Effective May 14th, the price for a First Class Letter will go from 39 cents to 41 cents. There will also be rate increases for other postage classes, including periodicals and domestic and international mailing services. Also new standards will be established. For first class postage, this means that rates will not only be determined by weight, but by size.
Note: There is also a First Class "Forever" Stamp that you can purchase which will allow you to use it any time, even if the rate increases in the future. For example if you purchase the Forever Stamp for 41 cents and the rate eventually goes to, say 45 cents, the Forever Stamp you purchased for the lower price will still be good (won't have to pay more money to make up the difference). However, any new Forever Stamp you purchase will be at the rate in effect at time of purchase.
By adjusting mailings to better align with the new standards, some business may actually be able to save money.
The new rate changes will have significant impacts on periodicals, such as magazines and local newspapers. However, because of significant price increases (25%) proposed, the rates changes have been pushed back to July 15th for those types of mailings.
Could this be another opportunity for ActiveRain and similar community oriented sites to fill any void for local news and advertising that hard copy media may find difficult to continue providing?
For more related information...
Details from USPS about the new postage rate, including downloadable rate charts.
Summary information from the accuraccy project about the rates and other changes and effects.
Inc.com - Postal Rate Increases May Save Business Money
History of Postal Rates in the U.S. since 1863 (alt: Wikipedia)
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Copyright 2007 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.
Realty ONE Group Mountain Desert - Prescott, AZ
REALTOR
I will be interested in seeing how many folks buy a TON of stamps on, or right after, May 14th, with the Forever price at .41
Apr 30, 2007 06:59 AM
HomeSmart - Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale AZ and surrounding towns
I used to work for the post office before getting my real estate license back in the 80's. I knew rates were going up but I have never heard of the "Forever stamp." I might have to buy a bunch. I pay my bills online so most of the postage I use is for real estate. Thanks for the heads up.
Apr 30, 2007 07:05 AM
eXp Realty - Hollister, MO
Missouri REALTOR, (808) 384-5645
It would be so much more simpler if they printed the postage on the stamps. I just pulled out an envelope full of stamps that I have no idea how much they are for.
Apr 30, 2007 10:10 AM
Results Realty - Spring, TX
Spring TX Real Estate E-Pro
We so rarely use stamps I was trying to figure out if postage had already went up and no one I called knew so I ended up putting a 2 cent stamp on the envelope. I'm sure they won't send it back (LOL). At least I now know when.
Apr 30, 2007 10:46 AM
Rainer
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