BizCoachDeb’s Blog

I often wonder if the postage rate hikes are a national secret? Today, the postal rate increased one cent, and while that’s not a lot of money, it’s a lot of hassle. I went on Google News and it’s not even a top story of the day, even though it will impact a lot of people. I was in the post office a couple days ago to drop some  special mail and decided to also purchase a book of stamps and asked to see the selection - it was only then that I knew the rates were going up on the 12th of May (that makes perfect sense, right?!) If I’d have not asked to purchase stamps, it was pretty likely I wouldn’t have been told about the hike and get this, the only notice in the place was on window you would see when leaving! Couldn’t they have let people know in a bigger way? Consider this poster who just today wrote, ” Friday I purchased three rolls of 41 cent stamps (thats 100 stamps each). We are a not-for-profit organization and send out newsletters each month. Sure would have been nice for the post office to advise me of the increase!!! Now I have to go buy 300 1 cent stamps.. Thanks alot!!” How pathetic.

Do yourself a favor, if you’re moving your prices up on something your customer uses all the time, do them the courtesy of letting them know so they’re prepared. Also, if you’re in a business that is being used less and less, make sure your rate hike makes sense in every way. I think it’s consumers that are becoming disgruntled at this point. Oh and note my carrier: would you please stop giving me mail from people that 2 blocks away that have the same house number, but live on a different-named street. I’m sure your sorting work is really tough, but after 4 years, one would think you’d catch on. Thanks….