Posted 3/5/2010

With continuing decreased mail volumes in the recent operating quarters, the United States Postal Service is proposing a 30% postage discount to high volume mailers again for 2010. First introduced in 2009, the program provides a rebate to mailers who increase standard mail letter and flats volume during the summer months.

In 2009, approximately 27% of eligible mailers enrolled in the program, with many meeting the rebate requirements. Those mailers injected 1 billion additional pieces into the mail stream during the typically lower volume months.

Robert Salta, Principal, DirectMail.com comments, "This opportunity will absolutely be rewarding for our larger clients, particularly those in the retail and home services industries. Previous anecdotal evidence had suggested that many consumers are on vacation during the summer so mailers have tended to decrease their mail. We've learned that with current economic conditions this is simply not true and we have created new innovative programs to increase the open and response rates during those times. Having an additional incentive from the USPS just increases the success for our customers."

The proposal must still be approved by the Postal Regulatory Commission, and if accepted the USPS will invite eligible participants later in the month. The rebate program would be in effect during the same time period as last year-- July 1 to September 30. To qualify, individual mailers must increase volume by 5% compared to 2009, with a minimum volume of 350,000 pieces during the same time in 2009. Additionally, mailers may not shift mail from outside months into the sale period.