5 Steps To Shape-based Postage Compliance
- Date: 2007-07-19 - Word Count: 378
Share This!
You've probably heard that the U.S. Postal Service has filed to raise rates again in May 2007. Now the proposed rates follow a complex pricing structure which will rely on shape, as well as weight when compared to the flat 5.4% increase implemented last January. As a consequence of this, the rate for the three-ounce parcel will jump 61% to $1.40 from $0.87. Other classes of mail will see similar increases.
"The proposed pricing structure rewards companies for designing mail that is compatible with USPS mail automation systems," says Marvin Makofsky, president of Conformer Expansion Products.
Many financial institutions send statements and performance reports in 9" x 12" envelopes. These organizations that rely heavily on mass mailings can realize huge savings through more efficient packaging by using the proper envelopes.
Companies that mail items such as books and DVDs can reap even larger savings by converting parcels to flats. Using paperboard or plastic envelopes instead of padded mailers allows the post office to process these packages as flats and saves $10,000 on a mailing of 50,000.
A national bank that mails personal checkbooks to 500,000 clients per month can cut annual postage costs by $2.3 million, simply by using envelopes instead of traditional check boxes.
So what can you do? Careful planning now will help limit the impact of the upcoming rate hike:
Audit current postage use.
Get the information regarding the types of items, the number of pieces and the weight of each piece that go out each quarter and each year. Calculate the current expenses for postage.
Calculate the effect of the proposed increase
Estimate the impact of the proposed postage rise (www.usps.com/ratecase) on the current mail volume.
Identify opportunities to increase the mailing efficiency
Fold documents and mail them as letters instead of flats. Switch to automation-friendly packaging and limit the use of padded mailers and thin boxes. Find creative packaging and mailing solutions.
Create and publish packaging standards
Identify cost-effective packaging methods and publish these standards throughout the organization. Keep appropriate mailing supplies readily available.
Secure senior-level oversight.
Senior leaders need to take an active role in ensuring administrative efficiency. Meet with all the managers involved in the mail process-from designing packages and collateral materials to shipping items. Let it be a united effort. In the end, the entire organization will win.
"The proposed pricing structure rewards companies for designing mail that is compatible with USPS mail automation systems," says Marvin Makofsky, president of Conformer Expansion Products.
Many financial institutions send statements and performance reports in 9" x 12" envelopes. These organizations that rely heavily on mass mailings can realize huge savings through more efficient packaging by using the proper envelopes.
Companies that mail items such as books and DVDs can reap even larger savings by converting parcels to flats. Using paperboard or plastic envelopes instead of padded mailers allows the post office to process these packages as flats and saves $10,000 on a mailing of 50,000.
A national bank that mails personal checkbooks to 500,000 clients per month can cut annual postage costs by $2.3 million, simply by using envelopes instead of traditional check boxes.
So what can you do? Careful planning now will help limit the impact of the upcoming rate hike:
Audit current postage use.
Get the information regarding the types of items, the number of pieces and the weight of each piece that go out each quarter and each year. Calculate the current expenses for postage.
Calculate the effect of the proposed increase
Estimate the impact of the proposed postage rise (www.usps.com/ratecase) on the current mail volume.
Identify opportunities to increase the mailing efficiency
Fold documents and mail them as letters instead of flats. Switch to automation-friendly packaging and limit the use of padded mailers and thin boxes. Find creative packaging and mailing solutions.
Create and publish packaging standards
Identify cost-effective packaging methods and publish these standards throughout the organization. Keep appropriate mailing supplies readily available.
Secure senior-level oversight.
Senior leaders need to take an active role in ensuring administrative efficiency. Meet with all the managers involved in the mail process-from designing packages and collateral materials to shipping items. Let it be a united effort. In the end, the entire organization will win.
Related Tags: cd packaging, cd mailer, dvd mailer, clear envelope, plastic envelope, cd envelope, transparent envelope, bubble mailer, padded mailing envelope, jiffy mailer
For more information visit www.conformerinc.com Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Tips To Better Prepare Yourself For The House Buying Process
Everybody who has been through the process of buying a home will attest that it can turn into a very - Gain Qualified Prospects With The Cash Cow Sales Funnel
I've had the privilege to work with hundreds of sales and business people all working hard to make m - How To Write A Good Telemarketing Sales Script
By defining your specific selling process you will be able to apply a system that works over and ove - The Popularity Of Antique Cabinets Over The Years
Ever since collectors have been hoarding pieces of value and interest, antique cabinets have been ar - Guide In Selecting Clothes Hangers
One of the least respected areas in your home is your wardrobe. Most of the time it is stuffed with - Does Mattress Manufacturer In China Reliable?
The time we spend on bed is almost 1/3 of our whole life! So it's very important for everybody to se - What Makes A Good Salesperson
This fact is not hidden nor is this thesis cutting edge. There are a lot of personality and professi - Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance: Tips & Tools To Increase Productivity
Prior proper planning prevents poor performance. It may be a tongue twister, but it's important to r - Attractive Votive Candles
Impeccable range of candles and lanterns enhance home interiors. Simple yet elegant in design and fi - Sales Articles - Do You Want To Find Building Maintenance Supplies In Your Area?
Building maintenance supplies are among key factors to protect buildings against excessive depreciat
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Cold Calling - A Surprising Way To Gain Insider Information
If you knocked on all the doors in your neighborhood, you'd learn a lot about the people who live ar - How To Touch More Clients For Referrals
Interested in more referrals? Want to guarantee success in any referral marketing program? Here is a - How to Embrace and Thrive in Today's Buyer's Market
As fun as the last few years were to be in a piping hot real estate market, it's now time to accept - The Power of One
One is a very tiny number. However, it can have a tremendous impact on your revenues. Here are some - Sell Your Customer What They Need
When it comes to selling your products it is important to ask your potential customers probing quest - Profiting With Private Label Rights
There are three basic rights you should know about when it comes to resale rights marketing. T - The Lazy Way to Increase Your Sales Immediately... without spending a penny!
Let’s start at the beginning… First up, how do you define an affiliate program, or affi - Your Sales Self-Image
All sales success is the result of a foundation grounded in right attitudes and positive self-esteem - Sales And Marketing - Let Others Do The Work
There are many different ways in which businesses of today approach potential prospects and customer - The Financial Influencer
In my last article, I talked about the four influencers you have to deal with in a B2B sale. The fou
