Postage Rate Increase: How to Save Money on Campaigns
On July 13th, 2025, the USPS increased postage rates, which will increase costs for First-Class Mail, Non-Profit Mail, and Marketing Mail. On average, rates have increased a little over 7%. While the USPS still maintains affordable services compared to worldwide rates, this postage rate increase could place some financial pressure on businesses and organizations that send large print campaigns. Fortunately, there are tactics available to mitigate the effects of increased postage rates.
A Breakdown of the USPS Postage Rate Increase
| Mailer Type | Previous Rate | New Rate |
| 1-oz Letter/Forever Stamp | $0.73 | $0.78 |
| Metered 1-oz Letter | $0.69 | $0.74 |
| Postcards | $0.56 | $0.61 |
Marketing Mail will see an average increase of 7.4% while Non-Profit Mail will average 60% or less of the corresponding Marketing Mail rates.
Why is the USPS raising Postage Rates?
The USPS is raising postage rates to counteract rising operating costs and to maintain compliance with the 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America, which prioritizes modernizing the USPS to better serve businesses and people throughout the United States.
Money-Saving Tips for Mail Campaigns
While postage rate increases are of some concern to businesses and non-profits, there are ways to implement cost-saving strategies to offset postage rate changes. Following are some helpful tips from the team at Pel Hughes.
Utilize Campaign Automation
Pel Hughes offers an online portal for businesses and non-profits called “Storefront”. This online platform makes it possible to automate campaigns, set limits for users to help stay within budgets, and manage orders for pre-approved campaigns. Campaign automation is a cost-saving strategy because it minimizes labor and streamlines the process of ordering new campaigns from your printer.
Focus on Quality, Not Quantity
In the past, sending bulk mailers indiscriminately was a common tactic for businesses. Fortunately, this tactic is nearly obsolete with database software. Pel Hughes offers database services to help ensure that your mailing list is in tip-top shape. Managing your mailing list helps eliminate mailers going to duplicate addresses or to inactive/inaccurate recipients. You can also pull data from reliable consumer indexes to ensure that your mailers are delivered to quality recipients.
In addition to cleaning up your mailing list, it is wise to consider mailing to recipients most likely to engage with your brand. Consumer databases help marketers sort their mailing lists by demographics like gender, age, and income level.
Take Advantage of USPS Promotions and Discounts
The USPS runs promotions that help marketers save money on their campaigns. For the past couple of years, the USPS has incentivized the use of mailers that have tactile, visual, and audio sensory elements or those with integrated technology with significant discounts. You can learn more about USPS promotions by clicking here.
Pel Hughes provides full-service printing services to businesses, educational institutions, and non-profits throughout the United States. We offer campaign automation, direct mail retargeting, graphic design, database services, and cross media marketing with a focus on utilizing the latest technology and delivering first-class client service. Give us a call at (504) 486-8646 to learn more or request a quote by filling out our online form.
