MediaBuyerPlanner: The Direct Marketing Association, which expressed approval of postage rate increases suggested by the Postal Regulatory Commission last week, has reversed its position.
Upon closer review of the 700-page recommendation, DMA president and CEO John Greco said that the recommendation shows “outrageous rate increases” proposed for many types of flat mailings, writes Direct Magazine. The increases are larger than expected and could lead to a serious decline in mail volumes and a negative ripple effect for consumers, Greco said.
In fact, the PRC’s recommendations call for much higher rates on flats than even those requested by the U.S. Postal Service in its rate request of 2006. The postal reform bill recently passed by Congress was intended to make postal rate increases more predictable, but the PRC recommendations will keep that from happening, according to Greco. He is urging members to fax letters to the USPS Board of Governors expressing concern over the recommendations.
The DMA first expressed appreciation to the PRC for its efforts to cushion the impact of rate increases on individual, non-profit and commercial mailers.
Related stories:
- PRC Recommends 7.6% Rate Hike
- How Postal Reform Will Affect Direct Marketers
- Postal Reform Bill Passed, At Last
- USPS Prepares for May 6 Rate Increase
