house consultants have the expertise and knowledge of postal promotions and regulations to avoid delays and eliminate unexpected costs for a seamless campaign. Processing more than 15 million pieces a month…we know mail. And we can help you.
Resources
USPS Price Change News Release
