USPS Price Increases For 2017

In October, the USPS outlined a range of price increases for both First Class and Standard mail products (to be re-branded as USPS Marketing Mail). The Postal Regulatory Commission has approved the request, with the price increases taking effect in January 2017. Among them are increases for a number of popular Standard Mail categories, including a 2.037% bump for letters, 2.522% for flats, 2.211% for high density/saturation letters, and .568% for EDDM-retail. The significance of this move is that direct mailers need more than ever to incorporate a mix of more efficient (as in, lower cost) channels into their campaigns. Email, SMS, even I.P. address targeting can help lower costs while enhancing coverage. The full text of the PRC conclusions with respect to the USPS request may be downloaded as a PDF. Commentary and specifics regarding Standard Mail begin on page 28 of the document.