There was an article about the USPS on WashingtonPost.com that we felt was worth sharing. Yes, it’s more or less an advertisement from John E. Potter for the USPS, but it’s still interesting. Let’s discuss in comments below after you’ve read it.
Click here to read the article in PDF format.
I came across a really neat website on the history of postage rates and I want to share some fun facts today.
I want to start out by saying I’m not positive the above website is 100% accurate. But it looks like the information is well-researched and documented and, as a result, I feel comfortable posting it on our blog.
Postage Fun Facts:
- In 1885, postage was 2 cents.
- In 1898, postcard postage was 1 cent.
- Postage remained 2 cents for 47 years.
- The year Ballantine was founded, 1966, postage was 5 cents.
I actually think 2 cents for postage in 1885 sounds like a lot. I don’t know why exactly, but that was just my first impression. But 3 cent postage in 1932 — what a deal!
What do YOU think?
Here’s an important announcement for bulk mail senders.
Effective on July 1st, 2009, the USPS is implementing their new incentive program (also called Summer Sale) for high-volume bulk mail senders. It’s more like a rebate because you get 30% back on the postage costs of a portion of future mailings within a certain time period.
How do you qualify for the incentive program?
1. You must be the mail owner of a permit imprint advance deposit account, or the owner of a deposit account that is used through a mail service provider.
2. You must have mailed at least one million pieces of direct mail between October 1st, 2007 and March 31st, 2008.
If you qualify, you should have received a letter from the USPS. If you qualify and you didn’t receive a letter, send an email to summersale (at) usps.gov. And here’s a link to the USPS website for more info on this Summer Sale.
Lastly, if there’s anything we can do to help, or if you have questions, please send an email to matt (at) ballantine.com or contact us here.
