On January 27, 2019, the price of a 1st Class stamp
went up to $.55 - the largest price bump since 1991.
Presorted
mail also saw a rise in average costs.
- First class presorted letters increased by 1%.
- First class presorted flats under 1 oz. increased
by 1.4%. - Marketing mail commercial letters (local entry
pricing) increased by 2%. - Marketing mail commercial flats (local entry
pricing) increased by 4.6%.
There is some good news.
- Pricing on first class presorted flats weighing
more than 1 oz. decreased in price. - Post card prices did not change.
- The Full Service IMB discount increased from
$.001 to $.003 per piece – this benefits all Standard Press customers since we
are certified as a Full Service mailer
The USPS is also offering several postal promotions,
starting with the “Tactile, Sensory and Interactive Mailpiece Engagement
Promotion.” It runs from February 1, 2019 through July 31, 2019. If you are planning a dimensional mailing
or a pop-up, talk to our team because you may qualify.
Direct mail was a comeback kid in 2018. Despite the postal
increases, we expect to see it continue to take a larger role in campaigns this
year, too. Why? Because it reaches potential customers directly in their home
or office, which makes it a valuable channel for targeted communications.
If you are planning direct mail campaigns, and are ready to
find new ways to optimize postage costs and improve open rates, talk to the postal
experts at Standard Press. Let us help you explore your options.