Postal Rate Shock, Now What? Four Ways to Prepare

Postal experts at WindowBook, a Cambridge, Mass.,-based postal software solutions provider, urge mailers to start examining mailing systems well before the new rates are implemented in May. In a new report, WindowBook specialists offer these tips on how mailers can get through the postal rate increases by knowing what to look for in their mailing systems.

1. Make sure your software can easily adapt to changes. The WindowBook report says your mailing software should be able to calculate the new rates and produce updated PAVE-approved U.S. Postal Service forms. (PAVE is a voluntary testing program offered by the Postal Service for evaluating presort software and hardware products to determine their accuracy in sorting address information and producing support documentation according to USPS standards.) Spend the money on software that has these essential features. If you try a short-term solution, the report cautions, you’ll likely spend more time and money in the end.

2. Automate to save. Look for software that lets you automate your mailing system to get the best drop-ship discounts at the correct delivery point and barcode. The software you choose should also allow you to make last-minute changes.

3. Use USPS time-saving programs. Examine your software to expedite mail acceptance and verification with the USPS. Use postal programs, such as FAST that make drop-shipping more efficient and PostalOne! for electronic postage payment.

4. Have it all. Your mailing software should be able to handle all mailing activities and allow you to exchange postal data between your in-house systems and end-users. It makes planning easier and you’ll have better productivity, the report says.

For a copy of “How to Prepare for USPS Changes in 2007,” go to www.windowbook.com.