Post Office Strikes Again

As a new business, you're probably aware of the rate hike in first-class mail from 39 cents to 41 cents for up to one ounce, 58 cents at two ounces and 75 cents at three, etc.

You may want to think twice before using the large envelopes, the new rate starts off at 80 cents for the first ounce. Buy the time you get to three ounces, your up to$1.18.

But as you develop your marketing plan to grow your business, don't forget to get updated rates for postcards and standard mail (the old bulk mail classification). Postcards went from 24 cents to 26 cents. Standard has gone up as much as 40 percent, depending on the size and weight.

My advice is to call a professional mailer if you're going to do any quantity mailing. They have the lates mailing software that will slice and dice your mailing to get every possible pre-sort discount.

And make sure you design your marketing piece to conform to the new postal standards to ensure that it gets the lowest rate possible.

To learn more -- to read it and weep (sleep) -- go here. Don't be afraid to call the post office and have them explain everything. It's very confusing the first or fifth time through.

I've got 20+ years in publishing and I still have to call for clarification.

NewBizMinn