Combating the Certainty of Higher Postal Rates

Posted in Not-for-Profit Edge May 2008

Keywords: not-for-profit, postal rates

The only sure things in life, they say, are death and taxes—but some would add higher postage costs to that list.

If you’re sending anything larger than a standard letter (annual reports, conference brochures, membership appeals, donation solicitations, etc.) via the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), you now pay between 20% and 40% more for postage than you did before the new rates took effect last year according to the Alliance of Nonprofit Mailers. Additionally, new postage hikes will take effect in May 2008.

The following are strategies not-for-profits can employ to cut postage costs:

  • Because it now costs more for "flats," or oversized materials, consider using a different format or vehicle such as: a standard letter, a postcard, e-mail solicitations or telephone campaigns. 
  • Remember, the USPS offers a lower rate if the mail (over a certain quantity) is delivered to the post office presorted and grouped by ZIP code.
  • Think about working with a reputable mail house to handle mailing tasks like the one mentioned above—it might be well worth the cost.
  • Clean up your mailing lists regularly—donors move.

This publication is part of Blackman Kallick’s marketing of professional services, and is not written tax advice directed at the specific facts and circumstances of any person and/or entity. Contents of this publication are of a general nature, and you should not act on this information without obtaining professional advice from your business advisor that is appropriately tailored to your individual needs and circumstances. This written advice is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed under the Internal Revenue Code.


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This publication is part of Blackman Kallick’s marketing of professional services, and is not written tax advice directed at the specific facts and circumstances of any person and/or entity. Contents of this publication are of a general nature, and you should not act on this information without obtaining professional advice from your business advisor that is appropriately tailored to your individual needs and circumstances. This written advice is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed under the Internal Revenue Code.