On January 27, 2019 the USPS will increase postage prices. However, before you get frustrated about something that is not going to change, let’s talk about how we can step to the side and avoid the postage increases altogether.
Is avoiding the rate increase even possible? Yes, it is!… sort of.
There are two costs that make up your total direct mail price, postage and services. When the USPS increases half of that equation with a rate increase, you simply have to reduce the other half of the equation. Net difference – no rate increase.
And how do you reduce the other half of the direct mail pricing equation? Here are seven ideas that will allow you to reduce your overall direct mail cost:
1). Clean up your data – Chances are there are records in your database that are outdated. People who have moved, died or stop caring about your product or service. And yet you continue to spend money to communicate with people who are not listening. Take time to du-dupe your list, verify addresses and remove people who are deceased. Your mail house can help you with this.
2). Plan Ahead – Many direct mail projects are poorly managed. Minor mistakes, revisions and lack of time for creative solutions compound the problem and lead to additional costs. Take the time to manage the project correctly. Shop around, get the artwork approved in advance and plan for delays. This helps save money and your sanity.
3). Think Small –The larger the mail piece, the more it’s going to cost to print and mail. Can you simplify your piece? If so, it will instantly save you money and reduce your production time.
4). Commingle – An easy way to reduce your postage costs is to commingle your mail. This instantly maximizes your postage savings and has little to no effect on your delivery date. Really! At U.S. Mailing House we commingle mail for hundreds of clients. Ask us about it.
5). USPS Discounts – In 2019 the USPS will offer several promotions that will reduce your postage. Are you planning to take advantage of them? See item #2 from this list and manage your projects proactively to take advantage of these savings. https://postalpro.usps.com/promotions
6). Consult with your Mail House – When is the last time you asked your Mail House for ideas to reduce your mailing cost? Your sales rep has probably managed thousands of mail projects and will share this knowledge with you fore FREE if you ask. If not, call a rep from U.S. Mailing House. We love sharing the tips and tricks we have learned over the years.
7). Test and Measure – If you plan to use direct mail more than once, you’ll save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars when you take the time to test and measure different designs. This allows you to improve the effectiveness of your mail piece over time. If the giant mailers are doing it, why aren’t you?
Too busy to apply these seven tips? No problem. Let U.S. Mailing House manage your next mail project. Let our team implement these time-proven practices for you. Call today at 888-294-0399.