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November 23, 2008 - Move Update Requirements
On
November 23rd, the USPS will begin
enforcing the new Move Update
Requirements. The new requirements
shortened the time from 180 days to
95 days and now includes Standard
and Nonprofit Mail (previously only
First-Class Presorted mail was
required to comply). What does this
mean to you? It means less UAA mail
and money savings (less postage,
printing and mailing). It also means
your mailing list will need to be
run through NCOA or other similar
Move Update method (which may add to
your turn around time for projects).
If you're
not familiar with Move Update and
would like us to come speak to your
staff about this and other industry
changes, please let us know. You can
learn more about NCOA on our
data services page.
What happens
if you do not meet the Move
Update requirements and still send
out your mailing? You could be
subject to fines by the post office.
Please call us if you have
questions!
February 12, 2008: New Prices Coming May 12, 2008
On May 12, 2008, the United States Postal Service will adjust prices for mailing services including: First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services and Special Services. The average increase by class of mail is at or below the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index.
A First-Class Mail stamp will be 42¢. Customers can continue to use the Forever Stamps that they purchased prior to May 12 at 41¢, even after the price change. Forever Stamps will be widely available for purchase to meet increased demand before the price change. There will also be a 62¢ stamp available shortly after May 12 for 1-ounce
non-machinable First-Class Mail letters, such as square greeting cards.
For more information on the new prices and fees effective May 12, click here.
January 14, 2008: Optimizing Flats Post-Rate
Hike
Last year, the USPS increased the postage on flats—defined
as mail pieces measuring 6-1/8” x 11-1/2” or larger—by 40%. In light
of the changes, direct marketers are adopting creative tactics to
reduce the impact of the price hike. Many are using alternative formats
that, while still attention grabbing,
qualify for the lower letter rate.
December 20, 2007:
USPS Plans Rapid
Expansion
of Intelligent Mail
As part of a series of updates to its
Strategic Transformation Plan 2006-2010,
the Postal Service is rapidly expanding
its Intelligent Mail program. Intelligent
Mail uses new barcodes and systems to provide end-to-end visibility
of mail. The program will be developed
and tested in 2008 along with
the implementation of modern service standards for all mailing
services.
To read more about Intelligent Mail and the other updates to the
Strategic Transformation Plan, download
a PDF of the full article.
December 10, 2007: Survey
Predicts Healthy Year for Direct
Mail
A survey conducted by
BtoB Magazine reports that marketers plan to increase their
direct marketing budgets next year, despite softness in the
overall economy. 49% of marketers plan to increase spending
oen direct marketing in 2008, with an additional 31% keeping
their spending the same.
For the full results of the survey, read the BtoB article
here.
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