In 2024, a notable increase in postage costs became a reality. With postage increases expected to occur multiple times a year, it's important to be prepared for what's coming.
In July 2024, the US Postal Service increased the cost of “forever” stamps from 68 cents to 73 cents for letters weighing one ounce or less. This increase was put on top of another increase that was put into place January 2024, where stamps increased from 63 cents to 68 cents. Whether you are a small business owner, a large corporation, or an individual managing personal mail, the impact of those changes was widespread. The rise in postage costs adds an extra layer of consideration for businesses aiming to streamline operations and reduce overheads.
As stated above, the increase took place in July 2024, and there haven't been any postage rates scheduled yet for 2025. However, there have already been increases to shipping rates. Significant increases to USPS Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express Services, Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select services have all taken place this past January.
While the shipping increases don't necessarily affect stamps, it doesn't mean that more increases, either to postage, shipping or both, won't happen again. Its been reported that the USPS will plan to raise stamp prices 5 times through 2027, and one of them is expected to happen in July 2025.
Businesses and individuals who will be greatly affected by this price increase could start stocking up on stamps now before the price increase goes into motion, but there is a better way to save instead of continuing to rush to the post office and spend a fortune on stamps.
Amidst the challenges posed by the increased postage rates, Pitney Bowes, a pioneer in mailing and shipping solutions, stands out as a reliable ally. The company's SendPro® series of automatic postage meter machines have proven to be an indispensable tool for businesses seeking efficiency, accuracy, and significant cost savings in their mailing processes.
But first, what is metered mail?
Metered mail allows businesses of all sizes to use a meter to print postage directly onto their mail, allowing them to save valuable time on trips to the post office.
In addition, postage meters like the ones sold by Pitney Bowes include a built-in scale so every letter, postcard, and package is accurately weighed, so you always pay the correct amount on postage. Postage meters offer discounts on postage that are unavailable at the post office, so price increases like the one being implemented this month are less of a worry. So not only are you saving on time, but you are saving money, too.
Not only has Pitney Bowes been in business for 100 years and has been a partner of the USPS for the same amount of time, but their mailing solutions are above all else. Pitney Bowes SendPro® postage meters automate the postage calculation and application process, eliminating the need for manual weighing, calculation, and affixing of postage. This automation not only reduces the margin for error but also frees up valuable time for businesses to focus on core activities. In a fast-paced business environment, time efficiency can be a game-changer, and Pitney Bowes postage meters deliver on this front.
Businesses of all sizes can choose a postage meter that fits their mail volume, but all Pitney Bowe’s postage meters allow for time and cost savings while being compliant with USPS standards. As a partner of Pitney Bowes, TROY has a wide array of postage meters, as well as inserters, folders, and openers in addition to our suite of security solutions.
As businesses navigate the challenges posed by ongoing postage hikes, Pitney Bowes SendPro® postage meters are as a strategic investment. The combination of time efficiency, accurate postage calculation, cost savings, and convenience positions Pitney Bowes as a valuable partner in the quest for streamlined mailing processes. In an era where every penny and minute count, businesses can find solace and success in the reliability of Pitney Bowes postage meters.
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