The USPS has struggled with postage hikes before, but the latest ‘exigent’ increase is shaping up to be the most divisive in my years as a postal expert. The AFFORDABLE Mail Alliance has come to the forefront of voices fighting the increase. Just today they had an article in The Washington Post.
In many ways I agree with the Alliance, a postage increase now would be painful for the direct mail industry. Businesses across the United States are coping with high unemployment rates, restricted lending practices, and a slow moving economy. Along with that pain, that many of us have been touched by, the USPS faces a fundamental crisis as well. Without a sustainable balance sheet, we will not continue to benefit from one of the most sacred, trusted institutions, the United States Postal Service. Any which way we turn, there are difficult decisions to be made.
While the AFFORDABLE Mail Alliance presents an important side of the debate, we all want a sustainable USPS. I urge all USPS customers to learn about the full spectrum of issues, and make your voice heard.
Josh Evans