Postage Rates Rising: First Class to Increase to $.46 in January

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses the upcoming increase in first-class postage rates to $.46 and the implications for mailing invitations. Participants share their personal experiences and opinions regarding the affordability and necessity of mailing costs in their business practices.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration over the rising costs, suggesting it may force people to seek alternatives to traditional mail.
  • Another participant shares their experience of considering phone invitations due to the increased postage costs.
  • Several users mention that they find the cost of $.46 for a stamp reasonable, especially given the service it provides.
  • One participant notes that while the increase is small, it contributes to a pattern of rising costs that affects their overall budget.
  • Another participant highlights the challenge of using postcards for invitations, expressing a preference for more generic designs.
  • Some participants discuss the idea of asking hosts to reimburse postage costs, with varying levels of comfort about doing so.
  • One participant argues that privatizing the Post Office could lead to even higher mailing costs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the affordability of the postage increase and the implications for mailing practices. Some participants find the cost acceptable, while others express concern about the cumulative effect of rising prices.

Contextual Notes

Participants share their experiences related to mailing invitations for their businesses, reflecting a range of opinions on the impact of postage costs on their operations.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants considering how postage rate increases may affect their invitation mailing strategies and overall business costs may find this discussion relevant.

P
pkd09
Silver Member
Messages
1,891
First class will raise to $.46 in January :yuck:
 
Oh my gosh, they are just forcing more and more people to find alternatives to using mail. I don't think I'm going to be able to afford to mail out invitations any more. Think I'll be trying out the phone-vite thing.
 
What idiots..... They will never learn until after they have put themselves out of business.
 
just like any business....keep your prices reasonable & you'll have plenty of business!
 
The govenrment needs to get OUT of business! They cannot run a profitable business. Make it a private business that will either sink or swim. Either they'll figure out a way to swim or not. Tired of my tax dollars supporting so many wasteful ventures (even ones with good intentions)
 
I have no problem spending $.46 for a stamp that will take my piece of mail from my home and send it ANYWHERE, nationwide within a week. Yes, I understand it is an additional cost, but it is ONE penny more/stamp. You can also spend less/invitation and just use the post cards. I personally don't think the cost is that unreasonable.
 
If it's just a penny, you're right...it doesn't seem that bad. Considering the cost of gas has gone up so much lately. I just hate how they keep creeping up the price. Every little thing gradually costs more and more, and that means I can afford less and less.If we had good postcards, I might be tempted to use them. But I hate when they put a specific recipe picture on them or a theme show, because my show might not be that and I just don't like sending out something if we are doing something different. I know, that's probably silly, but it's a little thing that I don't like. I love the mini catalog. But to pay for them, envelopes, labels, postage, it just adds up. I still like to do it because I find I get less cancellations if I use them, but it cuts into my profits so much, I'm thinking I need to host coach better and just do things a little differently.
 
Stock up on Forever stamps!
 
babywings76 said:
Oh my gosh, they are just forcing more and more people to find alternatives to using mail. I don't think I'm going to be able to afford to mail out invitations any more. Think I'll be trying out the phone-vite thing.
Click to expand...

Do you pay for the postage! I mail invitations or do evites for my hosts but never pay for postage! That would be way to much cost for me over a years time!!
 
chezshelly said:
Do you pay for the postage! I mail invitations or do evites for my hosts but never pay for postage! That would be way to much cost for me over a years time!!
Click to expand...

I just can't bring myself to ask a host to reimburse me.
 
I have no problem spending $.46 for a stamp that will take my piece of mail from my home and send it ANYWHERE, nationwide within a week. Yes, I understand it is an additional cost, but it is ONE penny more/stamp. You can also spend less/invitation and just use the post cards. I personally don't think the cost is that unreasonable.
Click to expand...


Yes...it is just ONE Cent, now. But what was it last time? One Cent, and before that, One cent. Point is, it happens about every year or two. I think when I started the biz, it was not even 40cents yet.

Basically, each ONE cent increase equals one more nail in their coffin.


babywings76 said:
If we had good postcards, I might be tempted to use them. But I hate when they put a specific recipe picture on them or a theme show, because my show might not be that and I just don't like sending out something if we are doing something different. I know, that's probably silly, but it's a little thing that I don't like. I love the mini catalog. But to pay for them, envelopes, labels, postage, it just adds up. I still like to do it because I find I get less cancellations if I use them, but it cuts into my profits so much, I'm thinking I need to host coach better and just do things a little differently.
Click to expand...

As far as the postcards, email the suggestion to HO to make them attractive and more generic! I don't like them either.
 
If the Post Office is privatized it will cost a lot more than .46 cents to mail a letter. FedEx and UPS raise their prices everytime gas goes up. They call it a surcharge. The Post Office can't charge a surcharge to cover the rising cost of gas. Tax dollars do not support the Post Office and hasn't for some time. I will continue to use the post office because I like the personal touch of sending out invitations.
 
chezshelly said:
Do you pay for the postage! I mail invitations or do evites for my hosts but never pay for postage! That would be way to much cost for me over a years time!!
Click to expand...

I wouldn't be opposed to asking my hosts to reimburse postage, I just haven't found a tactful way to suggest it. How do you do it?
 
I've never started sending out invites for hosts and hope not to. That way I never have to ask for reimbursement. My hosts expect to do this themselves.
 
chefsteph07 said:
I wouldn't be opposed to asking my hosts to reimburse postage, I just haven't found a tactful way to suggest it. How do you do it?
Click to expand...

When I explain hosting a show at every party I tell them all it will cost them is the recipe ingredients and the postage. They know up front. Any other party you do for any other direct selling company you have to pay for postage. People are never surprised and I've never had anyone complain. They have the option of evites or snail mail, I will do both. But doing about 100 shows a year, it would cost me a fortune to pay all that postage!!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new postage rate for First Class mail starting in January?

The new postage rate for First Class mail will increase to $0.46 starting in January.

Why are postage rates rising?

Postage rates are typically adjusted to reflect the rising costs of mail delivery, including transportation, labor, and operational expenses.

How will this increase affect my direct sales business?

The increase in postage rates may impact your shipping costs, which could affect your pricing strategy and profit margins when selling products through direct sales.

When will the new postage rates take effect?

The new postage rates will take effect in January, so it's important to plan your shipping costs accordingly before the change occurs.

Can I still use the old postage rates for mail sent in January?

No, once the new rates take effect in January, all mail sent will need to use the updated postage rates, including the new $0.46 rate for First Class mail.

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