The United States Postal Service (USPS) is seeking approval to raise the price of first-class mail stamps from 63 to 66 cents. 

USPS was approved to raise stamp prices to 63 cents in January of this year. However, the Postal Service cites “elevated inflation and prior years defective pricing model” as the causes of a second expected price increase. 

The overall proposed increase for USPS Marketing Mail, which catalogs fall into, is 5.381% — see below for price percentage changes by product category:

  • Letters – 5.195% change
  • Flats – 7.381% change
  • Parcels – 20.455% change
  • High Density / Saturation Letters – 5.057% change
  • High Density / Saturation Flats and Parcels – 3.071% change
  • Carrier Route – 7.388% change
  • Every Door Direct Mail — Retail – 4.762% change

If approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission, these price changes will take effect on July 9. This proposed increase would be the shortest time between increases in the Postal Service’s history. 

More price increases are expected as part of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s 10-year Delivering for America plan, which aims to achieve financial stability. 

What this Price Change Means for Your Business

Even with mailing price increases, USPS is still considered one of the most affordable mail carriers. Given these price changes, adjust your marketing budgets accordingly when preparing for upcoming direct mail campaigns. 

Direct mail continues to be an effective marketing strategy, and many marketers believe it’s more effective than email. According to NerdWallet, direct mail pieces have higher response rates than mobile, email, and social media, reaching up to 90%. 

Do you need a co-mailing or distribution partner to help you navigate ongoing changes in the postal industry? Contact our team at The Dingley Press today and discover how we can help your business adapt and thrive in the current market. 

Sources

About the Author: Jim Gibbs

Vice President of Sales & Marketing at The Dingley Press. Jim has been with Dingley since 2002 and lives in Maine near our Lisbon, Maine plant location.

Jim Gibbs on linkedin!