Mailing Equipment

A recent trade magazine shows a graph that depicts mailing volumes from 1999-2009. During that period, First Class Mail has been steadily dropping, but Standard Mail has experienced a steady increase from 2002-2008.

Up to a point, Standard Mail doesn’t seem to be competing with the internet, because the volumes were quite high until the economy crashed. In the face of volume that has fallen below 2002 levels, the USPS has come up with an idea for a stimulus package. Overall I think it’s a great concept, but like everything else that is run by the government, they made it a little too complicated.

Follow up:

Here is the general idea that is being proposed: If you mailed over 1 million Standard letters or Flats between Sept 1, 2007 and March 31, 2008, you would be eligible for discounts of 20%-30%. BUT, here’s the catch: Your discount will be adjusted if your October 2009 volume is less than your October 2008 volume. In today’s economic climate, would you want to bank on a 30% discount, only to find that you will be getting a 20% discount instead, because your October volume is lower than expected? I’m afraid it’s a bit of a gamble.

The other issue is that this is only open to the customer who owns the permit..….not to the commercial lettershop or printer (Mailing service or agent). I would contend that printers and mailing services are suffering, while advertisers are finding other ways to promote their products and services…….ways that do not utilize the services of the USPS.

I say give the rebates to the mailing agent. Let them work out the details with their client, and allow the entire industry to share in these discounts.