Mailing goods is essential to many businesses nationwide, but it’s becoming a pricey practice. The U.S. Postal Service is raising postage costs, but entrepreneurs can manage the increased fees with new strategies. Implementing them could reduce expenditures that might otherwise compromise a small company’s budget.
Shrink the Mailing List
Many business owners have mailing lists. Sending seasonal sale postcards (no matter the season) and discount offers to former customers might seem essential, but they may not be necessary. Entrepreneurs should consider reducing how often they need to mail things that are not recent orders.
The U.S. Postal Service recently announced that Priority Mail prices are increasing by 6.6% this month, and rates are also being raised for three other shipping options. Mailing a sales postcard overnight may seem essential because the pricing is a limited-time offer, but customers can also receive these notifications via email. Consider shrinking an existing mailing list by transferring to digital communications or mailing fewer time-sensitive materials.
Business owners can also reach out to customers on their mailing lists and ask if they are still interested in receiving offers. Their answers will help teams update their contacts, so they only pay postage for people who want this information.
Compare Postage Fees
While the U.S. Postal Service is a major mail carrier, the agency is not the only option for business owners. People can also compare fees from other major shipping companies to see what kind of rates and delivery timelines are available. Privately owned brands may also offer special programs that reduce shipping costs, depending on the frequency of mailings for orders or communications.
If people want to stick with the U.S. Postal Service, they can call to discuss their options. Sorting mail before dropping it off could qualify individuals for discounts, depending on the location where they are mailing letters or products. A Postal Service worker can clarify whether that discount is available locally and what other options are available to reduce postage fees for specific products or marketing materials.
Opt for Email When Possible
Emailing is a powerful way to manage mail costs. The effort may cost nothing if your marketing team uses free virtual platforms. Consider changing marketing efforts to digital versions with branded backgrounds and imagery.
Creating emails can sound time-consuming for people without extensive practice. Resources are available to make the workload easier, like artificial intelligence (AI). Research shows that 50% of global marketers think they could achieve their email creation goals more easily with AI tools. Generating email designs and subject lines may prompt the inspiration a team needs to create copy that aligns with their brand’s voice and marketing goals.
Use Lighter Packaging
Changing the packaging materials for orders could reduce postage costs. Curious business owners can discuss their options with a U.S. Postal Service worker. Using an envelope or bubble mailer could reduce a package’s weight compared to a cardboard box. If the weight-related shipping fees decrease, rising postage costs may not impact the company’s mailing budget as expected.
Internal packaging selections also make a significant difference. Inflatable air pillows can protect a variety of items while remaining space-efficient. Inflate as needed to secure items without adding too much weight or paying for extra padding. A Postal Service worker can indicate similar packaging options over the phone or in person.
Shorten Printed Documents
Some companies mail printed marketing materials that cost more because they require extra stamps. Shortening the copy could reduce that cost. Use grammar-related software programs to simplify marketing language and save space. Brochures or letters that get to the point will weigh less when it is time to pay for stamps.
Other Strategies to Raise Revenue for Mailing
Business owners can also use strategies to manage rising postage costs before arriving at a U.S. Postal Service location. They can consider alternative revenue management ideas, such as:
- Creating a tiered program that includes shipping fees in the product or service price. Customers would cover the cost of increased postage in exchange for faster shipping or exclusive products.
- Starting a loyalty program that rewards repeat customers with exclusive discounts. Experts estimate that 46% of customers are willing to pay more at businesses that offer loyalty programs, which could generate additional revenue to cover mailing or shipping fees.
- Offer digital products that do not require shipping. Sales from online courses, e-books, or other virtual products would subsidize shipping costs without requiring extra money to produce or sell.
Business owners cannot influence the U.S. Postal Service’s decisions on shipping fees, but they can adjust their strategies to find additional funding. Whether entrepreneurs want to maintain their printed marketing efforts or ship heavy products, they can get creative with their revenue ideas to pay for what they need.
Manage Increased Postage Costs With Ease
Shipping items and printed products should not complicate an entrepreneur’s budget. Anyone can manage rising mail costs by getting creative with shipping preferences and trying new revenue strategies. Finding what works best for each business’s unique needs could prevent future shipping fee updates from being a source of stress.
Jack Shaw, editor of Modded and author of numerous articles on business success and self-improvement, seeks to inspire readers with his practical tips and strategies for growth. His writings can be found on Innovation News Network, EETimes, and more.
Photo courtesy Tima Miroshnichenko via pexels
