Get the latest information on the mailing and shipping industry.
Welcome to our United States Postal Service Updates blog, your guide to the changing postal scene. Here, we’ll share the latest news and rate updates from the USPS. Dive in as we break down the 2024 updates.
Stamps.com has been informed of the recent USPS announcement which recommends postage rates increase for select First-Class Mail services on July 14, 2024. We will alert you of these and any other changes as new details become available. At this time, our current postage stamp rate remains at 64 cents.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) is implementing a new technology standard called Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI) to modernize its mailing system.
IMI replaces the older technology and provides the USPS with more detailed and real-time data on your mailings. This translates to a smoother and more efficient mailing experience for everyone. Upgrading offers several benefits:
The good news is, you don’t need to take any action. Stamps is already working diligently behind the scenes to ensure our technology is fully compliant with IMI by December 2024. As an approved USPS partner, we’ll make sure your mailing operation continues to run smoothly without interruption.
Effective January 21st, the USPS is rolling out changes to its shipping rates, which will impact various services and package categories. Stamps remains committed to delivering top-notch service to its customers and is happy to announce that, through our partnership with USPS, customers can now enjoy enhanced discounts on Priority Mail® and Ground Advantage Rates™ compared to Commercial Plus rates.
Here’s an overview of the modifications and how they might impact your shipping and mailing strategies.
As a reminder, Ground Advantage™ was introduced in July of 2023. This service combines USPS Retail Ground, USPS Parcel Select Ground, and USPS First Class Package Services. The January 21st changes will apply to all weights, zones, and cubic dimensions over 12 ounces using Ground Advantage™.
So where will you see the biggest changes? The short answer: it depends. Exact rates will vary depending on the package details and how far it’s traveling. As always, we recommend comparing rates and services to find the best option for your business.
The cost of sending a 1 oz. First Class Mail letter will increase from 66 cents to 68 cents. However, if you use Stamps.com, the Metered Mail rate for the same letter will only go up from 63 cents to 64 cents, saving you $0.04 compared to the retail rate.
While the primary focus of this rate adjustment is on shipping rates, it’s crucial to be aware of unrelated changes to HAZMAT labels. Starting January 21st, USPS is enhancing safety measures for handling dangerous goods shipments. The HAZMAT labels will now feature an oversized letter “H” in the corner, the addition of 2D barcodes, and the inclusion of the word “HAZMAT” after “USPS TRACKING #.” Shippers need not take any specific action other than selecting hazardous goods under special services when printing a label when a shipment contains hazardous materials. For more information check out our HAZMAT updates blogs.
In addition to the rate adjustments, Stamps.com users should be aware of an increase in their insurance rates. However, depending on your service plan, you could enjoy discounts ranging from 10% to 40% compared to USPS insurance rates.
Despite these changes, Stamps.com continues to offer substantial savings on shipping costs, with discounts of up to 89%* through its partnership with USPS and other carriers. We aim to streamline your shipping and mailing operations, providing discounted rates for a smooth sending process.
As the shipping landscape evolves, staying informed about rate changes and adjusting your strategy accordingly can contribute to a more efficient and cost-effective shipping experience. Keep these insights in mind as you navigate the 2024 USPS shipping rate adjustments. For more information check out our help center article.
*Rates are limited to shipping from the continental U.S. only. These rates and discounts exclude shipment origins from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Alaska. Rates and any applicable discounts are subject to change at any time without notice.
Getting through all of your tasks can be hectic, but the Stamps.com Mobile app adds flexibility to your day by making it easy to ship packages or mail letters from anywhere at any time. Our mobile app now allows you to conveniently print discounted USPS® stamps and USPS® and UPS® labels, enabling you to send letters and packages of any weight and any size. Learn how to efficiently manage all your shipping and mailing needs directly from your phone with the new and existing features included with the Stamps.com Mobile app.
With the Stamps.com Mobile app, you can now print USPS postage on NetStamps®, print stamps directly onto any envelope, or effortlessly generate shipping labels straight from your phone. This way you don’t have to put off your mailing and shipping tasks until you’re at home or the Post Office™.
Stamps customers are always on the go. Over half of the traffic to Stamps comes from a mobile device, and now these visitors can mail and ship on their preferred device.
The Stamps.com Mobile app offers a wide range of advantages, making it an essential tool for all your mailing and shipping needs. Here’s why you’ll love using it:
Time-Saving Convenience: Say goodbye to the inconvenience of repeated trips to the Post Office™. With the Stamps.com Mobile app, you can handle all your mailing and shipping tasks from the comfort of your home, office, or on the go. No more wasted time or energy on unnecessary errands.
Significant Shipping Discounts: Take advantage of discounts on postage and savings up to 89% on labels. You’ll be able to compare carrier rates, ensuring you always get the best deal on your shipments.
Easy Printing: Printing stamps and labels for any type of mail or package has never been simpler. The app streamlines the process, eliminating the need for manual calculations and handwritten labels.
Flexible Account Management: Managing your account is a breeze. You can easily add funds, keeping your account topped off for uninterrupted service. This is especially useful for business owners and individuals who rely on consistent mailing and shipping.
Mobile Accessibility: The app’s mobile accessibility lets you track and manage your mail and shipments on the go, at any time. Whether you’re at home, in the office, or on the move, you’re always in control of your mailing and shipping activities.
Enhanced Multitasking: We understand that multitasking can be a challenge. You can now focus on your tasks without the constant back-and-forth between your computer and supply area.
In a nutshell, the Stamps.com Mobile app provides time-saving, cost-effective, and user-friendly solutions to streamline your mailing and shipping processes. Say hello to simple and wave goodbye to the hassles of traditional mailing methods.
With the latest enhancements to the Stamps.com Mobile app, the busiest mailers and shippers can take their first printing step while they’re on the move.
How does the Stamps.com Mobile app work?
Stamps.com is the simplest way to mail letters and ship packages from home, work, and now your phone. Download the app today and start sending.
USPS is upgrading all postage meters to use a new system called Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI). This will replace the older system, Information Based Indicia (IBI), after 20+ years of use. IMI has more updated technology and has been slowly rolled out over the past 10 years.
What does this mean, and how do these changes affect your business? Let’s start with the basics. Intelligent Mail Indicia (IMI) is the technology postage meters use to send information to USPS. Beginning June 30, 2024, any postage meters still using IBI will be decertified. However, USPS will accept postage from decertified meters until December 31, 2024. After this time, your postage meter will require IMI technology to remain in use.
The good news is, Stamps.com customers don’t need to worry about these changes. We’re dedicated to making this transition as smooth as possible, and there are no changes needed on your end. While no action is necessary, IMI and its benefits are worth understanding.
Indicia, or Permit Imprint Indicia, is a form of printed postage that takes the place of a traditional stamp or postage meter marking. IBI, like IMI, is a form of printed postage. It was created to provide USPS with more centralized data and heightened security.
After 20+ years of IBI, USPS has been rolling out IMI over the past decade. IMI is built off of IBI but has more up-to-date technology. To align with their ten-year initiative, USPS will now enforce adoption of IMI for all postage meters.
For Stamps.com customers, this change is automatic. Our team is already working to make these changes, and your workflow won’t be interrupted. Additionally, these changes will be implemented by December 30, 2024 to comply with the new regulations.
If you have any questions about these changes, please contact our Support team via email or phone at 855-608-2677, M-F from 8am-8pm CT.
IMI comes with a few advantages. Some of these include:
IMI provides even more data encryption and fraud protection. Encrypted data prevents your information from being accessed or stolen. Also, increased security checks are more likely to flag fraudulent activity sooner.
IMI lays the groundwork for automating tasks that could otherwise cause delays. Avoiding these delays can lead to faster delivery times and shortened wait times. This new technology also decreases the likelihood of adjustments given to incorrect measurements.
IMI allows for more detailed tracking, so you can track refunds with ease. IMI barcodes also include information like insurance, keeping everything in one place.
If you use a postage meter, these changes can be unexpected, expensive, time-consuming, and complicated. You’ll also need to contact your provider about their IMI adoption plan. If you’re a Stamps.com customer, these changes will be made for you. Our NetStamps® postage is up to date and won’t require any updates. We eliminate the need for special equipment, so you can buy and print postage online from anywhere at any time.
Learn more about Stamps.com’s Multi-Location plan.
Regardless of the products you sell, returns will always be part of your business. Sometimes, clothing doesn’t fit correctly, a customer accidentally bought the same gift as someone else, or the recipient would prefer a different product. While the reasons may vary, your return policy should be consistent because customers are taking note.
Our recent study with Retail Economics found that 24% of customers stated inconvenient returns were their biggest concern during the holiday season globally. With almost 1 in 4 customers letting your return policy influence their purchasing decisions, your business can’t afford to ignore customer expectations. We’ve created 5 tips to help businesses of all sizes craft a successful return policy to boost holiday sales and customer satisfaction.
Read through your return policy from a customer’s perspective. Are any steps unclear? Would you be able to successfully return a product to your business? If any part of your return policy needs a couple of rereads to understand, rewrite it. Customers should be able to follow your return policy without hesitation; if you can’t follow your return policy, it’s likely your customers can’t either. It also may be worth adding an FAQ section and/or bullet points within your text, so it’s easier for customers to scan.
On the other hand, too much text can prove to be confusing or difficult to read. Consider using graphics or illustrations to accompany your directions. For example, if you’re going to send customers a return label with their initial purchase, include a picture of a label so they know what to look for. You can even include illustrations or stock images of “customers” completing the return process to make your policy stand out from the competition.
Customer feedback is crucial for a business, especially during the holiday season. Asking customers the reason for their return can provide valuable insight for your business. For example, if customers are responding that a shirt doesn’t fit correctly, it may be time to adjust the sizing, description, and photo on your website.
Additionally, if you begin to see feedback around late delivery, you may need to offer different carrier services to better suit your customers’ needs. Our study found that 40% of customers are most concerned about late delivery or packages arriving when no one is home globally, so it’s worth keeping in mind.
Say a customer loves the skirt they purchased from your store, but they need a different size or would like a different style. Instead of only offering returns, why not offer exchanges? Not only do exchanges help your business recoup some of the marketing and fulfillment costs spent on promoting and packaging products, but it shows your customers you’re willing to go the extra mile. This leads to increased customer satisfaction, which leads to the increased possibility of repeat business.
Between holiday travel and inclement weather, circumstances outside of your customers’ control can lead to late returns. We recommend extending your return window during the holidays for this very reason. However, you can still reward customers who return products within a shorter timeframe. The longer a customer waits to return their product, the higher the chance a product will have to be discounted and/or can’t be resold. Rewarding customers who can return orders faster will encourage them to do so in the future.
Life is full of errands, and the holiday season only adds more. Customers may also be visiting friends and family, so they aren’t sure where the closest carrier drop-off locations are. Providing your customers with resources to find carrier drop-off locations helps them to drop off returns more efficiently. This means orders can be returned faster, as customers aren’t having to search for drop-off locations themselves. Most carriers include locator links on their websites that are easy to include on your website as well.
Ship and mail from anywhere this holiday season with the Stamps.com Mobile App.
Say you need to ship gifts, like a stuffed animal, a new action figure, or a battery-operated toy car. Easy enough, right? Now, picture this. Your customers go to open their gifts, but the stuffed animal has a cracked eye, the action figure is broken, and the car arrived late because the batteries weren’t properly documented.
While these are worst-case scenarios, shipping faux pas are possible. Shipping toys may seem straightforward, but there are several packaging requirements and recommendations to be aware of. That’s why we’re giving you the gift of the best practices for shipping holiday toys. Who knows? Santa might even learn a thing or two.
Ship toys from anywhere at any time with the Stamps.com Mobile app.
Stuffed animals are made to be hugged and squeezed. The downside is, that makes them more vulnerable to being squashed in transit. We recommend shipping stuffed animals in boxes as opposed to envelopes to avoid any tearing or other forms of destruction. This box should be big enough for the toy but shouldn’t be oversized. Any extra space should be filled with environmentally friendly cushioning materials.
We also recommend wrapping your plush in bubble wrap. Some have glass or plastic eyes that could be cracked or scratched throughout their journey. The risk for damage doesn’t stop in transit though. When your package arrives, it may be opened with a box cutter or scissors. Including extra padding will prevent your stuffed animal from suffering any damage at the hands of sharp objects. Lastly, if you plan to use a sealed bag or shrink wrap, clearly mark it with a suffocation warning label for safety purposes.
Action figures, Vinyls, and other collectibles come pre-packaged. However, we still recommend shipping them in boxes. Like with stuffed animals, the box should only be slightly larger than the item itself, and any spaces should be filled with cushioning material.
If the products are breakable or have fragile parts, mark the shipment accordingly. Use orientation arrows to show carriers how the package should be handled, and label the shipment as fragile on the outer packaging. Some of these items only have a limited release or aren’t readily available, so it’s crucial to keep them in the best possible condition.
Stock up on shipping supplies in the Stamps.com Store.
Some of the most important gifts you can give this holiday season are batteries. They keep remote-control cars racing, robots walking, and dolls talking. However, there are some carrier requirements for shipping batteries to keep in mind. These guidelines and restrictions will vary by carrier, and there are different criteria between domestic and international shipping. We recommend reaching out to your carrier of choice directly with any questions you may have.
International shipping restrictions and guidelines may differ from domestic shipping restrictions. For example, NERF blasters can’t be shipped to the UK, and non-wooden toys can’t be shipped to Italy. Understanding these restrictions before shipping your package prevents lengthy delays, returned shipments, and potential fees. International shipping restrictions may differ from carrier to carrier, so contact your carrier before shipping any products.
Shipping deadlines are getting closer by the day, meaning there’s less time to guarantee packages will arrive for the holidays. Without the option to send a replacement gift, how can you ensure packages arrive safe and sound? Stamps.com customers can enable Ship Notification Emails, so recipients know when shipments are arriving. You can even customize Branded Ship Notification Emails to showcase your logo and highlight any holiday deals. Stamps.com shippers can also resend tracking information via email whenever needed/available. These emails help customers make arrangements if they’ll be away when packages arrive or can’t bring them inside upon delivery.
While the holiday season does bring cheer and goodwill, it unfortunately also brings an increase in package theft. Tracking may help customers plan for delivery, but sometimes, there are circumstances outside of everyone’s control. That’s why it’s always better to plan ahead with shipping insurance. Some carrier services include coverage, but shipping through Stamps.com gives you the option to add more insurance with our partner, ParcelGuard™. ParcelGuard™ works with all of our offered carriers, and they’ll handle any claims, regardless of the carrier you used.
It may be the season of giving, but that doesn’t mean you should give yourself unnecessary shipping stressors. Action figures and stuffed animals may come with fragile or breakable parts. But, as long as you package them with additional cushioning and wrapping, they’re more likely to make it through transit unscathed. Batteries may require documentation, but carriers provide online resources and can answer any questions you may have. The same goes for international shipping. When it comes to shipping toys, action figures, and accessories like batteries, it may require a little extra effort. However, the joy these items bring is worth it, and your customers will appreciate the thoughtfulness.
Give yourself the gift of a risk-free trial to Stamps.com.
Everyone at Stamps.com wishes you a happy holiday season! As you’re preparing for the holiday shipping season, we want to share our holiday support hours as well as information about USPS and UPS holiday closures and changes in services.
Stamps.com Support: Open for normal business hours (6 AM – 6 PM PST) with limited support for basic troubleshooting and support needs.
USPS: Regular hours and operations
UPS: UPS Express Critical® is available.
Stamps.com Support: Normal business hours (6 AM – 6 PM PST)
USPS: Regular hours and operations
UPS: Regular hours and operations
Stamps.com Support: Closed
USPS:
UPS:
Stamps.com Support: Open for normal business hours (6 AM – 6 PM PST) with limited support for basic troubleshooting and support needs
USPS:
*Note: This applies to limited locations. For more information, visit USPS’s website.
UPS:
Stamps.com Support: Closed
USPS:
UPS:
Stamps.com Support: Open for normal business hours (6 AM – 6 PM PST) with limited support for basic troubleshooting and support needs
USPS:
UPS:
Ship and mail from anywhere at any time with the help of the Stamps.com mobile app.
Call us toll-free at 1-888-434-0055
Monday–Friday, 6am–6pm Pacific Time