If you heard the news about the USPS eliminating its postage prepayment requirement for mailers who enter into a negotiated service agreement, you—like many others—probably got pretty excited. After all, how many times has a mailing been held up while you waited for your accounting department to cut the postage check? The thought of being able to mail now, pay later, was an answer to many prayers.
Unfortunately, it's an answer that benefits very few. According to a postal employee at our Merrifield, VA, facility, the change affects only those businesses who currently mail 10 million parcels a year through FED EX and agree to change their shipping to USPS.
So how can you get your mailpieces, particularly those last-minute surprises, out faster? Although you'll still have to wait for the postage check, you can increase your chances of getting your piece out faster if you try one of the following:
• Mail a postcard. The piece will take less time to print and process for mailing (no folding, inserting, etc.), and the postage will be less, which could speed up the check cutting.
• Break up your mailing. If timeliness is an issue, try splitting up your list and mailing only the most critical recipients first.
• Recycle an older promotion. Eliminate some of the time spent on creative by reusing an existing design and layout. Replace the text and key graphics, and send it to the printer.
Do you have a better suggestion to offer or a challenge you'd like help with? Say it here. Your comments are always welcome.
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