Monday, May 14: New U.S. Postage Rates *merged*

[crazycatstamper]

First class 1 oz postage going up to 41 cents May 14th. The additional ounce price is going DOWN however. It will now cost 58 cents to mail a card up to 2 oz versus the 63 cents it costs now.

The post office will be selling something called the FOREVER stamp. It will cost 41 cents but you can use it, as the name implies, FOREVER, no matter how much the one ounce rate goes up. An interesting idea......

[GarnetJ]

Thanks! I'm going to clean my desk and use up what I have on hand.

[JudyKruger]

Geez....I just got all of my stamps used from the last increase!

[DisneyDoll]

I KNEW this would happen as soon as I bought the roll of 100 stamps @ Sam's Club! Sheesh.......WHY do I do this?!?!

[jtax]

Geez, just in time to mail out graduation announcements! Oh, well! It is still a lot less than taking it (whatever "it" is) there...

[dorism6220]

I'm still trying to use up th 37 cent stamps - I guess I really need those forever stamps!

[squirrellyshirley]

OK, here's a crazy thought......does anyone have the computor savy to update the downloadable template under the faux postage technique to make it reflect the new amount????

See how I think.....it isn't about the raise in price....it's ONLY about stampin!!!

[housefan]

Arghhhh!! I just bought 100 of the breast cancer stamps and 200 of the Love stamps in Feb. Why don't they just make it a dollar and leave it alone for 10 years!! So frustrating.

[dolphinprncss03]

the PO is offering stamps called the Forever stamp and no matter how many times it goes up if your using this stamp ur rate wont go up but i dont know how much they are going to be i would imagine its the price of a stamp now but i am sure you can read about it on the usps web site

[lgulotta]

Why do they keep doing these uneven amounts? The forever stamp just begs to be an even 40-cents!! Good idea, and I bet the PO will have a huge run right before the next increase to come--they better be ready!

[DisneyDoll]

HIGHLIGHTS OF POSTAL SERVICE FOREVER STAMP FILING WITH PRC

The following are highlights of the testimony filed by the Postal Service with the Postal Rate Commission (PRC) on July 14, 2006, outlining proposed details of a Forever Stamp:

• The Forever Stamp is a nondenominated, non-expiring stamp issued as a convenience for single-piece retail mailers. The stamp would be valid for the first-ounce First-Class Mail letter postage regardless of the actual rate on the date of use.
• The first Forever Stamp will be sold at the new rate (42 cents if the Postal Service proposal is approved) and will be available just before rates change.
• The design of the stamp is currently under review and will be announced by the Postal Service at a later date.
• The primary purpose of the stamp is to smooth the transition to new stamp prices when prices change.
• The stamp would be available throughout the year and would be sold through all sales channels, including post offices, vending machines, by mail, the internet or phone.
• The stamp would be available for purchase at the First-Class Mail 1-ounce letter rate until the date of a subsequent rate change. At that point, it would be sold at the new First-Class Mail 1-ounce letter rate.
• Current plans are to sell the Forever Stamp in booklets of 20 stamps.
• The Postal Service considered the experiences of foreign postal administrations in developing its plans for a Forever Stamp. The experiences of Britain and France, in particular, have been useful guides in assessing such a stamp.
• The Postal Service plans to carefully monitor the implementation and sales of the Forever Stamp.

[stamps&cars]

Awwww! Man!!! I wonder if the usps had a profit last year? If they did, then they shouldn't get the darn increase! Makes my free online banking more and more affordable.

[KimberlyinMN]

I kind of think this is stamping-related since a lot of us mail out cards. Postage rates in the U.S. are going up (and potentially going down too). Something to keep in mind if you are selling or trading stuff in the B/S/T forums.

Postal Service Says Shape Matters
Money-saving pricing approach takes effect May 14

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A new Postal Service approach to pricing will reshape the future of mail on May 14, enabling customers to save money by in some cases simply folding the contents of an envelope. The new pricing system is based on the shape of mail, not just the weight, reflecting the fact that the costs for handling letters, large envelopes and packages differs. Customers can reduce their mailing costs simply by choosing different packaging.

For example, if the contents of a First Class Mail large envelope are folded and placed in a letter-sized envelope, customers can reduce postage by as much as 39 cents per piece. If the contents of a First Class Mail package are laid out to fit into a large envelope, customers can save 33 cents per piece.

Shaped-based pricing, in effect, creates a more flexible rate system by giving mailers the opportunity to obtain lower rates if they find ways to configure their mail into shapes that reduce handling costs for the Postal Service and that helps to keep rates affordable for everyone.

With the new emphasis on shape in its pricing, the Postal Service is also reducing the additional ounce rate on May 14. As mail pieces become heavier, the new additional ounce price declines. For letters over one ounce, the new prices are actually lower than the current prices. More information about the new pricing can be found at http://www.usps.com/ratecase.

[housefan]

I just wish the 2 cent stamps we have to add to use up our old stamps (I have several hundred) were not so darn ugly.

Anyone know if flat rate boxes will change?

[robynstamps]

Thanks Kimberly!

[KimberlyinMN]

Flat rate boxes are also going up. I thought I had read $8.60. Delivery confirmation is going up, etc., too.

[cdjkssss]

Quote:

Originally Posted by housefan

I just wish the 2 cent stamps we have to add to use up our old stamps (I have several hundred) were not so darn ugly.

Anyone know if flat rate boxes will change?

Yes, I just got back from the post office. The new rate for the flat rate envelopes is $4.60 (up from $4.05), and for the larger flat rate boxes it's $8.95 (up from $8.10).

[KimberlyinMN]

Oops.. I put my "etc." in the wrong spot. LOL

"Delivery confirmation, etc., is going up too."

[mrshungria]

Okay, I sort of get it, and I knew postage was going up to the 41 cents, but are you saying that the usual 52 cents I put on a card because of thickness and that it has to be hand-cancelled is going to change? I couldn't find it on the website what price it would be.

Does anyone know?

[KimberlyinMN]

Ohhh! Flat rate is going up more than what I thought! Hmmmm...

[KimberlyinMN]

I still think it's a bargain though. I can mail a letter to my mom this afternoon and she'll have it tomorrow. 39 cents. It would cost me much more than that to drive the darn thing to her. (A four hour round trip drive.) Granted, we both have Sprint so we can talk for free any time without using up our minutes. (And she sometimes checks her email.)

Kimberly

[Thorvall]

Don't forget to get the "forever" stamp. It's the one with the bell. But if they increase the cost while you have this stamp you won't need to add the 2 cents. They will be the current cost. I paid 41 cents each but in 6 months if they go up again I won't have to add another stamp to my letter

[Cat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrshungria

Okay, I sort of get it, and I knew postage was going up to the 41 cents, but are you saying that the usual 52 cents I put on a card because of thickness and that it has to be hand-cancelled is going to change? I couldn't find it on the website what price it would be.

Does anyone know?

Melissa - the non-machineable charge is increasing to $0.17. So, I'm thinking that means your card is now $0.58.

Here's more info.

One of the things that really caught my attention, is that the rates for large and/or padded envelopes is different than the rates for regular mailing envelopes.

[KimberlyinMN]

More info that I just gleaned off another Yahoo group I belong to:

Letters will be .41
Second ounce will be .17
International letters will be .90
Priority Flat Rate will be $4.50

Anything that is enclosed in plastic (including those slippery transparent envelopes will all use at times) will be subject to the extra .17 even though it may weigh an ounce or less.

If your mailpiece contains odd-shaped items such as buttons (the examples we were given are keys, coins, pencils etc.), and are more than 1/4" thick, you have to pay .17 more.

[Lynn in St. Louis]

I'd be interested to know the rate for padded envelopes...the smaller ones in particular. I often use these when sending "bulky" cards with lots of embellishments, or those that I want to protect in transit!

[KimberlyinMN]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn in St. Louis

I'd be interested to know the rate for padded envelopes...the smaller ones in particular. I often use these when sending "bulky" cards with lots of embellishments, or those that I want to protect in transit!

I guess it depends on whether a padded envelope is considered a package or an envelope. According to the link provided above, a package weighing an ounce or less is $1.13.

It should be a very interesting week starting on Monday. (And here I finally was "getting" the flat rates and all that... now to start with new stuff!) The good news for our household is that we just ran out of our roll of 39 cent stamps. I even bought three stamps "just in case." I still have those ugly 2-cent stamps from the last price increase. Don't get me wrong, I love turquoise jewelry, but that stamp somehow looks like a beetle or something when I glance at it.

Kimberly

[KimberlyinMN]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdjkssss

Yes, I just got back from the post office. The new rate for the flat rate envelopes is $4.60 (up from $4.05), and for the larger flat rate boxes it's $8.95 (up from $8.10).

I just read on the website this info:

"The price for our Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope continues to be the same as the (unzoned) 1-pound rate, $4.60. The Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes are now a permanent product offering and the price, regardless of weight, contents or distance traveled, will be $9.15."

Maybe I should quit reading and just wait until Monday.

Kimberly

[Cat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn in St. Louis

I'd be interested to know the rate for padded envelopes...the smaller ones in particular. I often use these when sending "bulky" cards with lots of embellishments, or those that I want to protect in transit!

I'm still trying to get details on this one, but I'm thinking these are considered "flats", which means higher rates: first ounce is $0.80, with $0.17 for each additional.

I plan to go to the post office on Monday and get clarification.

[Lynn in St. Louis]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cat

I'm still trying to get details on this one, but I'm thinking these are considered "flats", which means higher rates: first ounce is $0.80, with $0.17 for each additional.

I plan to go to the post office on Monday and get clarification.

Great...I look forward to hearing what you learn...personally, I'm not going NEAR the post office on Monday. It's bound to be a zoo there.

[cdjkssss]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KimberlyinMN

I just read on the website this info:

"The price for our Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelope continues to be the same as the (unzoned) 1-pound rate, $4.60. The Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes are now a permanent product offering and the price, regardless of weight, contents or distance traveled, will be $9.15."

Maybe I should quit reading and just wait until Monday.

Kimberly

I think the USPS is a bit confused. If you click on the big "new pricing" banner on their homepage (http://www.usps.com/prices/), you get this:

First-Class® letters $0.41 (first ounce)
$0.17 (each additional ounce)
First-Class® Large Envelopes $0.80 (first ounce)
$0.17 (each additional ounce)
First-Class® Packages $1.13 (first ounce)
$0.17 (each additional ounce)
Priority Mail® Flat Rate Boxes $8.95
Priority Mail® Flat Rate Envelopes $4.60

So now I'm not sure which is correct for the flat rate boxes - $8.95 or $9.15. I guess we'll find out soon enough...

[Choc0holic]

Thanks for the info...still need to get those *lovely* 2 cent stamps. I think to get them when I was at the post office a couple weeks ago. Ooops!

[Lisa S]

you can DL the charts and read more here

[PaperRapt]

I've been attempting to gleen the rates from the USPS website. From what I can tell, the rate increases are going to be quite noticeable on parcels. My only guess is that they got dinged hard with fuel costs last year not being able to increase rates and are trying to make up up for some of that with these increases.

Annette
http://stamponthis.com

[kulissa]

I work in a large law office, and our Services department made the announcement today reminding us of changes in the postal rates and rules. They're now basing things on letters, flats and parcels. I'm including the announcement below. I hope this information helps some of my fellow stampers as they continue to try to mail out their creations.

As most of you are aware, the price of a stamp for first class mail goes up to $0.41 as of Monday. What you may not know is that there are many other changes and increases that go into effect Monday, including an increase for any letters that are too thick or have clips or lumps. This is in addition to the stamp price. For example, if you typically use a standard #10 envelope for mailing letters of 6 pages folded in thirds, it will now be considered a "flat" for postage instead of a letter, which is a higher rate than a letter. Instead of $0.58 for a 2 ounce letter, it will need $0.97 in postage because it will be too thick to run through the USPS letter postage machines and will be charged as a "flat" instead of a letter.

Here is a link to a site with some of the most comprehensive information on the changes: http://www.pb.com/cgi-bin/pb.dll/jsp...=en&country=us

The hidden problem is that any letters with clips or bumps inside will be charged at an increased rate as "non-machinable" mail, and any odd sized packages or letters will also be subject to additional costs.

[Faereygirl]

...peachy.

[Pr31stamper]

Thanks for all the info. Kimberly, you are always on top of the $$ breakdown (and I do still thank you for enabling me on the ATG--love it!!)
God bless.

[lefsegirl]

So now I'm not sure which is correct for the flat rate boxes - $8.95 or $9.15. I guess we'll find out soon enough...[/QUOTE]

I think that when USPS first came out with the price increase on the flat rate boxes they wanted to charge $9.15, but I think that the Postal Commision stepped in and had them lower the price to $8.95. So, my guess on the flat rate boxes is $8.95, but we will all know on Monday. HTH

[stampin' andrea]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kulissa

Here is a link to a site with some of the most comprehensive information on the changes: http://www.pb.com/cgi-bin/pb.dll/jsp...=en&country=us

The hidden problem is that any letters with clips or bumps inside will be charged at an increased rate as "non-machinable" mail, and any odd sized packages or letters will also be subject to additional costs.

Thanks so much for this info. I was aware of the increase in price for most types of postal services, but didn't realize how much the SHAPE of the mail influences the new pricing structure.

After I read your email, I did a little searching of my own and found the following fact sheet which I also found helpful in describing how shape affects the price:

http://receivingandmail.osu.edu/docs/Rates.pdf

Thanks again, kulissa! I really appreciate the heads up!

[MonicaA]

Boy, they sure don't make it easy on us, do they? You would think in this day and age they would want to make it easier for people in order to encourage people to use their services...not throw a bunch of new rules at us.

I'm going to be mailing a swap tomorrow morning by priority...most likely using the self-serve machine because I hate standing in line. I'm hoping that since I'm buying the postage tomorrow it will still cover it even though it will be in route on Monday when the rates change. I'm just making it by the skin of my teeth as it is!

[SDiegoGal]

Here's a thread with an overview of the changes:

http:////www.splitcoaststampers.com/...d.php?t=247871