Postage Options For Marketing, Correspondence, and Business Mailings

Posted on February 23rd, 2009, by Meggin McIntosh, Ph.D.

When you are getting started in business – and as you continue to build your business, you’ll be using plenty of postage. You’ll send direct mail pieces, marketing pieces, correspondence, and the like. You may wonder what your options are for postage (and note, these options apply for those mailing from the U.S., although I’m sure they apply in many other countries, as well).

Option 1: First class postage (using real stamps).

There are many who believe that stamps make a difference in the “open” rate. And, it is true for me; when I see a regular (not even a bulk rate) stamp, it gets my attention a bit more than machine-run postage, although it doesn’t guarantee that I will open the envelope. In the US, because postage seems to go up often, rather than being stuck with too many stamps that you’ll have to use up by adding an additional stamp, consider buying the ‘Forever’ stamps. I intend to use the ‘Forever’ stamps after US postage has gone to about $1. HA! If you are buying stamps to use for a particular mailing or for the short term, then you can buy the ones that are interesting and/or “pretty.” Otherwise, invest in the ‘forever’ ones.

Option 2: Pitney Bowes machine.

This is not the cheapest option, but it sure is convenient because you can put the machine right in your office (that’s where mine is). I lease the machine and then add postage using the phone line (immediately charged to the company credit card). It’s pretty nifty and it’s especially nice when I need to weigh various packages (whether first class, flat rate, or media mail) and also when I have a huge mailing to do. I can pay my assistant’s daughters to run the envelopes through the machine (or I can stand there listening to a teleseminar and do the same–and have MANY times).

With Pitney Bowes equipment, the postage costs the same, but the expense (which is all deductible, of course) comes from the machine leasing and the ink. The company usually has a special going on and you can get 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days of free machine…to test it out. I’ve had one for YEARS and the cost effectiveness comes in when I don’t have to stand in line (or pay someone to stand in line) at the post office. That’s why it’s worth it.

Option 3: Stamps.com (or other similar programs).

I have strongly considered doing this so I could get rid of my Pitney Bowes machine, but just haven’t ever made the change (yet). This option allows you to just print the postage from your computer and right onto labels that you affix to your letters. Sounds good, but hasn’t been worth it to me, so far.

One option that I have tried from stamps.com was to order stamps with my picture on them. They cost more (of course!) but for special mailings, it sure makes an impression. You can also have your logo or some other representation of your business turned into a stamp through one of these companies.

Option 4: For large mailings, go through a bulk mailing house.

I just did recently for the first (and maybe last) time. I was mailing about 7500 postcards for a specific workshop. The printer just printed the bulk mailing permit on the postcard and the “house” did the printing of addresses, etc. right on the card. It was less expensive but I wasn’t thrilled with the look of the address printing. So, that’s just me since obviously jillions of people go this route and it works.

These are just four options that you have. It’s worth considering these and asking other small business owners what works for them. Do your research.

And, to make sure you are productive in your personal and professional life, you’ll want to access the resources at

**http://www.TopTenProductivityTips.com

Through her company, Emphasis on Excellence, Inc., Meggin McIntosh changes what people know, feel, dream, and do via seminars, workshops, writing, coaching, & consulting.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Meggin_McIntosh