The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) approved USPS’s recent request to increase postage rates this month. The increase is expected to take effect on Sunday, May 31, 2015. The overall average of all rate increases is around 1.9%. Some postage rates will remain the same, but most prices will rise, including meter rates, Every Door Direct Mail and postcards.

The largest postage rate increase is for Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM). EDDM is a popular mail program created by the USPS where local businesses can target everyone within a certain radius of their location without needing to buy a list of addresses. EDDM is going to have a rate increase of approximately 4.7%. The current rate for EDDM is $0.175 apiece, which will increase to $0.183 at the end of this month. Metering machines will receive a $0.05 increase apiece, and postcards will increase by 1 cent from $0.34 to $0.35 as well. However, there is good news! Not all rates are going up; USPS has decided to leave the First-Class postage rate unchanged at $0.49. This means the cost of Forever stamps will remain the same.

 

Postage Current May 31, 2015
First-Class Stamp $0.49 No changes
Meter First-Class Letter $0.48 $0.485
First-Class Postcards $0.34 $0.35
Extra ounces for First-Class Mail $0.21 $0.22
International First-Class Letters & Postcards $1.15 $1.20
Domestic Priority Mail Varies No changes
International Priority Mail Varies 5.5% increase
First-Class Flats $0.98 No changes

(You can get more information on increased USPS postage rates at USPS.com)

It is never enjoyable to pay more for postage, these increased rates are manageable. For example, if you send out 10,000 first-class postcards, your new postage increase will only be $100.00. The new changes are not too extreme, but you need to make sure to budget accordingly for future direct mail campaigns. Review your direct mail marketing plans and prepare to increase the postage rate by at least 2%. For additional direct mail and postage questions, please feel free to call US Data Corporation at (888) 578-3282. (You can get more information on increased USPS postage rates at USPS.com)

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