Another USPS postage rate increase is coming in July 2025, and for businesses that rely on direct mail, that means adjusting your budget—again. But before you take action, there’s good news: USPS offers several ways to optimize costs if you know how to take advantage of them. A little strategy can go a long way in keeping your postal expenses under control.
1. Choose the Right Class of Service
First-Class Mail is great when speed matters, but if your mail doesn’t need to land in mailboxes ASAP, Marketing Mail can be a much more affordable option. It takes a little longer to process, but the savings can be substantial.
2. Take Advantage of Presorting
USPS offers discounts for presorting your mail and using an Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb). By organizing mail by ZIP code and packaging it correctly before sending it off, you’ll not only save money but also speed up delivery times. It’s a win-win.
3. Use Drop Shipping for Larger Mailings
Drop shipping lets you bypass multiple USPS facility stops by sending mail directly to regional processing centers. This reduces handling, speeds up delivery, and finally, qualifies you for lower postage rates.
4. Commingling & Comailing
By grouping your mail with others from multiple sources, you can hit higher presort levels and unlock deeper discounts. Think of it like carpooling for mail, sharing the ride lowers the cost for everyone.
5. Tap Into USPS Promotions & Incentives
USPS offers multiple promotions that can save you up to 6% on postage, and they’re surprisingly easy to apply for. These incentives include:
- Mobile shopping
integrations - AI or voice assistant features
- Special inks, textures, and folds
- Interactive elements like scent, sound, or even taste
- Sustainable mailing practices
6. Make Sure Your Mailing Size Is Optimal
Check with our postal team to see if your piece (6.125 x 11.5 down to 3.5 x 5 rectangle orientation) can mail at a lower “letter” rate vs. a higher “flat” rate
Final Tip
No one likes price increases, but with a little planning, you can stretch your postal budget further and get more impact from your direct mail campaigns. Need help figuring out the best approach for your mailings? We’re here to make it easy. Let’s talk today.
