6 replies to this topic

[Chris Miller]

Proposed Postage Rate Increase Could Have Major Impact On Promotional Products Industry

The U.S. Postal Service has proposed rate increases and new rules for mail preparation. If approved, the changes will go into effect in the spring of 2007 and will force promotional products suppliers and distributors to either change their mailings or pay higher costs for them.

Among the proposed changes is a new mailing category, called Non Flat Machinable Mail, for any mail that cannot run on U.S.P.S. automation equipment. This would include Standard Mail pieces that have parcel-like characteristics, such as rigid pieces that are of uneven thickness and arenâ??t flexible (a.k.a. â??lumpy envelopesâ? containing logoed promotional products, such as pens).

Get the scoop on the proposed rate hikes here.

[sdmillar]

I think it makes sense that a piece of mail that costs more to process, one that can not go through the automated machine so I assume has to be hand processed, should cost more than a piece of mail that can go through the automated machine.

Should mean that those pieces that can go through the automated machine for processing will have the postage rates rise slower than if there was not a difference in rates for the automated or non-automated mail. But we are talking the postal system here so common sense assumptions may not be considered.

Chris Miller said:

Proposed Postage Rate Increase Could Have Major Impact On Promotional Products Industry

The U.S. Postal Service has proposed rate increases and new rules for mail preparation. If approved, the changes will go into effect in the spring of 2007 and will force promotional products suppliers and distributors to either change their mailings or pay higher costs for them.

Among the proposed changes is a new mailing category, called Non Flat Machinable Mail, for any mail that cannot run on U.S.P.S. automation equipment. This would include Standard Mail pieces that have parcel-like characteristics, such as rigid pieces that are of uneven thickness and arenâ??t flexible (a.k.a. â??lumpy envelopesâ? containing logoed promotional products, such as pens).

Get the scoop on the proposed rate hikes here.

[jhnkng]

Do not get me started!!

I would not worry about the machine idea, they already do this if you send pens or other "bulk" items..

EVERYTHING is going UP.

I use the Prioriety mailer and it will go from $4.05 to close to $4.55!! about 13.5 %!!

Same with EVERY service they offer.

How long is it since they said they would not have to ask for a rate increase????


I know I know.... look what they pay in Europe!

BTW
I use the Priorety to mail catalog's and such and it is a good service as what ever you can get in there, you can mail, no weight issues.

[BCHAVEZ]

Thanks Chris,

That's Good To Know. I've Found That Ups Offers A Service Called "mail Innovations", Which Actually Is Cheaper Than Doing It Through The Usps. They Give You These Big Yellow Bags And You Just Fill Them With Your Items. Then Put A Ship Label On The Bag And They Take It To There Facility, Then Sort And Ship. They Get A Discount From The Post Office For Sorting Them And Roll The Discount Over To You. We Use It For Sending Out Our Mass Mailings Like Catalogs. But Just A Though.

[jcarey]

BCHAVEZ said:

I've Found That Ups Offers A Service Called "mail Innovations", Which Actually Is Cheaper Than Doing It Through The Usps. They Give You These Big Yellow Bags And You Just Fill Them With Your Items. Then Put A Ship Label On The Bag And They Take It To There Facility, Then Sort And Ship. They Get A Discount From The Post Office For Sorting Them And Roll The Discount Over To You. We Use It For Sending Out Our Mass Mailings Like Catalogs. But Just A Though.

Another example of the United States Post Office acting like a government bureaucracy and United Parcel Service stealing another part of their business. Ranks right up there with removing the stamp vending machines from post office lobbies.

[Tom Aufman]

Chris Miller said:

Proposed Postage Rate Increase Could Have Major Impact On Promotional Products Industry

The U.S. Postal Service has proposed rate increases and new rules for mail preparation. If approved, the changes will go into effect in the spring of 2007 and will force promotional products suppliers and distributors to either change their mailings or pay higher costs for them.

Among the proposed changes is a new mailing category, called Non Flat Machinable Mail, for any mail that cannot run on U.S.P.S. automation equipment. This would include Standard Mail pieces that have parcel-like characteristics, such as rigid pieces that are of uneven thickness and arenâ??t flexible (a.k.a. â??lumpy envelopesâ? containing logoed promotional products, such as pens).

Get the scoop on the proposed rate hikes here.

This is non a new problem. I have many pens and pencils blown right through the bottom of envelops. Any letter over 1/4 inch probably will not go through the USPS machines.

This is not a cost we can control. Just add it on to the price. ... tea

[Allan]

UPS can not handle the flat pieces for 39 cents. Try sending a letter via UPS for 39 cents.

Also UPS is raising rates and changing the way that they consider packages too large. I got hit with the new "dimensional weight charge" for a package to New Jersey. The $20.00 piece ended up costing $50.00 in overage charges from UPS. I lost money on that deal and prabably will not get another order from the customer.

jcarey said:

Another example of the United States Post Office acting like a government bureaucracy and United Parcel Service stealing another part of their business. Ranks right up there with removing the stamp vending machines from post office lobbies.